Lukens Lake Photos – A Grassy Pool in the Forest


Not too many visitors know about this small forest lake on the way up Tioga Road. To be fair, the trailhead is easy to miss. Here are some Lukens Lake photos I took in summertime.

Grassy blue sky Lukens lake photos
Grassy Lukens lake scenery

As you can see, this lake features wooded grasslands instead of the granite landscapes that characterize other Tioga Road lakes. I’m actually a bit confused about this area, because due to the surroundings, I assumed it must be located at a lower elevation. Turns out it’s actually over 8,000ft! I never would have thought.

It really is a short jaunt from the road, so it’s worth a quick trip to check it out.

Forest lake in July
Trees at the shoreline

The day that I arrived here, I saw a large buck drinking in this very spot. Too bad I didn’t have my zoom lens with me, though. I could have snapped a quick photo.

Apparently people do fish here…though I’m not sure how successful you might be with that. I know there are a few species of trout. Anyhow, it’s surprising to me that people are allowed to fish in National Parks. I guess they allow it because they keep the lakes well stocked?

Dry grass at lakeside, with evergreen trees

I did see one other person heading up here as I made my way back to the car. In general, I think you won’t run into too many people. I do wonder how many other lakes in Yosemite feature this kind of green, grassy scenery.

Be sure to check out my Lukens Lake hike album for more pictures of the trail – the journey to get to this lake.

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About My Photos

The images on this website are available for licensing and/or sale as framed prints. If you’d like to purchase them for a blog, news article, or gift, feel free to contact me with the specifics. This way you’re supporting photographers such as me directly (as opposed to buying from a faceless stock photo corporation).

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– Nathan Allen

About Me

Photographer Nathan Allen

I’m Nathan Allen, photographer / creator of YosemiteParkPhotos.com (Yosemite Photos) and international travel site I Dreamed Of This. In truth, I lived in San Francisco, New York, & Singapore…but nothing compares to life in the mountains. I share my experiences HERE.