Lake McDermand
Lake · Kings Canyon & Sequoia corridor
Lake McDermand sits at 11,526 feet in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. This high-elevation alpine lake experiences strong afternoon wind and sparse crowds year-round.
Wind accelerates across the open water by mid-afternoon, often reaching the 30-day average of 11 mph by 2 PM. Morning flat-water windows close quickly; aim for the lake before 11 AM. Cold temperatures and exposure make this a place where timing matters more than luck.
Over the last 30 days, Lake McDermand averaged a NoGo Score of 16.0 with wind averaging 11 mph and temperatures around 19 degrees Fahrenheit. The 7-day forecast ahead shows what conditions the next week holds. Watch for the afternoon wind ramp and plan arrival time around exposed water crossings if you're paddling or fishing.
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About Lake McDermand
Lake McDermand lies in the high Sierra backcountry near the crest of the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor, accessed primarily from the west side of the range. The lake sits in granite-bounded terrain at 11,526 feet elevation, making it a destination for backpackers and horse packers rather than day-hikers. Primary approach routes funnel through the Inyo National Forest trailheads west of Highway 395. The nearest gateway is Independence, California, roughly 45 miles south. Snow and stream crossing difficulty persist into late spring, and the lake typically remains frozen into June depending on winter snowpack.
Conditions at Lake McDermand are governed by high-elevation exposure and the Sierra's rapid afternoon wind cycle. The 30-day average wind of 11 mph masks the daily pattern: calm mornings give way to sustained gusts by early afternoon, with maximum gusts reaching 38 mph in recent months. Temperatures average 19 degrees Fahrenheit across the rolling month and dip to 8 degrees on winter nights; summer highs reach only 33 degrees. Crowding remains very light at a rolling 30-day average of 5.0, reflecting the lake's remoteness and difficulty of access. Afternoon wind is the dominant weather driver; snow persists in shadowed coves into July in normal years.
Lake McDermand appeals to experienced backcountry travelers comfortable with multi-day packstock or hiking trips and extreme weather self-sufficiency. The sparse crowds and pristine alpine setting attract those escaping popular lower-Sierra lakes but expecting higher commitment. Expect no camping infrastructure, no resupply, and no bailout mid-trip. Wind and cold mean fishing and paddling are most productive in early morning hours; plan camp location to avoid wind-funnel exposure. Late spring trips encounter snow crossings and swollen streams; early fall visits offer more stable water and longer stable-weather windows but shorter daylight.
Nearby destinations in the Kings Canyon and Sequoia corridor include Treasure Lake and Arrow Lakes to the north, accessible via overlapping wilderness networks. Rae Lakes lies southwest and receives moderate foot traffic. Lake McDermand's remoteness and high elevation place it in a different accessibility tier than Highway 395 roadside destinations like Sabrina or South Lake. The competing weather challenge here is afternoon wind, not afternoon crowds.