Placer Lake Trail (Princeton)

Site Description:This 2.3 km hiking trail starts at the northeast corner of Placer Lake and parallels the lake on the east side and is a relatively easy walk at 8% grade for the first 200 metres. It then climbs abruptly to a 25%-35% grade for the next 1800m. Trail passes thru a Spruce/Balsam forest reaching alpine meadows at its end where it connects to the Border Lake Trail. Beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains can be seen at this point. 22% average grade with a 390 m elevation gain/loss. A hard walk.

Driving Directions:Follow Hwy 5 south from Princeton for 39km where you will turn left onto the Placer Mtn Road. Go over the bridge and stay right at 1.5km and 9.5km. Do not go onto the Upper Placer Road. Turn right onto the Calcite Road at 12 km, turn left at 14km onto the Placer Bobcat Road and follow to the 19km marker. Turn left, use 4 wheel drive, go to the 20.5 km mark where there is a Placer Lake parking lot sign. Park here and walk up the 600 metre rough road to get to the campsite to the left where the trail starts by the lake.