Florence Lake Boating in a Nutshell
Florence Lake draws mostly anglers with small fishing boats they have towed over the winding Kaiser Pass Road. Once in a while a few adventurers set out in canoes and kayaks, wary of the wind that can come up suddenly. Sailors tend to avoid the lake because of the unreliable winds. There is a 15 MPH speed limit on the lake.
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The steep, narrow road leading to Lake Edison over Kaiser Pass is not advisable for large trailers, but small boats in tow can be brought over the road. For an overview of the area, see Map of the Lake Edison and Florence Lakes Area.
Florence Lake Store and Ferry Service
Florence Lake Store and Ferry Service, also known as Florence Lake Resort, is located at the northern tip of the lake at road's end.
(559) 433-7300
Website: Florence Lake Resort
Services: Store, Ferry Service, Fishing Boat Rentals
The Store and Ferry are operated by the same friendly people who own the nearby Muir Trail Ranch.
Boat Rentals:
15' Gregor Aluminum Fishing Boats with Outboard Motors. Seats 6. Rental price includes gas, life jackets, etc.
Summer Half Day (8 am to 1 pm or 1 pm to 5:30 pm)
Full Day
Additional Days in succession after the 3rd day are at lower rates.
Ferry Service
Boats: The Sierra Queen, operating since 1969, and a newer, smaller boat
Rates: Adults One Way $20, Round Trip $38; Children 12 and under - One way $10, Round Trip $18
Dogs $2 each way
Rates include your backpack; additional gear such as boxes of food, stoves or tents - 25 cents per pound each way
Schedule: 7 Days a Week, Usually from late May to late September
Before July 1 and After September 4
- Departs from Store end of lake: 9:30 am, 12:30 am, 3:30 pm
- Departs from Trail end of lake: 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm
July 1 Through September 4
- Departs from Store end of lake: 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 am, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm
- Departs from Trail end of lake: 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm
Schedules may vary due to weather conditions or heavy traffic. Saturdays usually have additional runs. Reservations are not required unless you have a large group.
A radiophone at the trail end of the lake can be used to call the store. They will then send a ferry for you at the next regularly scheduled time.
A 4-mile trail leads along the western shore of the lake and may be used in place of the ferry.
Nearby Lakes and Facilities
Portal Forebay
Portal Forebay is a small 20-acre lake built in 1956. It serves as a holding forebay for the Portal Power House which is located at Huntington Lake.
Portal Forebay is along the Kaiser Pass Road, midway between Florence and Huntington Lakes at an elevation of 7,180 feet. Kayaks, canoes, and float tubes are the recommended watercraft for this small fishing lake. There is no fee to use the lake.
Fishing is good for brook and rainbow trout, which are regularly stocked in the lake. A trail leading around the lakes makes for easy access. This is a good fishing destination for children with open, gently sloping banks. There is a campground adjacent to the lake and another nearby.
Ward Lake
Ward Lake is a beautiful little mountain lake along the road leading in to Florence Lake. Ward Lake is only 3 acres, but it offers a wonderful place to camp, hike, and fish. There is a campground next to the lake with 17 campsites.
This small lake is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing from float tubes. Rainbow and brook trout are regularly stocked in the lake.
