Stunning Lakes and Rivers to Experience in California this Summer

California is home to numerous incredible lakes and rivers that are scenic places for outdoor recreation, where you’ll find excellent fishing, boating, and water sports options throughout the year’s warmest months. Let’s look at some of the top lakes and rivers to experience in the Golden State this summer.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a lake in the Sierra Nevada mountain range along California’s border with Nevada. The surrounding mountains offer world-class ski resorts in the winter, and the summer brings in boaters, anglers, water sports enthusiasts, and beachgoers. Lake Tahoe’s shores are lined with high-end summer homes and luxurious resorts.

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a stunning destination in Southern California and one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations. The lake offers picturesque mountain scenery and 22 miles of incredible shoreline. In the summer, Big Bear Lake is a busy area for kayaking and hiking along the water, and with a massive population of rainbow trout, it is one of California’s premier fishing destinations.

Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake is in the far northern region of California. Surrounded by thick forests and rolling hills, this vast, busy lake is an idyllic destination for a natural escape. It is popular for water sports, boating, and fishing. Shasta Lake also has excellent amenities to help visitors maximize their experience, including campgrounds and boat rental shops along the water.

Mono Lake

Mono Lake is a unique Eastern California lake, one of the oldest in North America, nestled among the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Swimming in its dense and salty water is a one-of-akind experience. This ancient lake is a hub for wilderness lovers, where they can enjoy incredible hiking trails and spot some of the numerous animals that call the lakeshore home.

Donner Lake

Named for the ill-fated Donner Party, Donner Lake is now a popular fishing destination just 20 miles from the bigger crowds at Lake Tahoe. This deep blue lake is home to a large salmon population and some of California’s biggest lake trout.

American River

The American River runs for 30 miles from the Sierra Nevada mountain range into the heart of Sacramento. This gorgeous river is one of the sites where the California Gold Rush began, and prospectors are still finding gold in the river today. Visitors to the American River can enjoy challenging white water rafting or head to its serene sections for a laid-back swim.

Sacramento River

The Sacramento River is the largest in California and is surrounded by scenic parks and beaches. It starts in the Klamath Mountains and flows through Sacramento before exiting in San Francisco Bay. This vast river is a pivotal part of the state’s natural geography and contains many significant ecosystems along its shores. It is also considered one of the top places in the U.S. for trout fishing.

11344 Scotts Flat Dam Road, Nevada City, CA 95959

2-3 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 2,767 SQ FT | 5 ACRE LOT | $1,190,000

Lower Scotts Flat Lake Craftsman home on 5 ac. (adjoining 5 ac. available, priced separately). Both parcels have lake-frontage. Floor plan offers ease of entertaining from indoors to the outdoor wrap-around deck overlooking the lake. Forested location offering privacy & access to abundant outdoor activities; hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding & fishing. (Lower Scotts Flat does not allow power boats) Bird watching with over a 100 species which can be seen from the deck. Ducks, Canada Geese and Osprey have been seen on the lake. The home offers open beam ceilings, family room w/wood stove, separate living room, spacious loft overhead provides office, bedroom and full bath. Kitchen w/ breakfast area and bar. Large walk in pantry and storage/work room plus an enclosed wood storage room. Downstairs-2 bedrooms, full bath and large wine/storage room. Detached spa room on the deck. 2-car detached oversize garage. Secure, enclosed chicken coop with fenced outdoor yard and plug-in security system. Dog kennel. Raised bed gardens w/ water & power available. Winter activities include downhill skiing/snowboarding within an hour of the home. About a 1.3 mile walk to larger Scotts Flat Lake offering 7.5 miles +/- of pine studded shoreline & about 850+/- surface acres. Power boats allowed here!

Kathy Papola REALTOR ® | BROKER ASSOCIATE

530.913.9879 kathypapola@gmail.com www.papola.com

3675 IDLEWILD WAY, HOMEWOOD, CA 96141

$14,000,000 | 4-5 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 2,145 SQFT 916.838.0313

This multi-parcel Lake Tahoe legacy estate is now on the market after decades in the same family. Combined there are 2.68 level acres, all on the lake side of W. Lake Blvd. The lake parcel is .91 acres, plus two other parcels of 1.6 acres and .17 acres (all per assessor). Included is a 130’ private pier and buoy and 100+ feet of private lake frontage. The homes were designed by famed Tahoe architect, James Morton, and his style of vaulted ceilings, open beams and inviting windows can be seen throughout the homes. The main home on the lakes edge consists of 3-4 bedrooms, one is a primary suite with fireplace, and 2 baths. The guest house is a 1 bedroom + loft and 1 bath. A large paved parking area ensures you can entertain plenty of guests! Possible opportunity may exist for future addition, remodel or development. This amazing property is located just minutes from Tahoe City. It’s a rare opportunity for you to own your spot on Lake Tahoe and discover why the West Shore is the Best Shore!