Are you looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in California? If so, you’ll want to check out these gems – the 10 best lakes in California you’ve never heard of. From secluded mountain lakes to undiscovered reservoirs, these serene spots offer stunning views, perfect for camping, fishing, and boating. So pack your bags and get ready to explore some of California’s lesser-known lakes, where you’ll find the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
1) Clear Lake
Located in Lake County, California, Clear Lake is the largest natural lake in the state and one of the oldest lakes in North America. It is fed by springs, creeks and runoff from the nearby mountains. This large lake is known for its beautiful water, spectacular views and wide variety of recreational activities.
Clear Lake offers some of the best fishing in California with plentiful bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill, as well as a variety of other species. There are several marinas and boat launch ramps on Clear Lake and several local guide services that can take you out fishing or sightseeing. There are also plenty of docks, beaches and picnic areas around the lake, making it a great place to relax with family and friends.
In addition to fishing, boating, swimming and picnicking, Clear Lake is a popular destination for watersports including waterskiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing. The area is also home to numerous trails and parks offering plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, bird watching and horseback riding.
With its stunning scenery and year-round recreational opportunities, it’s easy to see why Clear Lake is one of the best lakes in California. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous outdoor adventure, you’ll find it here at Clear Lake.
2) Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake is a stunningly beautiful lake located in Northern California near Redding. The lake was created by the construction of Shasta Dam on the Sacramento River, and is the state’s largest reservoir. With a surface area of 30,000 acres, Shasta Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, water skiing, and camping.
At Shasta Lake, visitors can explore its many coves and canyons. There are over 350 miles of shoreline for those who want to take their boat out for a ride. The lake is also known for its fantastic fishing opportunities, where anglers can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, salmon, bass, crappie, and catfish.
Campers will appreciate Shasta Lake’s wide variety of campgrounds and RV parks, which provide spectacular views of the lake and nearby mountain ranges. There are also several resorts around the lake that offer lodging, swimming pools, and boat rentals. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Shasta Lake has something for everyone!
3) Folsom Lake
Located east of Sacramento, California, Folsom Lake is a beautiful destination for an outdoor adventure. With over 11,000 acres of water, Folsom Lake is the perfect spot for fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. The lake offers a variety of recreational activities and opportunities to enjoy nature, such as camping, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby trails.
Fishing is a popular activity at Folsom Lake; anglers have the chance to catch rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. During the summer months, the lake also boasts some excellent crappie fishing.
Folsom Lake is also home to several scenic hiking trails. One of the most popular trails is the Granite Bay Trail. This 4-mile round-trip trail takes hikers through stunning landscapes of rolling hills and oak groves, offering magnificent views of the lake.
Boaters can take advantage of several boat ramps located around the lake. Boats of all sizes can be launched, including kayaks and canoes. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake and there is even a marina where visitors can rent a variety of vessels.
Folsom Lake is one of California’s most picturesque destinations, offering plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for a place to fish, hike, or just enjoy nature, Folsom Lake has something for everyone.
4) Lake Oroville
Located in Butte County, California, Lake Oroville is the second largest man-made lake in the state. Sitting at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the lake is home to many recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. In addition to these activities, Lake Oroville also serves as a vital source of water for the state’s agricultural industry.
One of the main attractions of Lake Oroville is the historic Bidwell Marina. Built in 1968, the marina provides over 400 boat slips, a restaurant and bar, a retail shop, and fuel docks. The marina also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as holiday celebrations and boat races.
The lake is also home to several species of fish, including trout, bass, catfish, and crappie. Anglers can find plenty of fishing spots along the lake’s shoreline. The lake is also a popular spot for bird watchers, as it is home to many species of waterfowl.
When it comes to recreation on Lake Oroville, visitors can find plenty to do. From hiking to biking, there are plenty of trails for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. The lake also offers camping sites for those looking for an overnight adventure.
Lake Oroville is truly an amazing destination for anyone looking for a great outdoor adventure in California. With its stunning scenery and plethora of recreational activities, it is no wonder why this lake continues to be a popular spot for visitors from all over the world.
5) Donner Lake
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Donner Lake is a popular recreational destination known for its stunning blue waters and mountain views. It is nestled in the small town of Truckee and is just 10 miles from Tahoe National Forest. Donner Lake is about two miles long and a half-mile wide, with a maximum depth of over 250 feet.
The lake is surrounded by plenty of outdoor activities and attractions such as beaches, hiking trails, camping spots, golf courses, shopping, dining, and more. There are also a number of historical sites nearby like the Donner Memorial State Park, which is home to a museum and monuments dedicated to the Donner Party.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Donner Lake, with an abundance of trout, bass, salmon, and catfish. Boating is also a common activity on the lake, whether you prefer kayaking, canoeing, or sailing.
Donner Lake is also known for its spectacular scenery and amazing sunsets. If you’re looking for a picturesque spot to enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories, Donner Lake is the perfect place to do so.
6) Lake Tahoe
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is a beloved natural attraction in California. Boasting more than 70 miles of shoreline and reaching depths of over 1,600 feet, this immense lake draws travelers from all over the world. It is the second deepest lake in the United States, and its crystal clear blue waters make it a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing.
The area surrounding Lake Tahoe is rich in outdoor recreation opportunities, including biking, hiking, horseback riding, golf, skiing, snowshoeing, and even parasailing. The lake’s spectacular views and tranquil atmosphere make it the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast. And if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine, there are plenty of cozy cabins and resorts to choose from.
Lake Tahoe is also home to a plethora of historical sites and attractions, such as the Tallac Historic Site, the Gatekeeper’s Museum, and Vikingsholm. Whether you’re looking to take a day trip or an extended getaway, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone. It’s no wonder why so many people flock to its breathtaking shores every year.
7) Trinity Lake
Located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Trinity Lake is a popular destination for camping, fishing, and boating. This lake is the third largest lake in California and was formed in 1962 when the Trinity River was dammed. It is surrounded by two mountain ranges and is about 2,370 feet above sea level.
The lake has over 50 campgrounds on its shores, some of which are primitive, others of which have more amenities like boat docks and showers. Many of these campsites have excellent views of the lake. The lake is also home to several marinas and boat launches, making it a great place to go fishing or boating.
Fishing is a popular pastime on Trinity Lake. Species found in this lake include trout, bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, sunfish, and perch. Visitors can rent boats or fish from the banks of the lake.
Trinity Lake is also a popular destination for wildlife viewing. Bald eagles nest here in the spring and summer months and many other species of birds can be seen in the area as well. Bears, deer, foxes, and other mammals are also known to inhabit the area.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities at Trinity Lake including hiking, swimming, sailing, kayaking, picnicking, biking, and more. With so much to do and see in this stunning location, Trinity Lake is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
8) Bass Lake
Located just south of Yosemite National Park, Bass Lake is a perfect spot for an outdoor getaway. Its crystal-clear waters are teeming with bass, trout and catfish, making it a great spot for anglers. The lake is part of the Sierra National Forest, meaning there’s plenty of opportunities for exploration, from camping and hiking to picnicking and swimming. There’s also a marina on the lake for boaters and a beach on the north end for those who want to sunbathe or take a dip. Plus, there’s a variety of cabins and lodges nearby for those who want to stay overnight. With its breathtaking scenery, Bass Lake is one of the most serene and beautiful places to visit in California.
9) Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is an alpine lake located in the San Bernardino Mountains of California. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming and other outdoor activities. The lake has a maximum depth of 72 feet and an average depth of 32 feet. The water temperature ranges from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, making it perfect for swimming and other water sports.
The Big Bear Lake area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, brown bears, mule deer, coyotes, and mountain lions. There are also a number of campgrounds and RV parks located nearby, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the surrounding area.
The lake is home to several species of fish, including bass, trout, catfish, crappie and bluegill. Anglers will find plenty of action here, as the lake is stocked with trout each spring. In addition to fishing, visitors can also rent kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards at the lake. There are also a number of hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the lake and its surroundings.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day on the lake or an adventurous weekend getaway, Big Bear Lake is the perfect destination. With its crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery, it’s no wonder that this alpine lake is one of the best lakes in California.
10) Silverwood Lake
Silverwood Lake is a stunning natural wonder located in the San Bernardino National Forest of Southern California. This lake is actually the largest body of water in the entire San Bernardino National Forest. It was created by the construction of the Cedar Springs Dam, which was completed in 1971.
The lake itself has a stunningly clear blue hue that has made it a popular destination for hikers, boaters, and anglers alike. The shorelines of the lake are lined with pine trees, making for a picturesque view. There are also plenty of camping sites along the lake’s edge, giving visitors the opportunity to stay near the beauty of Silverwood Lake.
Fishing is also quite popular at Silverwood Lake, with both bass and trout being found in abundance. In fact, this lake is one of the best places in California to catch largemouth bass. Boating is allowed on the lake, but only non-motorized boats are allowed. Visitors who want to explore even further can take a boat tour around the lake, which can be rented at the marina.
For those looking for a more leisurely activity, the lake also has plenty of picnic spots along its shoreline where visitors can enjoy some food and relaxation. There are also various trails around the lake that offer stunning views of the landscape and wildlife.
Overall, Silverwood Lake is a great destination for anyone looking for a beautiful and peaceful getaway in Southern California. Whether you’re an angler or a hiker, this lake has something for everyone to enjoy.
Final Words
California has some of the most beautiful lakes in the country. From the clear waters of Clear Lake, to the deep depths of Shasta Lake, and the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe, there is something for everyone in this great state. Whether you’re looking to spend a day fishing, take a relaxing boat ride, or simply bask in the natural beauty of these tranquil bodies of water, the best lakes in California have something for everyone. So if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable outdoor experience, grab your fishing pole, your kayak, and head out to explore some of the best lakes in California!
