Lake Margery
Lake · Lake Tahoe corridor
Lake Margery sits at 8251 feet in the high Sierra corridor east of Highway 89. A small alpine lake with typically low crowds and moderate wind exposure, it offers quiet access to the Lake Tahoe basin's quieter water.
Wind averages 11 mph but funnels across open water in afternoon hours, peaking in exposed sections. Morning flat spells give way to sustained afternoon chop. Cold alpine temperatures and brief seasonal windows drive visitor timing more than any other factor.
Over the past 30 days, Lake Margery has averaged a NoGo Score of 14.0 with winds around 11 mph and temperatures near 29 degrees Fahrenheit. Conditions have ranged from excellent (score 5.0) to marginal (score 30.0). The week ahead will follow the same broad pattern: light mornings, afternoon wind, and sparse crowds compared to lower-elevation Tahoe sites.
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About Lake Margery
Lake Margery lies in the high Sierra east of Highway 89, roughly 50 miles south of Truckee via Highway 395 and Forest Service roads. The lake sits at 8251 feet elevation on the eastern flank of the Tahoe basin, making it more accessible from Mono County than from the Tahoe rim itself. Access requires high-clearance or four-wheel drive in winter and early spring; summer and fall routes are passable by standard vehicle but rough. No boat launch or developed parking exists; this is a backcountry water body with minimal infrastructure, drawing hikers, scrambler climbers, and occasional anglers willing to navigate the approach.
Lake Margery's climate reflects high-Sierra exposure. The rolling 30-day average temperature sits at 29 degrees Fahrenheit with average wind of 11 mph; maximum wind gusts have reached 35 mph. Crowding averages 3.0 on the NoGo scale, meaning days here are rarely crowded. Winter snow closes access for months; summer conditions open July through September. Spring and early autumn are marginal, with patchy snow, variable weather, and flooding creeks in melt season. September brings the most stable window: warmer days, lower precipitation, and wind patterns settled by late month.
Lake Margery suits experienced backcountry recreationists and climbers scouting high-Sierra scrambles. Hikers use it as a camp base or day-trip destination; the lack of crowds makes it attractive for solitude seekers willing to accept rough roads and thin water amenities. Afternoon wind is the dominant planning factor; paddlers and fishing plans must start before mid-day. Parking near the trailhead is informal and limited. The elevation and exposure mean snow and ice linger well into summer; check Forest Service conditions before committing. Cell coverage is unreliable.
Lake Margery's isolation contrasts sharply with the high-profile eastern Sierra lakes like Mono or Crater. It receives a fraction of their traffic, making it a choice for visitors fleeing peak-season crowds in the Tahoe corridor. The high elevation and exposed setting also mean fewer mild-weather windows than lower Tahoe sites; plan for colder mornings and shorter seasons. Nearby Tioga Road (Highway 120) gates often control access from the west; confirm road status before planning a Tahoe-side approach.