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The journey to Letts Lake
We discovered Letts Lake with friends back in 2001 when Braden had acquired a handbook with the best Northern California campgrounds. He went to Yahoo maps, printing directions from Ukiah to Letts Lake. We loaded up his Mecury Mystique, a Ford Taurus and Bob's Ford Ranger (the only 4x4 in the group) and headed out. Only later did we discover that there is a much easier entry from the east (mostly paved)! Let me tell you, it was pretty hairy at times that first trip in two passenger cars!
The Mendocino National Forest is an easy hour's drive from Ukiah - east on Hwy 20, then north at Upper Lake along Forest Road M1. Getting to Letts Lake from the west isn't quite as easy as entering from the east. Once you leave M1 and head east onto M10, you're on dirt road for 2-3 hours (depending on how many rest stops you make), crossing streams and 4-wheeling through some pretty deep runoff ruts in the road. The map at left gives a general overview of the route we take. For a more detailed view, click on the map image.
The dirt roads in July make for a dusty vehicle and even crossing the first stream along Forest Road M10 doesn't help much. With the heavy rainy season we had this winter and spring, this creek had re-carved its way through the valley and we had two points to cross instead of the one we've experienced in the past. Bob and I always take both my Jeep and his Ford Ranger. We've learned its better to have options being this remote!
We took the detour that had been in place the last time we were up (October, 2004), leaving M10 for the trip up (we stayed on M10 on the way back). I've looked at the detailed map and honestly couldn't tell you what road we were on! It isn't maintained as well as M10 and we encountered some pretty deep runoff ruts - ones in which the tires only formed bridges across instead of dropping to the bottom. These areas required us to put the trucks 4-wheel high...no passenger car would have made it through!
We created a panaramic view of one of our rest stops along this road. As you can see, we're miles from nowhere, deep in the Mendocino National Forest...and we're not even half way there along the dirt roads! If you're familiar with the area, Lake Pillsbury would be in the direction of the top photo toward the upper left. At the upper right of the same photo, you'll see where the deeply-rutted area really began.
The beauty of Letts Lake
On that first outing, we fell in love once we reached the campground (and not because we'd actually made it!). What was the most appealing was its remoteness. There is no electricity for miles and you have to hike 1/2 mile up the road to even attempt to get cell phone service. Because it is so remote, we have yet to encounter a time when the entire campground was full (there are only 40 campsites). For me, this is my favorite vacation - I get to 'unplug' - no computers, no phones; just peace and quiet.
Letts Lake is only 35 surface acres, averaging 6 feet deep with a maximum depth of 18 feet and is created by use of a low dam. It's only water source is rain and runoff. The lake is stocked with bass, trout and an occasional catfish. Motor-powered boats of any kind are prohibited, adding to the peaceful nature. Many anglers fish from the shore or the small pier, while Bob and Ted sometimes fish from our inflatible kayaks.
Along the shoreline is a 1-1/4 mile trail with ample access for fishing, swimming and boating.
Surrounded by nature
The trip always allows for taking in nature's wonders - flora and fauna, and wildlife. This year, we encountered some cows on our drive up (now that wasn't expected!). We saw does with their fawns, an amazing amount of dragonflies, gaggles of ducks (some even hung out at our campsite!), skinks, fast-as-lightening lizards, palm-sized chipmunks and Bob observed an otter who was eyeing his fishing bait. On a previous October visit, I was walking along the trail and came face-to-face with a red fox. Of course, Murphy's Law kicked in because I didn't have the camera with me at the time.
Things to do
Letts Lake does not leave you with nothing to do. The mountain roads are popular with OHV riders, serious mountain bikers and hikers. The lake invites swimming (summer-yes, October-not so much), including a couple of rope swings left by Boy Scout troops; paddle boating by kayak (wave 'Hi' Ted!) or canoe and of course, fishing. This year, we noticed a small runoff creek feeding the lake and at its lake entry, hundreds of trout not 2 feet from the shoreline. Some of the less-sporting anglers simply stood on shore and dropped in lines. It didn't take much effort to land one.
My usual activities include a couple of laps a day along the lake trail, relaxing in my kayak on the lake with a good book and when it gets too warm for that, diving into the water for a refreshing swim. We eat when we're hungry, we nap when we're tired and we go to bed when to coals start to die out. Ah, the simple life...ain't it grand?
