Just in case you’ve been living off the grid this year, Mammoth Lakes had its snowiest winter on record with almost 900 inches of snow falling on Mammoth Mountain’s Summit.
Of course, if you’ve been living off the grid then that probably means you didn’t get to ski or snowboard any of the powdery goodness that fell on the slopes here. That doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the historic snowfall since people are paddle boarding through the forest thanks to the snowmelt.
We’ve written everything you need to know about the most unique summer activity in Mammoth Lakes below. Check it out, then visit ASO Mammoth for the best outdoor gear and rentals in Mammoth Lakes!
Paddle boarding Through the Forests
Summer skiing and snowboarding is still happening at Mammoth Mountain. In fact, there was so much snow this winter that Tioga Pass only opened on July 22nd. However, enough snow has melted that the streams and lakes in the Eastern Sierras have flooded to historic highs.
As a result, some areas of the forest have flooded enough that you can paddle through them on a paddle board.
Paddle boarding near Mammoth Lakes is always beautiful, but right now the high-water levels are a one in a lifetime experience that everyone should see before the seasons change.
On top of that, you may never see a stronger flow for waterfalls in your lifetime, so check out our favorite waterfalls in the area now or face severe FOMO.
What to Know About Paddle Boarding in Mammoth Lakes
With the high-water levels, many people are hitting the water for the first time or paddling in new areas they’re unfamiliar with. To help everyone stay safe, we’ve put together a quick list of tips below.
- Paddle with caution in flooded areas in case there are submerged obstacles in the water. You should always paddle with caution, but rocks, roots, and other submerged obstacles can throw you off balance and injure you if you fall on them. These will be especially common in flooded areas where the water is high enough to paddle but not low enough to completely float through.
- Be careful when getting into the water. The actual water temperature will vary based on the weather and time of the season, but with this much snowmelt you can be sure that it will be dangerously cold, especially if you fall in and struggle to get out.
- Do not try to cross flowing water. Many creeks and lakes have flooded, causing trails to be covered by moving water that can easily sweep you off your feet. If you must cross moving water while hiking or walking, do so with extreme caution. Even when the water appears shallow it is still dangerous so only do so when absolutely necessary.
If you have any more questions about paddle boarding in Mammoth, visit the ASO Mammoth shop during your visit!