You hear a lot about the mountains, beaches, and stately redwoods and sequoias of California, but you hear remarkably little about its lakes as prime destinations. The one exception is Lake Tahoe.
Given that, let’s take a look at some California lakes that are definitely worth discovering. Some are natural, and some are man-made. Some you can drive right up to, and some require quite a bit of effort to reach. They’re all great destinations, though!
Shasta Lake
Not far north of Redding, Lake Shasta is known as California’s boating capital for its 370 miles of shoreline, 30,000 surface acres, and ample recreational amenities. You can also take a cruise across the lake to visit Lake Shasta Caverns.
Donner Lake
Three miles long, this lake west of Truckee is a perfect getaway for families. Hiking, camping, swimming, and boat rentals are all available here, and there are great restaurants nearby in Truckee.
Clear Lake
This 68-square-mile lake north of Santa Rosa is California’s largest natural freshwater lake. One of its many distinctions is that it’s known as the “Bass Capital of the West,” and anglers love visiting for the fishing.
Lake Berryessa
You can get to this lake in less than an hour’s drive from the Napa wine country. This lake is heated by solar energy, so in the summer, when most lakes in the state are still cold, you can enjoy a pleasant swimming temperature of 75 degrees. Don’t miss seeing the amazing Morning Glory Spillway here.
Big Bear Lake
Located at an elevation of nearly 7,000’ in the mountains of San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake is a great escape from the summer heat in the lower-lying cities of the region. Hiking, biking, fishing, boat rentals, zip lines, rock climbing, and more are all popular activities here.
Folsom Lake
Folsom Powerhouse, no longer in operation, was once the greatest electrical plant in North America. Now, the area has been repurposed for recreation, and a wide variety of activities is available here.
Lake Hemet
The San Jacinto Mountains are home to this large lake that appeals to fishers, boaters, swimmers, and hikers. Turn your eyes to the sky at times; eagles sometimes soar above here.
Lake Havasu
The construction of Havasu Dam on the Colorado River created this lake along the CA-AZ border. It’s a desert oasis that attracts a lot of people looking for relief from the heat.
Bass Lake
About an hour north of Fresno in Sierra National Forest, this lake has a full range of water recreation. Being lower than many other Sierra Nevada lakes, Bass Lake is a bit warmer and holds more appeal for swimmers than those others do.
Cachuma Lake
Because this lake near Santa Barbara is a critical domestic water supply, you can’t swim or wade here. However, the lake’s scenic beauty draws hikers who enjoy views of the waters and the rugged mountains surrounding them.
Cathedral Lake
Cathedral Lake kicks off 8 High Sierra lakes on this list, most of which you have to hike to. This one is in the Tuolumne Meadows area of Yosemite National Park. The best time for the hike to this lake is later in the day because the face of spectacular Cathedral Peak that rises above the lake gets afternoon sun.
Thousand Island Lake
You’ve probably seen pictures of this lake several miles into the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Its classic view is that with rugged Banner Peak towering behind it. You can get to the trailhead via a road that departs from Mammoth Lakes. Note that unless you go really early or really late, you can’t drive in and have to take a shuttle instead.
Minaret Lake
From the same trailhead and initial trail you use to get to Thousand Island Lake, you can also go south instead and reach Minaret Lake. This alpine lake frames the Minarets, some of the most spectacular formations in the High Sierra. You’ll also see several other lakes on this outing.
Convict Lake
Convict Lake is almost right off U.S. 395 between Lee Vining and Bishop. It’s a beautiful lake that many people overlook, so you may find it a lot less crowded than the other Sierra lakes that are easy to get to.
South Lake
A road out of Bishop leads to South Lake, which is beautiful all on its own and great for a relaxing day trip. What’s even better is that it’s the start of a trail that climbs for about 7 miles through the John Muir Wilderness to Bishop Pass on the border with Kings Canyon National Park. The scenery gets better and better as you go, and you’ll pass several more mountain lakes and peaks.
Evolution Lake
Evolution Basin is deep in Kings Canyon National Park and takes at least a few days to get to for most people. It’s worth the effort because the scenery here is some of the best and the most pristine in the Sierra Nevada.
Kearsarge Lakes
From Independence, drive west on the road to Onion Valley. Then hike to Kearsarge Pass, which is on the Kings Canyon border. From the pass, you can see the spectacular Kearsarge Pinnacles and the lakes below them. That might be enough for many people, but it’s more rewarding if you hike down to the lakes to see them up close.
Tulainyo Lake
At an altitude of 12,829’, Tulainyo Lake, close to Mt. Whitney, has the distinction of being the highest named lake in the Sierra Nevada. It’s frozen over for much of the year, and ice and snow linger well into summer.
There are a few higher-named bodies of water in North America, but they are much smaller than Tulainyo is, and they are technically tarns, not lakes. No trails lead to this lake, and getting there is a true adventure.
Mono Lake
By the town of Lee Vining, Mono Lake is a saltwater lake known for its wild tufa formations that “grow” from the waters in certain spots. The lake also beautifully frames the section of the Sierra Nevada around Tioga Pass.
Saratoga Spring
Near the very southern boundary of Death Valley National Park, you’ll find one of the most unlikely riparian settings imaginable. Here, a spring has created a lake and marshland surrounded on all sides by miles of hostile desert terrain.
You can’t swim here, but you can hike around the lake and look for wildlife, including several species of wading and swimming birds. Just be on the lookout for sidewinder rattlesnakes half-buried in the sands.
15 Must-Dos on Your Next Trip to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border makes a lot of lists of the most beautiful places in America. There’s also a lot to do there, with a wide range of outdoor recreation, great dining, resorts, nightlife, and more. If it’s your first time going or if you’re going back, consider adding some of the following places to your itinerary.
15 Must-Dos on Your Next Trip to Lake Tahoe
The World’s 5 Friendliest and 5 Unfriendliest Cities
Some cities welcome visitors and want them to be there. Other cities are rude to visitors and would just as soon see you leave. It can be jarring to be in an unfriendly city, though some of the world’s most enticing cities rank high on the rudeness scale.
When you visit a friendly city, it’s much easier to soak in the culture and meet the locals. Rough Guides readers voted on the cities for their level of friendliness. According to Rough Guides, these are the world’s friendliest and unfriendliest cities.
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