FOOD AND RESTAURANTS
The closest restaurant to the resort is the historic 1865 Kirkwood Inn, one mile west on Highway 88. For other area restaurants see our “dining” link. If you’re staying in one of our housekeeping cabins and plan to eat in, the store in the marina has a limited number of snacks, drinks, and basics. The small General Store at Kirkwood (2 miles west) has a wider selection. The nearest market place is 25 miles away in Meyers, CA off Hwy 50.

STORE AND MARINA
In addition to our cabins and lodge rooms, CLR has a Store and Marina. Fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent. There are also docks and buoys for mooring guests’ boats. The store carries bait and tackle and an assortment of sundries and snacks. In addition to fishing areas there is a designated swimming no fishing—area. A deep water launch will be constructed and commissioned in 2009 by the El Dorado Irrigation District and the U. S. Forest Service on the north east side of Caples Lake.

WE’VE GONE GREEN!
CLR is off the grid with its own power, water, propane, and sewer systems. In 2006 we installed the first phase of an Alternate Energy System (AES) with solar modules, inverter/chargers, and a large battery bank. We were able to limit our diesel generator operation to 8 hours per day in summer 2007 and will further minimize generator operation with the addition of more solar modules, other alternating energy sources, and continued energy conservation.

THE THREE SEASONS OF CAPLES LAKE RESORT
CLR is open from Memorial Day through the end of October and from Christmas time until early April. The fall shutdown (November to Christmas) and spring shutdown (early April through Memorial Day) are used to maintain and upgrade resort facilities—and waiting for the lake to freeze or thaw.

CLR is a low-keyed, family oriented facility with plenty to do for everyone.

SUMMER: A time for fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking, photographing—and just kicking back while enjoying the mountains that rise to 10,400 feet in the Mokelumne Wilderness which bounds the lake on its south and east sides.

If that weren’t enough, there are the spectacular wild flowers! The gravely ridges left behind as the glaciers receded from the Carson Pass area form a perfect habitat for wild flowers. In addition, because plant environments range from scree to open pasture and from seep to bog, a variety of species flourish. Peak bloom here is usually in mid-July, with flowers so dense and so various that a walk, even a short, easy one, can take the better part of a day. Bring your camera! For more hiking information and trail pictures, check the “activities” link.

Days are warm but in the high altitudes even summer evenings can get cool. Bring layers—from shorts and t-shirts to sweaters, long pants, and a light weight jacket. Summer can also be a time of afternoon thunder storms so a rain proof jacket/windbreaker also comes in handy.

FALL: The fishing picks up in September/October and the aspens turn vibrant colors. From the last week in September to mid-October the trees from Caples lake, over Carson Pass, and down into Hope Valley (10 miles away) provide a kaleidoscope of color. Hiking is still good, especially on the trails where the aspens and other foliage wear their fall colors. A wonderful time for photographers—bring your camera! See the "Fall Colors" link under "Some Things To Do" for pictures of fall color.

Fall weather is unpredictable. It can be shorts and t-shirt weather—or fleece! Short periods of snow are not uncommon. Bring some boots, warm socks, and gloves or mittens just in case. Layers are good!

WINTER: The resort is open Christmas through early April. The lake usually freezes over by early December and becomes a play ground for ice fishermen, cross-country skiers, and snow shoe trekkers. The lifts at Kirkwood Ski Resort, with a base elevation of 8200 feet and the best now in the Sierras, are only two miles away and Kirkwood’s cross-country and snow shoe trails are only one mile away. For cross-country skiers and snow shoe enthusiasts, in addition to Caples Lake and the groomed trails at Kirkwood, there are many forest service roads, summer hiking trails, and open pastures just waiting to be explored. Check the link under "Some Things To Do" for more information.

Bring your woolies! Warm boots and gloves or mittens are essential. Even in the winter the sunshine can be warm however so layers are good, especially for cross-country skiers.

We hope you’ve decided to join us at Caples Lake. The Caples Lake Resort staff looks forward to welcoming you to our little piece of paradise!