Caples Lake, Eldorado National Forest

Caples lake is a reservoir that is located near Kirkwood, California along highway 88. The lake was used as a halting place for wagon travelers who were trekking the historic Mormon Emigrant trail during the Gold Rush. The lake has been used by many different groups of people including Native Americans, 49ers, and resort owners so it is known by a few different names. The variant names are clear lake, summit lake, and twin lakes. Currently, Caples lake is a reservoir being used for water and recreation. Woods creek and Emigrant creek both flow into Caples lake which drains into Caples creek. Caples creek meets up with the South Fork of the American River. Caples lake is owned by the El Dorado Irrigation District who is using it as part of the hydroelectric project 184 system. ()