Jack London State Historic Park
Extended Hike to Jack London's Lake
The "Extended Farmer" includes all of the features of the Beauty Ranch Hike, and continues to Jack London's lake. The estimated time for the combined hike should be approximately 2 1/2 hours.
The trail through the Beauty Ranch is mostly exposed to the sun. Once the trail heads uphill towards the lake, it is mostly in the shade of a mixed forest of Coastal Redwoods, Douglas Fir, Tanbark Oak and other smaller shrubs. The trail is somewhat steep in places and continues uphill for approximately 3/4 mile.
The hike to the lake can be most pleasant if it is timed so that lunch is enjoyed at the lake. There is one picnic table at the lake; many people prefer to sit on the dam while enjoying their lunch. There is a pit toilet at the site.
The lake was formed by the building of a stone dam in the hills above the ranch fields. It was kept full by a pipe line bringing water from Graham Creek. Over time, much of the lake has become silted and overgrown with plants. It is approximately one-half the size of the original lake. In order to protect the dam, the water level is kept low. A major fund raising effort will hopefully produce the necessary funds to dredge the lake and repair the dam. For more information, go to www.jacklondonlake.org.
Jack's workmen built a redwood-log bathhouse next to the lake with a lean-to on each side to house the boats used on the lake. This became a favorite spot to entertain guests, especially in the summer. The boathouse was completely restored several years ago. Jack built a dock which led from the boathouse to the lake; the dock no longer exists but long-range restoration plans call for reconstruction of the dock.
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