[2] The lake was used as a halting place for wagon travelers who were trekking the historic Mormon Trail during the California Gold Rush.

[4] The EID also manages the recreational facilities at Caples Lake, such as the boat launch, day use areas, and bathrooms with the help of the Eldorado National Forest as part of the license agreement.

He later returned and bought the area that is now Caples Lake to raise cattle and set up a trading post for travelers that was around for thirty years.

The way-station could only be opened up during the summer months due to its high elevation but it still served as a very important stop for 49ers, which is why the lake was named after Dr. Caples.

[6] Caples Lake is located in the Eldorado National Forest, meaning that there are a variety of different recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing within close proximity.

Currently, the regulations for Caples Lake state that fishermen are only allowed to take home five trout that are a minimum of ten inches each.