Caples Lake at Carson Pass is a beautiful spot to escape from the heat of the Sacramento Valley — but be aware it’s a very popular location, and you’ll have a pretty long hike if you want to get away from other people and the sounds of civilization. Highway 88 runs right along the edge of the reservoir, so you’ll notice frequent traffic noise. And we heard periodic banging of some sort of heavy machinery echoing across the lake from somewhere near the Caples Lake Resort.  If you can manage to block out these inconveniences, the cooler temperatures, the scenery, and the aroma of fresh pines — not to mention some fine trout fishing — make it well worth the journey.