Encased and surrounded by exposed granite rock is where Loon and Pleasant Lakes lie high above and west of Lake Tahoe. The lake can be paddled in a day, but its highly recommended to spend the night at one of the lakeside campgrounds. Just be sure to make a reservation first, contact El Dorado National Forest for additional information. The two lakes are connected by a channel, the largest is Loon Lake to the south and Pleasant Lake to the north. Granite rock dominates the shoreline, but a few beaches become exposed during periods of low water levels which is generally during summer months. Strong northeasterly winds develop late mornings and into the afternoon which will make the lake choppy; intermediate skills are recommended for lake crossings. In spring the area may still have snow and temperatures are cold. In summer afternoon thunderstorms are common.