ideas for parks and sights in eastern CA. highway 395

Mid April will be cold/snowyh in the higher areas, such as Tioga Pass, Mammoth Lakes/Devils Post Pile, etc. , but a great time to explore the lower parts of the Owens Valley. This is about 5 miles above Bishop, last March (wild trout section of the Owens River):

Have you ever been to Death Valley? I don't know how far out of the way it would be for you, but it's pretty awesome. If you like to hike around it's even better.

Along that route through Eastern Sierra, I would strongly consider a visit to both Devils Postpile National Monument and Manazanar Interment Camp National Park. I personally think both places are amazing visits.

If you are into trout fishing the June Lake Loop, previously mentioned, has great fishing. But more importantly in Devils Postpile is the San Joaquin River, which is still designated as a "natural wild river" with native trout.

I certainly wish I could spend several weeks exploring that area, we are still exploring a week or two at a time due to work and kids schedules.

Schatt's Bakery in Bishop makes some great sweet rolls. Mahogany Meats, also in Bishop, sells outstanding beef jerky. If the road is open and you like Alpine Lakes Virginia Lake is worth seeing.

In Bridgeport we always eat breakfast at the Hayes St. Café. It's on the south end of town.

J Herb is right -- Lee Vining, not Lone Pine. Sorry for the error.

profdant139 wrote:
You mentioned that you like to eat -- the Whoa Nellie Deli in Lone Pine is really excellent -- fine dining in a gas station -- no kidding!

j herb wrote:
Dan! didn't you mean Lee Vining for Nellie Deli ?

J herb is correct. The whoa nellie deli is, well, not really in Lee Vining but close. As your going north on 395 and you come to the Hwy 120 turn off about a mile before Lee Vining, take the 120 and go about 1/4 mile to the gas station on your left. The Whoa Nellie Deli is inside. Fish tacos to die for and one of the best burgers you can find along 395. Another good burger place is at the Walker Burger in Colevile a few miles before you get to Topaz Lake.

Have a great trip

Ron

If it is open, another great place to eat along 395 is the Virginia Creek Settlement in Bridgeport. I don't know how they survive out in the middle of nowhere, but the food was excellent. They are a couple of miles north of the Bodie Ghost Town.

The June Lake loop road is paved, RV-friendly and worth a stop. Some nice hiking there.

profdant139 wrote:
You mentioned that you like to eat -- the Whoa Nellie Deli in Lone Pine is really excellent -- fine dining in a gas station -- no kidding!

At that time of year, the high country hiking might be hard to reach, depending on whether we ever get any snow. But if you can hike in the snow or you have snowshoes, the Bishop Creek area is excellent, as is the Mammoth Lakes area.

Take your time, if you can -- the Eastern Sierra with snow is just great. A day in Lone Pine, a couple of days in Bishop, a couple of days in Mammoth, a couple of days in Lee Vining -- that would be a decent sampler. To whet your appetite, this is what it looks like:

Dan! didn't you mean Lee Vining for Nellie Deli ?

You mentioned that you like to eat -- the Whoa Nellie Deli in Lone Pine is really excellent -- fine dining in a gas station -- no kidding!

At that time of year, the high country hiking might be hard to reach, depending on whether we ever get any snow. But if you can hike in the snow or you have snowshoes, the Bishop Creek area is excellent, as is the Mammoth Lakes area.

Take your time, if you can -- the Eastern Sierra with snow is just great. A day in Lone Pine, a couple of days in Bishop, a couple of days in Mammoth, a couple of days in Lee Vining -- that would be a decent sampler. To whet your appetite, this is what it looks like: