Overview
The Kaiser Wilderness in Sierra National Forest covers 22,700 acres of central Sierra granite, and the route to Doris Lake threads through a section that is among the most lake-rich in the wilderness. The 9-mile round trip passes Sample Meadow at the trailhead, climbs to Nellie Lake and Lower Twin Lake, and finishes at Doris Lake in an open granite basin at 9,400 feet. Four lakes in a single out-and-back on a day permit is a practical value that the Sierra Nevada does not always offer.
The terrain throughout is the high-country granite that typifies the central Sierra: polished slabs, scattered lodgepole pine and mountain hemlock, open views of surrounding ridges, and the clear cold water of the lakes themselves. The elevation range (roughly 8,000 to 9,400 feet) keeps temperatures cooler than valley hikes even at the height of summer, and the afternoon thunderstorm risk is real but manageable with an early start.
No permit is required for day hiking in the Kaiser Wilderness, which makes this route accessible for spontaneous trips without advance planning. The free wilderness permit for overnight camping is self-issued at the trailhead. Before any Kaiser Wilderness trip, check current conditions for Kaiser Pass Road status and snow on the upper trail. Leave No Trace principles apply throughout; the granite terrain is durable but lake margins and meadows are sensitive to concentrated foot traffic.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1: Sample Meadow Area
The trail begins at the Sample Meadow Trailhead and immediately passes through the meadow with its seasonal water features. The meadow is pleasant in early summer with wildflowers and good bird habitat. The trail begins climbing into the Kaiser Wilderness proper shortly beyond the meadow.
Miles 1 to 3: Nellie Lake and Lower Twin Lake
Nellie Lake appears at roughly mile 2.5, a modest lake in a lodgepole pine setting with clear water and granite shores. Lower Twin Lake is approximately 0.5 miles further on, larger and more open. Both are worth brief stops. The trail between them crosses open granite terrain with expanding views of the wilderness interior.
Miles 3 to 4.5: Upper Trail and Doris Lake
The trail climbs more directly in the final 1.5 miles to Doris Lake, gaining the last 600 feet on rocky trail through sparser vegetation. Doris Lake appears in an open granite cirque at 9,400 feet. The views from the lake's south shore include the upper Kaiser Wilderness peaks and ridgelines. This is the turnaround. Return the same route.
When to Visit
July through October. The Kaiser Pass Road opens in late May or June; the trail typically clears of snow by mid-July. Late July through September is the most reliable period. October can bring early snow to the Doris Lake basin; check conditions before late-season visits.
Start early to be off the exposed upper trail before afternoon thunderstorm risk increases.
What to Bring
- Many hikers carry 2 liters of water; water available at lakes on route but requires treatment. Individual needs vary.
- Layers and wind protection for the exposed upper basin.
- Sunscreen.
- Trekking poles for the rocky upper section.
- Camera: the lake sequence rewards photography.
Practical Details
No permit or fee for day hiking as of 2026. No restrooms at the trailhead. No overnight camping without a wilderness permit. Dogs allowed. Free campfire permit required for any fire in the national forest outside of developed campgrounds.
See veteran benefits on national forests for information on the America the Beautiful Pass.
Getting There
From Huntington Lake, take Kaiser Pass Road (Forest Road 80) east toward Kaiser Pass. The Sample Meadow Trailhead is approximately 10 miles from Huntington Lake on the Kaiser Pass Road, before the pass summit. The road is steep and narrow with one-lane sections. Vehicles over 22 feet are not recommended. From Fresno, drive northeast on Highway 168 approximately 65 miles to Huntington Lake, then east on Kaiser Pass Road.