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Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern

The Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern, which is located near the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and Kings Canyon National Park, is unique and rare thanks to its isolated location, climate, hydrology, and geology. The ecosystem found within the area is unlike anywhere else, and many plants, including the alkali Mariposa lily and the Fish Slough milk-vetch, grow in few other places. The landscape reflects the area’s location at the transitional point between the Great Basin and Mojave Desert biomes, and visitors can view wetlands, meadows, and beautiful valleys.

BLM sites like the Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern were created to help visitors connect to and explore natural areas. To find BLM sites and see what camping options they offer, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Rock Creek to Long Lake Trail

Located in the nearby John Muir Wilderness, this trail offers spectacular views and is a good choice for the entire family.

Length: 4.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Methuselah Trail

This trail in the Inyo National Forest offers some uphill areas, and the higher points provide beautiful panoramic views.

Length: 4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Druid Stones Trail

The steep climbs along this trail offer a good amount of exercise, and hikers can enjoy beautiful views of the nearby mountains.

Length: 5.1 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Tyee Lakes Trail

This pet-friendly trail meanders past two lakes and a gorgeous waterfall.

Length: 7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Bishop Pass Trail

This challenging trail is excellent for hiking, but it also leads to several other local trails and can be used for camping and fishing.

Length: 10 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and Boating

The four large lakes in Bishop Creek Canyon offer many fishing opportunities. Weir Pond, also located in the canyon, is a popular location for fly fishers. Anglers can also head to Lake Sabrina to catch rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout.

Climbing

The area around the Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern offers some of the best climbing locations in California. The Owens River Gorge, for example, provides nearly 1,000 routes. Most of these routes are sport, but there are also some traditional and top-rope route options. Sabrina Basin offers excellent bouldering, and the Druid Stones offer more than 150 bouldering options.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors can spot native species, which include mule deer, porcupines, black bears, marmots, squirrels, bats, pika, and beavers in the Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern area itself. The nearby national forests and Kings Canyon National Park also offer fantastic wildlife viewing and photography locations.

Picnicking

For a scenic picnic, visitors can head to the La Hupp Picnic Ground. The picnic area is located in the Inyo National Forest, and it provides easy access to the Brown and Green Lakes area.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping and standard RV camping are both available throughout the area around the Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Highlands RV Park offers 103 sites with hookups. There is a dump station on-site, and pets are welcome. The Tri-County Fairgrounds RV Park offers 42 spaces, all with full hookups, and 135 sites with partial hookups. Restrooms and showers are available, and the park is pet-friendly. For a more rugged camping option, Bitterbrush Campground in the Inyo National Forest offers beautiful scenery, and restrooms and drinking water are available.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available throughout the Sierra and Inyo National Forests. Visitors can set up a dispersed site in several locations. Remember there are few if, any, amenities, so bring everything you need with you.

RV Rentals Near Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern BLM trip

Temperatures in the area around the Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern are warm but mild throughout most of the year. The weather can be cold during the winter, with daytime temperatures in the 40s and 50s, and there is some snowfall in the higher elevations. Summer temperatures hover in the 70s and 80s. The summer is mostly dry and sees little rainfall, but rain is moderate during the spring and winter months. Nighttime temperatures can be chilly throughout the year, so pack warmly if you plan to stay in the area overnight.

The area around the Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern can be very damp, so wear appropriate footwear, which might include waterproof boots. You may also want to pack extra clothing or rain gear.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and natural areas, especially those that are of environmental critical concern, should always be respected, and visitors can do this by following Leave No Trace practices. Look up the rules and regulations for the area and plan your trip accordingly. If there are no trash cans, take your trash with you, and if you see litter, pick it up. Always be respectful of the local plants and animals. Observe animals from a safe distance, and never take any plants home with you. Stay on the trails and camp in designated areas, minimizing your impact on the landscape.

Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern Location

From Bishop, head north on Highway 395 until the junction with Highway 6. Take Highway 6 north for 1.5 miles. Turn west on Five Bridges Road and continue for 2.5 miles. Turn right at the information kiosk, just after the sand and gravel plant, onto Fish Slough Road. Continue for one mile before crossing a cattle guard, and then continue for 5.5 miles. You’ll see several fenced ponds, letting you know you’ve arrived at the area. The marshlands are on the east side of the road.

Ready to visit Fish Slough Area of Critical Environmental Concern? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.