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White Chief Lake

Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#mineral-king#alpine-lakes#off-trail#mining-history
Distance
8.2 mi
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

White Chief is Mineral King's mining-country overnight: a 4.1-mile trail through old claim workings to a lake beneath White Chief Peak, with the park's highest meadows spilling around it. Quieter than Eagle Lake, with more room to roam.

Highlights

  • Historic mining remnants along the lower trail
  • White Chief Lake in an open basin below the 10,200-ft peak
  • Broad meadows with cross-country options beyond the trail's end
  • A quieter alternative to Mineral King's marquee lakes

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Mineral King Trailhead (road's end) · parking: Mineral King valley road end parking
  • Water: White Chief Creek and the lake; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Mineral King has a small store in season.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Mineral King entries applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: Advance reservations via recreation.gov; walk-ups when quota remains.

Campfires & stove regulations

Stoves only. The White Chief basin sits near or above the Kaweah drainage's 9,000-ft fire line — plan on a stove. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Usually clear by early July.

Heat: Warm on the lower slopes.

Bugs: Moderate at the lake basin through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The basin sits high — the Kaweah drainage fire line applies above 9,000 ft
  • Route-finding beyond the lake is cross-country; carry a map
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Wilderness Trail Descriptions — Mineral King Valley. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/traildesc.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). White Chief Trail description and first allowed campsite at White Chief Lake/Trails End (4.1 miles).
  2. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445857. Accessed 2026-09-07. Quota season, fees, food-storage requirements, and fire prohibitions above 9,000 ft in the Kaweah drainage.
  3. Wilderness Regulations and Minimum Impact Restrictions. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/minimum-impact-restrictions.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Camping and campfire restrictions across the parks.