June Lake Loop, California

History of June Lake Loop

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:09:30 -0800

Information sought on history of area
I am researching the June Lake Loop area. I have been a frequent visitor and love the area. I am seeking historical information as well as data on how tourism developed. What impact has increasing tourism had in recent years (as I know it is a double-edged sword)?
I would love to communicate with a longtime resident.
Thanks for any help.

Stephanie Tyo

P.S. I have been a frequent visitor to the area for many years, enjoying fishing and hiking. I have not been to June Lake in almost 2 years, as my husband passed away. I have been reluctant to come alone, but I hope to return this spring.

Winter Storms Begin for 2009-10

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:12:56 -0800

With the harbinger storm that arrived in mid-October, the highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada have had several inches of early snowpack throughout the fall., although temperatures remained above normal, melting away the early snows at inhabited levels. The Thanksgiving weekend storm was kind to the June Lake/Lee Vining areas, favoring us with a lake effect from the Mono Basin and dropping a welcome white blanket (about eight inches in town at June Lake). As of this Monday morning in early December we are again receiving more snow, and the NWS forecasters expect storms to continue arriving throughout the week. It's looking good for the opening of June Mountain on Saturday December 19!

happy thanksgiving

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:37:14 -0800

Just wanted to say happy turkey day to all in the loop from us Mono County oldtimers now up here in central Montana. Great site Dan, watching the cams brings up many great times with you all, sure miss turkey bingo.
steve
Say hello to everyone and let them know that i can be contacted through you.

Ron Black Passes

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:27:30 -0700

The community was saddened by the news of the death of Ron Black, a prominent citizen of the June Lake Loop for a dozen or more years, since retiring from nearly a half-century long career in military and civilian law enforcement to move here with his wife of then five years. Ron and Connie built the Double Eagle Ranch, Double Eagle Resort, Eagle's Landing Restaurant, and Creekside Spa. These properties have been regarded as a considerable contribution to our community as a full-featured resort.

Ron's community contribution did not stop there. Ron is very well remembered, and took a hand in community affairs for our betterment. He was involved in and achieved positive action in many boards and committees, including the Citizen's Advisory Commitee, june Lake Loop Chamber of Commerce, June Lake Fire Protection District, Mono County Planning Commission, and Mono County Grand Jury. He could also be known as an avid sportsman, here in an environment where fishing and hunting opportunities abound nearby.

His death comes after a long battle with serious illnesses which seemed to accelerate after his heart attack and subsequent transplant a few years ago. Services and Burial for Ron Black will be held in Southern California on October 19. Connie survives Ron along with his children Bettina, Ronda, Ralph, Kathy, and Kelli; son and daughters-in-law Art, John Allen, Kris and Karen; along with 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many. You can read the Mammoth Times obituary here. Ron Black was 71.

Fierce Storm Hits the West - Mammoth Mountain Opens Early

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:04:46 -0700

A vigorous Fall storm brushed the western United States on Tuesday. The remnant of a super typhoon from the Pacific, the storm brought heavy rains and winds gusting to about 100 miles per hour. Snow levels in the Mono County area were around 8300 feet. Several inches of rain fell, and, in the highest elevations of the mountains that equates to a few feet of snow. It was one of the earliest seasonal snow storms in many years, occurring while the aspen groves were still near peak fall color in many areas. Mammoth Mountain was able to open for skiing and snowboarding on October 16, while areas below 8500 feet in elevation are still free of snow and the weather returned to above average temperatures, giving a rare opportunity to see fall colors in the mountains and also enjoy winter conditions on the ski area at the same time.

Throngs of winter sports enthusiasts celebrated the early opening of the ski lifts, as the Ski Area offered lift tickets free of charge on Friday's special season opener. Conditions were very good all the way to the top of the mountain on Chair 23, and a festive time was had by all

June Mountain also received a blanketing of snow, but will not be opening until its scheduled date of December 19. Season Passes for June Mountain are available at half-price until that date.

Fishing season is also still open until November 15.

In Memory of Jeanne Petrie

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:02:29 -0700

On September 4, 2009, Jeanne Petrie, former June Lake resident of many years, and beloved by many local residents, passed away. There will be a celebration of her life at the June Lake Community Center at 1:00pm on Saturday October 10.

Jeanne was born in St. Cloud, Minn. on October 7, 1931, and moved with her family to the Los Angeles area as a young teenager. While attending Pasadena City College she met and married Russell Petrie. After retiring they moved to June Lake. and lived here many happy years before relocating to Bishop 11 years ago.

She is survived by her loving family: husband of almost 59 years Russ; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and Craig Meinhard, Carol and Kris Leonard, Lisa and Gary Hellwig, Julie and Matt Monroe and Sandra and Jeff Smith; and grandchildren Jason, Reed, Audrey, Nathan, Russell, Ed, and Mollie. Jeanne also leaves many dear friends in Bishop, June Lake and Los Angeles.

She will be in our hearts and forever missed.

On October 10 at the June Lake Community Center, Family and friends can share their memories of this incredible woman of a loving heart. Remains will be scattered by family at a later date.

Woman Spends Night Lost in Rush Creek Backcountry

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:00:31 -0700

On Friday afternoon September 25, a woman described as of Asian descent and slight build, was hiking up the Rush Creek Trail near Agnew Lake with her husband. According to reports, the man decided he had gone as far as he wanted to go, and turned back. His wife, however, wanted to continue,and proceeded up the trail alone. When she did not return overnight, the Mono County Search and Rescue team was called. Fortunately, nighttime temperatures were quite warm for late September, as she lacked the proper gear for an overnight stay at high elevation.

A dozen or more rescuers, aided by a helicopter, searched the area throughout the morning on Saturday to no avail. Then, during mid-afternoon the woman found her way back, emerging from the woods along Highway 158 near Fire Station #2. She had scrapes on her body, likely from sliding down over rocks during her descent from the high country, and she was showing signs of dehydration. It was guessed that she must have gone up to the Carson Peak area and circled around, descending via Fern Creek or Yost Creek canyon.

Mono County Paramedics gave her a ride to Northern Inyo Hospital for evaluation.

Big Meadows Fire

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:10:29 -0700

On August 26 firemen were conducting a prescribed fire near El Portal, under what were supposed to be tightly controlled conditions. At about noon the fire jumped out of its intended boundary and quickly became a large wildfire, sweeping through the Foresta and Big Meadow area toward Crane Flat in Yosemite National Park. Locally here in June Lake, we experienced some light to moderate smoke from this fire as well.

As the firefighting effort encroached State Route 120 through the Park, a section of that highway was closed from White Wolf to Crane Flat along with the Big Oak Flat Road and other area roads. Access between Yosemite Valley and many locations was hampered by the closure, although it was still possible to visit Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake and Olmstead Point from the Eastern side via Tioga Pass. Gateway communities such as Lee Vining and Groveland experienced a very noticeable reduction in tourism due to the road closures, which continued through the Labor Day weekend. The roads were reopened on the morning of Tuesday September 8, with clean-up operations and hazard tree removal continuing. The 171 firefighters had the 7,425 acre blaze contained before September 10.

You can go to the official Incident Report Page for more details.

Our Future Culture

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:15:22 -0700

Recent discussions in June Lake area has led a certain amount of the population believing that an alien race has taken over the postal system of the United States. I am not going to say who. Please purchase your infrared goggles at the Tiger Bar by saying the secret phrase "I would like to buy Bearman a beer". Thank you.
Please note that while this offers only temporary protection, Repeating the phrase will have a more lasting effect.
I will see you all in a week have a great time, you know I will.

Cycling the Loop on YouTube

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:25:57 -0700

June Lake Cycling into the Village YouTube video
June Lake Loop Road Past the Ski Area and Down Canyon,
Silver Lake Down to the Pack Station...

...from the Eastern Sierra Double Century pages of Trimble Outdoors.
(after viewing, you'll have to use your browser's back button to return or leave a comment here.)