2015 Map of Independence Lake

About this map

Independence Lake serves as the centerpiece of this high-elevation landscape within the Tahoe National Forest, straddling the border of Sierra and Nevada counties. The terrain is defined by significant peaks such as Mt Lola and Basin Peak, connected by the high-altitude route of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The map documents a complex network of alpine meadows and canyons, including Perazzo Meadows and Crabtree Canyon, which feed numerous water systems like the Little Truckee River and Sagehen Creek. Historically significant transportation routes traverse the area, most notably the Henness Pass Rd, a vital mid-19th-century immigrant and freighting road. To the south, the headwaters of the N Fork Prosser Cr and S Fork Prosser Cr emerge from the slopes of Carpenter Ridge and Red Mtn, illustrating the critical role this watershed plays in the regional hydrography.