My wife and I literally stumbled on this Jewel. Is it pretentious.... nope Is it fancy.... nope Is it pretentious.... absolutely NOT. Packer lake lodge dinner: Make reservations Start salad was a danish blue cheese vinaigrette Staff is welcoming, approachable, menu is prefix Atmosphere is rustic, while being friendly and forward. Scenery is almost the most breathtaking in the lakes basin area. The chef (Krista) is engaging and knowledgeable as a result of coming from French culinary background. Next time we are up here, hopefully soon again, this will be one of our first stops!! Done and well done!! read more

A little slice of heaven for chilling out. Excellent for fishing or just reading in the sunshine. The lakes basin area is simply gorgeous. We took our two dogs and they were in heaven too watching the chipmunks frolic out of reach of the deck. Our cabin had a kitchen which was good as the dining room was closed indefinitely. Cabin was comfortable and well equipped. A row boat was available for our use and we had a great time. read more

See all

I didn't really want to post this review because once Packer Lake Lodge gets discovered, it'll be impossible for us 'old timers' to get reservations. But I'm a 'giver,' so here goes. ; ) Packer Lake Lodge is one of those places that brings me closer to God. It is an old-school mountain lodge at the foot of the Sierra Buttes with about a dozen cabins scattered around the shore of a beautiful out-of-the-way 6-acre lake. Some guests have been coming for generations; other 'newbies' like me have been regulars for just a decade. Fathers teach sons to fish (the lake is stocked regularly), families hike and BBQ together, plenty of people snooze on the lakeshore in a chaise, or read a good book. Bill MacQuattie does yeoman's work running the place. Me? I like to row out on the lake (each cabin comes with it's own row boat) for lunch and to read, then dine at the Lodge. Of course, hiking the Pacific Crest Trail affords spectacular views and is just a few miles away. I pack-in my own breakfasts and snacks - each cabin comes with a refrigerator; the larger cabins come with kitchens. I do swim in the lake, but it's cold. The dining at the Lodge is really good - salmon, ribs, steak, chicken, homemade apple pie, etc. Wagon-wheel chandeliers overhead and oil lamps at every table provide woodsy, welcoming atmosphere. Sylvia makes excellent margaritas. Wednesday nights are bingo and buffet night; the 'Sardinians' come over from Sardine Lake Lodge to challenge us 'Packers' for bingo bragging rights. This year I won $11.60 cash money; that paid for both my margaritas. Go Packers! ; ) But to ease the reservations demand at Packer Lake, please also consider staying at one of the other High Sierra undiscovered gems - Sardine Lake Lodge, Gold Lake Lodge, Gray Eagle Lodge, Salmon Lake Lodge, Elwell Lodge, and a few others. Come on up! read more

See all

The Packer Lake Lodge is a well known "mainstay" location within the Lakes Basin Area. Not sure exactly how long the Lodge has been here . . . but it's certainly been many many MANY years. I suspect this place has been here for 50+ years, and there is at least one Yelper's review which mentions that her grandparents have been coming for 45 years, so I can't be far off. This is just one of those destinations that is a "throwback" to everything you would be looking for in a remote mountain resort. The cabins and accomodations are noticeably rustic, but then if that's not what you were expecting (or specifically looking for) then you're off track here. While I have not actually stayed at Packer Lake Lodge, I have visited the grounds of the Lodge and cabins, have walked along the waterfront of Packer Lake, and have started hikes up into the Sierra from the parking lot. Nonetheless, I urge you to check out the photos from my visit . . . the log cabins, . . . the crystal clear lake water, . . . the bluest of skies, . . . the puffy clouds, . . . the greenest of greenery, . . . the pine trees, . . . and the local wildlife. If that isn't enough to make the point, then I don't know what will. Check out my photos for a sense of this wonderful mountain destination. The pictures tell the story better than my words can. + Footnote to Hikers: The Deer Lake Trail can be accessed from the rear of the Packer Lake Lodge grounds -- just be prepared for a fairly significant elevation gain to reach Deer Lake -- much of this hike is moderate, but it is strenuous in parts. read more

See all

Three generations of my family have enjoyed staying and Packer Lake, primarily in the Maple Syrup Lodge, where you will find my initials carved into one of the beams over the loft. This summer I will introduce a fourth generation, my daughter, and my wife to the beautiful Packer Lake Lodge, their wonderful staff, and to the Sierra Butte that overlooks Packer Lake like the eye of Sauron. Not enough can be said about how equally peaceful and exciting this slice of paradise can be. Hiking, fishing, relaxing with family while enjoying the outdoors, there is no place. read more

My wife & I stayed here in the 80s, and I worked at PLL when the Winther's owned it in the '50s - took guests on horse day trips in the unspoiled forest environment, was the dishwasher and handyman. Packer Lake is at the end of the road so if you want to 'get away' from the crowds and the rat race, THIS is the place. Plus there's trout fishing in Packer and surrounding lakes and streams. Or if quiet relaxation is your goal, just take a rowboat out on the lake, or a leisurely walk in the woods. Want some spectacular scenery, take a day hike to Young America Lake or to the top of the Sierra Buttes (8614 +/-). read more

As other people have stated, I hate to write a review on this place because I don't want it to become too popular, but I feel as if I owe it to the owner and staff!! If you are a true outdoors enthusiast, who likes a little taste of comfort this is the place to go!!! Packer Lake Lodge is like stepping back in time 75 years. The cabins are rustic, but still include heat, and many have restrooms and kitchens as well. However, there is no televisions, cell service, or wifi. You are disconnected. It forces you to spend time outside with your friends, parents, children, etc instead of staring at electronics! The views of the Sierra buttes, and the lake, are truly exquisite! There are hundreds of small lakes and trails in the area to explore, or just sit on the deck of your cabin, read a book , and enjoy! .Remember don't expect it to be a stay at a Hilton! It is rustic, and beautiful! There is a restaurant on the premises, that is good and affordable, and they will cook your fresh caught trout if you request. The staff could not be friendlier!! We left knowing all their names, and they all knew ours!! We are counting the days until our next stay!!! Thanks for the hospitality to Jeff, Jordan, Gary, Steve, and Evan. The Taylor family!! read more

See all

This is the best lodge anyone could ever ask for!! I actually stumbled across it cause I got blisters and got off the PCT and found this legendary place. The cook (Krista) makes extraordinary food (even vegan) and has the best attitude of all time! In addition, the cabins are incredible with so much style! The lake is awesome and the area is top notch. Wish I lived there, highly recommend :) read more

I love this Lodge. I stay at Gray Eagle Lodge and come up to Packer for lunch--the food is absolutely out of this world. There is a serenity and silence that infuses this place that just lifts all the worldly worries and cares right off your back. I hope whoever buys this place doesn't make any changes! read more

One word: Phenomenal. Packer Lake Lodge is my favorite place on earth...well that and Disneyland. ;) The cabins are wonderful. we have stayed in the Cedar, the Golden, the Duck Inn and the Woodchuck. Each cabin has its own charm and character. We will continue to come back every summer. The staff is so accommodating, and treat you like family. My husband surprised me with a special Anniversary dinner there during our stay. He collaborated with Gary the chef, and Gary made my husbands special requests a reality. we have eaten at many high end restaurants, cruises etc. and the dinner Gary made us was the best we've ever had. What a special, amazing memory. Thank you to everyone up there. You all make difference. read more

2013 marks my family's 21st year of heading to Packer Lake and staying in what we consider the best 3 room cabin (Cedar). This is the first year under the new owners, so it's a bit early to tell just what impact that will have. However, I have heard that they are eager to make some changes. The accommodations are pretty basic, but that's part of it's charm. No cell phone service means that you're pretty isolated from the outside world. The staff is always great, and we absolutely love enjoying dinner at the lodge. For being in the middle of nowhere and cycling through chefs just about yearly, the food consistently delivers. This is a truly special place, and I desperately hope that it continues to maintain the same character that has made it great over all these years. read more

Oh no! My husband and I were taking a walk around the lake yesterday, and were talking about how we couldn't wait to come to the lodge to eat this year, when we ran into some of the lovely staff. We asked them when we could make a reservation for dinner, and they broke the news to us that there would be no dining at the lodge this season. We had looked so forward to dining outside in the beautiful surroundings. Krista's food was always the high point of our trip to the mountains. While we have a home in Graeagle, we were so anxious to come to Packer Lake to experience not only her wonderful food, but her lovely presence. She was such a special addition to Packer Lake. She will be sorely missed, and Packer Lake won't be the same without her. read more

We loved staying at Packer Lake Lodge during the last week they were open this year. We were in a sleeping only cabin, Maple Syrup, and loved being so close to the lake, feeling as if we had it all to ourselves. The kids had a blast sleeping in the loft, and the cabin was cozy, rustic, and definitely had that century old feel without feeling dirty. The only downside was that the double bed was very squeeky and made it difficult to get a good night's rest. The food at the lodge was incredible, and the darling couple who oversee it went out of their way to make us feel at home! I'd recommend the Packer steak salad for dinner, the portions are huge! The country breakfast and french toast were so good, and large enough to keep us full until dinner time. We'll be back next year, hopefully for an entire week. read more

See all

We just got back from staying at Packer Lake Lodge. Such a great place to go if you want to get away from everyone and thing. There is no cell service which was GREAT! The cabin we stayed in was "Chipmunk" cabin. The cabin was really clean, no spiders no bugs hanging out it was great. The cabin came with stove/oven, refrigerator and sink. Both hot and cold water worked great! Outside on your deck you have a BBQ (need to bring your own charcoal) all the grilling tools are there for you to use. Best part was the view to the lake, lots of trees and one with nature is amazing. That was our first time coming to the lodge, and I think we might go again. read more

See all

Starting coming here as a teenager 40 years ago with my best friend's family. I was fortunate enough to be invited by my friend to stay here again last year when she scored a week in August. Beautiful area, peaceful rustic resort. Comfy sleeping cabins. They also have larger cabins with kitchens. The lodge also has a restaurant. We enjoyed a couple of dinners there. A great get away location with lots of nearby hiking. read more

Sadly, after many years of looking forward to dining with friends at Packer Lake Lodge, we found it closed. Only the cabins were available. I sure hope the lodge reopens next year. read more

Had a wonderful dinner at Packer Lake Lodge last evening! The food was very good....fresh, crisp salad loaded with wonderful morsels and the desserts are to die for! The brownie sundae was warm, moist and topped off with ice cream and whipped cream-Heaven in every bite!! The service was excellent and the setting beautiful. Had drinks on the porch of the lodge and enjoyed the cool breeze and beautiful secluded scenery! We are so happy to see that the new owners have kept the tradition going!! My only complaint was that the hummingbird feeders were empty. Please continue this tradition!! It is so fun watching these beautiful birds feed outside the windows!! read more

I've been going here my whole 22 years of life and my grandparents have been coming for the past 45 years of there lives, This is one of nor cals best kept vacation spots! I love Bill Farra and all the Packer family!! Many Families come every year reoccurring. Small but great if you can get in!! LOVE PACKER LAKE LODGE! read more

What a hidden gem! Just pop in to see how rustic the ambiance is. They feature a supremely eclectic menu, always changing based on what's fresh. The cuisine is on par with fine dining even though you're out in the woods. If you're not too hungry, they have a grab and go fridge as well as pastries and bagels hat you can take with you. I have to say-for the price of the grab and go's, you really get quality nutritious food; perfect if you're out on the trails or just don't feel like cooking. The chef-probably the sweetest thing in that kitchen-is extremely kind, and we struck up a conversation about how she worked with French cuisine in a bakery she co-owned with some friends. When I popped in last night, she had made a pumpkin cheesecake with a whiskey-glaze sauce. I don't fancy cheesecake, but it sounded amazing! The chef is by far the kindest in the lodge, I appreciate her company. They also have a bar and serve a variety of hard liquors, wine and beer. Plenty of books, card games, and some decently priced camping necessities. read more

as close to heaven with out passing on. i have to mention, that Bill has passed, and is dearly missed by my family,. my kids have known Bill since they were born. my oldest is 20, 17, then 15. truely a legion. read more

The most beautiful, secluded, rustic and perfectly situated truly end of the road escape you'll find anywhere in Northern California. Only go there if you're looking for a place to hike the Sierras from your front door, ride your bike on trails or back county roads, sit on your deck and watch the fish jump and wander up to the old lodge for a fabulous dinner and excellent wine selection. If ever I run away from home look for me at Packer Lake Lodge. read more

Dining at Packer Lake Lodge: The lodge itself is rustic and charming. We've had dinner there twice this year. The first was chicken pot pie and the vegetarian option for me-vegetable pot pie. The crusts were buttery and flaky and melted in your mouth, the vegetables and creamy sauce were perfectly seasoned; bite after bite left me wanting more. The salads of mixed greens with house balsamic dressing was perfectly balanced, not to acidy-just right. Desserts were homemade carrot cake and cheesecake and they were delicious. We ate there again last night and enjoyed it just as much. My husband had the farm style chicken coq au vin and I enjoyed the vegetarian option-6 bean soup served with a crusty hot French baguette. They were both outstanding! We started with a salad of mixed greens and what looked like heirloom cherry tomatoes in a balsamic and blue cheese dressing. Once again, the balance of vinegar to oil was perfect-no sharp vinegar taste. Dessert was homemade apple pie topped with some kind of caramel whipped cream? I apologize to Krista, the chef for not getting the description right, but I just know it was great!! Lol. I think the ambiance of the lodge along with the type of comfort food Chef Krista serves makes for an excellent and satisfying dining experience. read more

We really had high hopes for Memorial Day weekend. Last year we did the tent thing and we got soaking wet. We'd been to Packer Lake to fish a bunch of times and thought maybe this year we'd stay and enjoy the cabins. Here's the spoiler - cabins are fine - customer service was terrible. We picked a cabin that did not have in room bathrooms. I didn't expect that there would be one shared bathroom/shower for all the remaining cabins. When nature calls (pun intended) you better hope ho one else is using it because you're going to wait for their one hole'r. We decided we'd do cold cereal and sandwiches for lunch but enjoy dinner at the lodge. The general feeling from the staff was that we were bothering them. If you want to feel welcome a better bet is Bassetts Station down the road. The staff at Packer Lake seemed more interested in talking or maybe getting home at 6pm, then taking care of their guests. The lake is beautiful - the cabins were rustic and fun - the service from the staff at the lodge was terrible. It's a long list of things that were just not good. Maybe next year we will try the Yuba River Inn or Salmon Creek Lodge. If you want a good cup of coffee head down the hill to Bassetts Station or bring what you need yourself We are not high maintenance folks - but do want to feel like guests - not a burden. Especially at the Memorial Day rate. Very dissapointed. read more

Packer Lake Lodge has it's charm. We had a lovely time seeing the area and will more than likely return. The cabin we got was campy, definitely over priced for what it was. The website doesn't provide images of the inside of the cabins, and we thought we were getting a two bedroom cottage when in fact we were getting a kitchen and a bedroom for the four people that were in our group. The beds were all in poor condition, with two twins in the kitchen. The ceiling was constructed of particle board and falling apart. The staff was pleasant and the owners seem cool. We will probably try again but I wanted to leave this review to paint a clearer picture of what you get at Packer Lake Lodge. read more

To start, the new Owners Jeff and Joan Smith have put their hearts, and a pile of effort, into this Summer's food and staff...The results are spectacular! My Family and I ate several delicious meals during our recent annual vacation at Packer Lake Lodge. The Dinner menu covers a broad range of appetites and prices. Our favorites were the Lamb Chops, Stuffed Chicken, and the Turkey Burger. The salads were far beyond anything that I would expect in a mountain lodge/restaurant...the honey blue cheese and the avocado dressings were a special treat, with all the daily soups being very tasty. In addition, the Dinner staff are charming, personable, and knowledgeable. We have been staying at the Lodge and eating at the Restaurant for the past 26 Summers, and the Restaurant is absolutely the best ever. Treat yourself, and make a reservation at Packer Lake Restaurant...you will be so very happy. Visited July 2014 read more

We had a wonderful time visiting Packer Lake Lodge over Labor Day weekend. The rustic cabins on the lake are comfortable and clean. The lake was fantastic to row a boat on and fish. Boats were included and there were chairs/benches to sit on and fish from the dock. We caught two trout and the Lodge staff cooked it up for our dinner. We ate breakfast and dinner at the lodge and the quality of the meals and the atmospher of the lodge comfortable and quaint. The servers were attentive and friendly. The best part was all the nice people we met who had been coming back year after year with their families. There were many hiking trails and the beauty of the area was overwelming. If you get a chance to experience the area I would make Packer Lake Lodge a stop! read more

I've been coming to Packer for just over a decade, which makes me a newbie. It's rustic, with uncomfortable beds, spiders and lots of other winged creatures....and I wouldn't change a thing. Great staff, great food, great co-habitants - both human and animal. A lake and surroundings that make you feel joyful, peaceful, and okay with the world. Bill MacQuattie has created a haven that my entire family looks forward to, counting down the days from one departure to the next arrival. It's hard to get in, and I hope any new owner respects The List and those of us who have waited to get in and have no plans of ever giving up our week. My ashes will be scattered here, and I hope my children and my grandchildren will be able to come up and visit me every year during our week at Packer, the last week of summer. read more

Our family has been coming to Packer Lake Lodge for years. Each year it just gets better.... Beautiful skies, stars, lakes, trees.... Great place to head out for a variety of hikes from easy to strenuous. The cabins are a find from the past and very clean, cozy and comfortable. The staff here are exceptional, special kudos to Branwen and Evan. They are always helpful and friendly. This year Christa joined the team in a couple of positions. She is an exceptional chef and baker. We can't wait for next year and more surprises from her kitchen. She truly has a gift. Hopefully, her kitchen will be open more days next year. Should your family or friends want to have a "REAL" vacation, I cannot recommend Packer Lake Lodge more. It is truly the best. read more

This review is for the Lodge restaurant and the staff there. I was camping nearby and after setting up my tent, I realized that all my food was still frozen. I decided to check out the restaurant and even though I was in a t shirt and shorts, they were happy to seat me at the small bar. Sylvia was my server and she made sure that I had everything I needed and was very cordial. My Salmon dinner was excellent, with baked potato and asparagus and a salad and roll. Try the honey, blue cheese dressing on your salad, it was fantastic! She mentioned that they made all their deserts from scratch and recommended the key lime pie. It arrived with a variety of berries and sauces on the plate and was superb! Thank you for making me feel welcomed! read more

We did not stay at the resort but will surely do this another time. We had dinner, kind of last minute on a busy Summer Saturday night. It is a small, comfortable family place and the food was excellent. For such a small, secluded resort their dinner choices were plenty, great wine and beer and we enjoyed our evening a lot. Can't wait to bring the grandkids there for a long weekend. What a gem. read more

Stayed for the first time last weekend! Wow what have I been missing! We stayed in one of the sleeping cabins, " dream house" and what a dream it is! We had a blast, cabin was clean and the people in the lodge were so nice! We took the row boat out on the lake at about 11pm. Full moon, frogs and crickets were singing the moon reflecting on the lake! I truly was in heaven! Ate at the restaurant, it was outstanding! Service was great! Food was great! I can't wait to go back and take the family! Really all around fantastic experience!!!!!! Thank you to everyone at Packer Lake Lodge!! read more

I used to love this restaurant, but when I was there last week it was so disappointing. The service was very slow, even for a lake resort. I ordered their special New York steak with blue cheese, rare. It was unevenly seasoned with huge globs of black pepper on some parts and nothing on other parts. Even trying to scrape off the 1/8 inch of pepper was impossible to do well enough to enjoy the steak that was also laden with gristle. It was served medium to medium well done. My grandson's vegetables were mushy and unappetizing. It was tough to pay $70 for this disappointing meal for 2. I won't be going again. read more

I'm getting emotional reading these reviews. I too am part of the Packer Family. I'm so excited to go in 2 weeks! I have always loved Packer and always will. And pray it will always be there for me....and the rest of our "family.". The Lakes Basin area is worth the drive. Even camping out and renting a boat on Packer for the day is good and fills the times I don't have "my cabins." -;). But staying lakeside is my paradise... read more

Referring to the two star review, while I am sure it is plausible that someone could get into Packer Lake for Memorial Day weekend for their first stay, I thought it was difficult to get in unless you are a long time vacationer there. That early in the season may have turn over due to the cold...That said, these are RUSTIC cabins, and there is not maid service unless you let them know ahead of time. They empty the garbage cans and clean the bathrooms and I can't think of much else other than cleaning the cabins between vacationers...The "staff" during the day is gone by 6 pm as far as I know, and probably earlier, but the restaurant folks are there through the closing of the restaurant. A new owner, some rough spots to smooth out I am sure, but hopefully, Packer Lake stays the way it did when Bill owned it. read more

My sister and I lived in the Sierra City/Downieville area for years. She use to help drive cattle up around the Packer Lake Lodge area and new the original owners well. We stayed at Packer Lake last month and was very disappointed in the management (young men) running the lodge. The maintenance help was extremely nice and helpful. We were treated rudely, disrespectful and unprofessional at check in. The cabin was great, the lake area was beautiful. Unfortunately our neighbor in the cabin behind us fell and broke his foot and no assistance was shown to the family. Even the morning they left no one came to check on them. Was very disappointed in the professionalism of the guys responsible to assisting the guest from the lodge. We were also told that there was no interest in keeping the dining room/kitchen area going to serve food to the guest. Hope things change. Its a beautiful area. read more

Our family just returned from a week at Packer Lake Lodge. It was a fantastic, memory making week for our family! We stayed in one of the three room cabins with a kitchen. The kitchens were well stocked with a variety of pots, pans, utensils, toaster, coffeemaker...The cabins were clean and very rustic feeling. (There were some bugs and spiders, but we were in the middle of the woods, in a cabin, and fully expected that.) The staff was very friendly, and we adore the new owners, Joan and Jeff. They are doing a great job of learning and maintaining the heritage of Packer Lake Lodge. We had a great time with Italian and Bingo night, and ate several meals at the lodge. All of our food was delicious! We enjoyed several beautiful hikes with our elementary age kids, and it was great to disconnect from our high paced lifestyle. We will definitely be back to Packer Lake Lodge, and highly recommend it if you are looking for a beautiful place to break away. read more