BOATING

If you are looking for relatively uncrowded waters, great fishing opportunities, a relaxing houseboating vacation, exhilarating watersports, a shoreline cabin or camping spot, or just a peaceful day on a patio boat to get away from it all, UpStateCA’s numerous lakes are sure to please.

Shasta Lake, just 20 miles north of Redding and visible from Interstate 5, is the crown jewel of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. With 365 miles of shoreline, 8 marinas and over 350 rental houseboats, it is known as the houseboating capital of the western U.S. The hundreds of coves, clean glassy waters and numerous species of fish have attracted watersport enthusiasts and anglers from far and wide for decades. Powerboats, ski/wakeboard boats, fishing boats, patio boats and personal watercraft are available to rent at most marinas. Besides luxurious upscale houseboats, lakeside campgrounds, RV parks and resorts provide a relaxing escape. Shasta Lake is also the gateway to awe-inspiring caverns. Tours are available that include a boat ride across the lake, a bus ride to the caverns entrance, and a guided tour inside the caverns. Whiskeytown Lake, just 8 miles west of Redding, is a lovely, placid body of water nestled in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Its 36 miles of shoreline offer excellent fishing, kayaking, rowing, swimming and scuba diving. Generations of sailors have enjoyed this quiet lake for sail boating, and the Whiskeytown Memorial Regatta has celebrated over 50 years of racing.

Eastward in Butte County is Lake Oroville, formed by the Oroville Dam crossing the Feather River. This hub for boating and fishing enthusiasts also offers camping, biking and hiking trails, and equestrian activities. Lake Oroville is a bass angler’s paradise, and the lake hosts several tournaments every year. Boat rentals include everything from kayaks to houseboats.

Trinity Lake is the third largest lake in California, 21 miles long with 145 miles of shoreline, yet remains uncrowded even during the peak summer months. The many secluded, tree-lined coves are perfect for anglers and houseboaters. Whether you have a ski boat, paddle board, kayak, patio boat, or sailboat, there’s always a perfect spot somewhere on the lake.

Just south of Trinity is Lewiston Lake. With a 10mph lake speed limit, Lewiston offers serene beauty and endless fishing prospects. Both Trinity and Lewiston Lakes offer boat rentals. Ruth Lake is a seven-mile long reservoir, in southern Trinity County, formed by the damming of the Mad River in 1962. Surrounded by ponderosa pine and white fir, boaters fill their days with watersports, fishing, or just paddling.

Lake Shastina and Lake Siskiyou, both about an hour or so north of Redding, present the majestic Mt. Shasta as a backdrop. On Shastina, kayakers and paddleboarders will appreciate the pristine mountain waters and frequent gusty afternoon winds creating ideal conditions for windsurfing and sailing. Nestled on the edge of Lassen Volcanic National Park is Lake Almanor With 52 miles of shoreline it offers over 300 campsites. World class fishing, watersports, camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, birdwatching and championship golf abound. Eagle Lake, the second largest natural lake in California is located 16 miles north of Susanville and is home to the world famous Eagle Lake Trout, a species entirely unique to the lake. These especially large trout average 3-5 lbs and attract fishing enthusiasts from all over. A boat launch, marina, swimming beach, picnic areas, and shoreline camping facilities are all around the lake.

These and the many other smaller lakes of the Shasta Cascade region make for a water enthusiast’s wonderland. Whatever your pleasure or itinerary, there’s a beautiful, unique lake within easy driving distance.