The water at Island Lake feels right, and the namesake islands sit just close enough to the shore for swimmers to reach. The shore itself offers plenty of granite perches, camping spots and photo opportunities.

Thanks to those qualities, and the lake’s accessibility, one can count dozens of hikers and backpackers there on a hot summer weekend. The clear mountain lake may not always offer solitude, but its proximity to the Reno-Tahoe area and the short distance from the trailhead should be enough to justify a visit anyway.

Visitors can reach Island Lake by the Round Lake Trail, a path that visits several lakes. The Round Lake Trail passes through white fir forests that open up to give way to wildflower meadows. The meadows feature groundsel, paintbrush, corn lilies and wandering daisies. Yellow blossoms of stonecrop paint the rocky knolls while columbine dot the streams.

Openings in the forest allow easterly views of the Black Buttes, the ash-colored mountain and Old Man Mountain, the dome-shaped peak. Take extended trips by connecting to the Crooked Lakes, Grouse Ridge and Glacier Lake trails. The trails sit in the Grouse Lakes Vehicle Control Area, where motorized travel is restricted.

On the Trail

The Round Lake Trail can be accessed from two sides, by the Carr and Feeley lakes or Grouse Ridge trailheads.

The trail from Carr and Feeley starts from the west and travels by Feeley Lake, a large swimming and fishing destination with walk-in camping. The trail begins here on the south side of Feeley and travels east to Island Lake over the course of about two miles from parking lot to lake.

The trail from Grouse Ridge begins with the Grouse Ridge Trail. Head north on the Grouse Ridge Trail for 0.5 miles. Turn left at the wooden sign for the Round Lake Trail. From there, it is 0.5 miles to Round Lake, one mile to Island Lake and two miles to Feeley Lake. Social trails, or trails that weren’t officially developed by the U.S. Forest Service, surround most lakes in the area.

While you’re there: Stop at the Grouse Ridge fire lookout. From the Grouse Ridge trailhead parking lot, head in the opposite direction of the Round Lake Trail up a fire road. There are two fire roads; one dissipates into a trail that leads to the fire lookout and the other remains a road until it reaches the lookout.

The views encompass the Coastal Range to the west, the peaks surrounding Lake Tahoe to the southeast, Castle Peak to the east, and the Sierra Buttes and Mount Lassen to the north.

Essential gear: Swimming apparel.

Recommended if you like: Loch Leven, Eagle Lake, other lakes-based trails.

Know before you go:

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 2.5 miles.

Views: HHHH out of HHHHH

Users: Hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians.

Directions: From Reno, head west on Interstate 80. Exit at California 20 for Nevada City and Grass Valley. At four miles, turn right on Bowman Lake Road. To reach the Grouse Ridge trailhead, turn right on Grouse Ridge Road six miles up Bowman Lake Road. The trailhead is located just past the Grouse Ridge campground. To reach the Carr/Feeley lakes trailhead, turn right off of Bowman Lake Road after 8.4 miles and follow the signs for Carr Lake.

Facilities: Restrooms, fire rings and picnic tables at Grouse Ridge Campground.

Details: Call the U.S. Forest Service Tahoe National Forest Nevada City ranger district at (916) 288-3231.

Maps: Tahoe National Forest recreation map; USGS 7.5-minute series topo map, Graniteville and English Mountain quads. Also available: Trails-Nevada City Ranger District, from the Big Bend Visitor Center, 49685 Hampshire Rocks Road (Old U.S. 40), Soda Springs exit. (530) 426-3609.