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VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE (CA), CA

Description

Built in 1957, Van Vleck Bunkhouse is the last remaining building at the Van Vleck Ranch site. The area was operated as a cattle ranch from the 1860's to the 1960's. The ten foot by ten foot front deck overlooks the 40 acre meadow and the Tells Peak portion of the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada. Since acquiring the facility in 1997, the Forest Service has renovated the Bunkhouse to make it available to the public. Sleeping accommodations include one queen size bed, two bunk beds, and a futon couch. A campfire area is available near the bunkhouse. For local information call Eldorado National Forest Visitor Information at 530-644-6048. During the winter, access is by ski or snowshoe only. The marked access route from Loon Lake Campground parking area is an intermediate to advanced, 5 and a half mile backcountry ski. Each member of the party needs to be equipped for an emergency overnight stay should they be unable to make it to the Bunkhouse. The route is marked with blue, reflective diamonds. Renters are encouraged to go to the following website for more details on the facility: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/publications/rog/

Services & Amenities:

Within Facility
  • Bird Watching
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Fishing
  • Flush Toilet
  • Hiking Trail
  • Horseback Riding
  • Mountain Biking
  • Propane
  • Propane & Cooking Stove
  • Propane Lights
  • Shower
  • Skiing
  • Snow Shoe Rental
  • Snowshoeing
  • Water Drinking

Alerts and Important Information

VAN VLECK BUNKHOUSE will be closed from September 29, 2009 through October 12, 2009.

Effective 2008, the Recreation Enhancement Act fees have increased.

Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance.
Renters MUST contact the Pacific Ranger Station at least 7 days in advance of arrival date at 530-647-5415, to arrange access, check-in and for current conditions. for access, check-in, and to find out current conditions.
Vehicles are not allowed beyond the Bunkhouse parking area.
No refunds for bad weather.
During the winter, climbing skins are required for each skiing member of the party. The ski trail is not groomed. One emergency shelter is available along the trail, approximately two miles from the trailhead, if needed, to take refuge from bad weather or as a rest stop.

Read detailed information on this facility under 'campground details' on this site or visit
http: //www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/recreation/cabins/

Renters MUST contact Pacific Ranger District at to arrange for permit, access, check-in, and find out current conditions. You will be given the combination to the facility at that time.
You must be at least 18 years old to reserve this site.

Getting There:

Van Vleck Bunkhouse (CA)
7887 HIGHWAY 50
Pollock Pines CA 95726

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
38.92917, -120.325

Highway 50, go 21 miles east of Placerville and turn left on the Ice House Riverton road. Go 23 miles north and turn right on the Tells Creek Road. Go 5 miles east and turn left on the gated dirt/gravel road to the Bunkhouse which is 0.5 mile on the left side. Winter access is from the Loon Lake parking area. From Highway 50, go 28 miles north on Icehouse road and take the right fork to Loon Lake. Go 5 miles to the plowed parking area at the entrance to the campground road. Pick up permit and gate combination from the Pacific Ranger Station. 530-647-5415.
View Regional MapMap Driving Route

Phone Park for More Information:

Information: (530)647-5415