Close to Loon Lake at 6,500 feet, the Chalet is a spacious modern facility. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District built the Chalet in 1989 for the U.S. Forest Service. It was originally intended to be a winter facility open only for day use. Due to public demand, the second floor Warming Room has been made available for overnight rental. The facility is open for day-use on winter weekends. In the mid 1990’s a third floor loft was added for overnight rental. The Chalet is available year round. In the winter the Chalet is the focal point of the Loon Lake Winter Recreation Area, offering many miles of non-groomed backcountry skiing trails.
The chalet accommodates up to 20 people and offers electric heat, lights, cook top, microwave, small refrigerator, hot and cold water, gas fireplace, exterior vault toilets, and a large deck. There is no shower. The U.S. Forest Service has a brochure with more details about the Chalet.
Robb’s Hut is the first facility that the Forest Service made available to the public back in the 1980’s. The Hut sits next to an inactive lookout on top of Robb’s Peak. It has a wonderful 360 degree view from the lookout and offers a spectacular view of the Crystal Range of the Sierras. Robbs is available year round, but the last three miles must be accessed by ski or snowshoe in the winter.
The Hut accommodates up to 6 people and features propane lights, cook top, heater, three double bunks, and an exterior toilet. There is no running water or garbage service. The U.S. Forest Service has a brochure with additional information about the hut: Robb’s Hut Information and has a trail map: Robb’s Hut trail.
CURRENTLY NON-OPERATIONAL
Built in 1957, the Vleck Bunkhouse offers a view of the Tell’s Peak portion of the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Sitting on the edge of a 40-acre meadow, the Bunkhouse is the last remnant of the Van Vleck Ranch site, which was operated as a cattle ranch for one hundred years, starting in the 1860’s.
The house accommodates up to 6 people and features propane lights, stove and oven, water heater, wood heat, running water, flush toilet, shower, queen size bed, two bunks, futon couch, and a deck. The U.S. Forest Service has a brochure with additional information and maps with the trail to the bunkhouse.
