Welcome to one of the least visited Jewels in the Sierra. Matthes lake is one of the scenic icons in Yosemite National Park and yet getting to Matthes lake prohibits crowds from gathering at it shores through out the summer.
- Matthes Lake: Elevation 9619 ft.
- Surface Area: 11.02 Acres
- Fishing – Trout
- Nearest Trail – Elizabeth Lake Trail Tuolumne meadows
- Easiest access – Elizabeth Lake to Cockscrumb Peak and down backside or Cathedral lake to Echo Lake and then over Saddle of Matthes Crest down to lake.
- Alterative Route – Travel Elizabeth Lake to Nelson Lake off Trail then Climb over ridge to Matthes crest from Echo Creek Valley
The Matthes Crest is a popular rock climbing destination in Yosemite as the Peaks seem to have exploded out of the earth in a slim straight up fashion. Honestly it reminds me of a Lords of the Rings Movie scene. From the first peek of the lake to the first dip in its cool waters, Matthes Lake will make your feel like you are on another planet.
Routes to Matthes Lake include Off Trail routes from Elizabeth Lake over Cockscrum Peak, Through Budd Lake in the Cathedral Range, Taking the JMT up above Cathedral Lake before exiting the trail and following meadow to Echo Lake and then over the Crest saddle to the East of the lake over to Matthes, or as we did Hike in from Nelson Lake and Echo Creek Canyon over a ridge line into the Matthes Lake Basin.
The Peaks on the Eastside of the Lake lead to Nelson Lake and the Vogelsang region. From the Southern edge of this ridge an easy climb leads to plateau with 360 panoramic that includes, Vogelsang, Clarks Range, Half Dome and Matthes crest and the Cathedral range.
Wilderness Permits are required, and fires are not permitted at Matthes lake.
Matthes Lake is almost totally meadow lined on its shores, but the Tree line surrounds the meadow fairly close and there are plenty of camping locations around the basin.