If California's biggest alpine lake names get all the bookings, here's the case for the underdog. Rock Creek Lake sits at roughly 9,600 feet in Inyo National Forest, about 180 miles northeast of Fresno, making it one of the highest lakes in the Eastern Sierra Nevada — and it draws only a fraction of the crowds that pack Lake Tahoe or Big Bear (which, technically, is a manmade reservoir rather than a true alpine lake anyway).

Part of the appeal is simply the drive in. Access runs along the highest paved road in California, with sweeping views over the surrounding peaks and the John Muir Wilderness. Despite the remote feel, you're not fully roughing it: Rock Creek Lakes Resort near the shore runs a general store and small café, so a hot meal or forgotten supplies are never far away.

Fishing is the headline activity. The lake covers just 55 surface acres, but between it and Rock Creek above and below, anglers can target brook, brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout — plus California's state fish, the golden trout, in the creek upstream. A concrete boat ramp handles trailered or car-topped small boats, typically open from late April until snow closes it, with a 5 mph speed limit on the water. Shore access circles the whole lake. The season runs from the last Saturday in April to November 15, and fishing stays solid right up to closing day. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid California fishing licence.

Hikers get plenty too. Trails out of the lake lead into the John Muir Wilderness, including routes to Ruby Lake, known for clear blue water, and the Little Lakes Valley Trail, which strings together eight alpine lakes — many of them fishable along the way.

Getting there takes commitment: turn off US-395 at Tom's Place (south from Mammoth Lakes or north from Bishop) and follow Rock Creek Road for about 10 miles. Both Mammoth and Bishop have small commercial airports — Mammoth-Yosemite (MMH) and Eastern Sierra Regional (BIH) — for fly-in travellers. Given the effort, an overnight makes sense. Rock Creek Lake Campground on the northwest shore has 28 primitive, walk-in tent sites with strong lake views, plus bear lockers (bears are active here, so use them). Sites should be reserved online. Downstream, Upper and Lower Pine Grove campgrounds offer nine and ten first-come, first-served sites for tents and small RVs under 15 feet, with water on site and no hookups; they run from mid-May to early October.

For travellers who love high-country fishing and hiking but dread Tahoe traffic, this is a genuinely quieter alternative that still keeps a café within reach.