Shasta's 'Lakes'
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE - Shasta Lake, keystone of the Central Valley
Project, is the largest man-made reservoir in California. When full, its
365 mile shoreline exceeds that of San Francisco Bay. Shasta is the second
largest and tallest concrete dam in the United States. It was constructed
between 1935 and 1945, and the lake was filled in 1948.
The construction of Shasta Dam impounded three major north state rivers:
The Pit, McCloud, and Sacramento. Referred to as arms, each one retains
its own character, environment, history and recreation opportunities.
People who have never been to Shasta Lake may get the impression they
are seeing several lakes as they pass by on Interstate 5. In a way, there
really are more lakes than one.
The rugged country, ragged shoreline, and sheer size of Shasta Lake
tends to break the lake into different areas, each with its own opportunities,
moods, and settings.
For more information or help, the Shasta Lake Information Center is
in Mountain Gate, telephone (530) 275-1589.
Lakehead Area
(Google Map)
The Lakehead Area, with its fast pace and easy access off Interstate
5, offers a wide variety of services and recreation pursuits. It is convenient
for those planning a short visit or an extended stay. It is located near
a community which has many services.
From the Antlers Boat Ramp or a number of marinas, skiing, houseboating
and fishing are easily accessible on the Sacramento Arm of the lake.
Forest Service and commercial campgrounds are available, or there are
resort cabins for rent. At Lakehead you can choose between a campfire
supper, full course meal, pizza or burgers for dinner.
For a vacation full of variety and action, the Lakehead Area is a good
choice.
Salt Creek Area
(Google Map)
Salt Creek is easily accessible from Interstate 5 and wonderfully suited
to the overnighter, boater or fisherman. Yet, it is not as active an area
as Lakehead.
Camping facilities range from a commercial recreation vehicle park to
the Forest Service drive-in or the more secluded walk-in camps.
The Salt Creek Area is also the gateway to the Gilman Road Area and
the McCloud Arm of the lake.
Gilman Road Area
(Google Map)
The Gilman Road exit off Interstate 5 provides access to the McCloud
Arm of the lake and a world removed from the noise and hurry of the freeway.
The Forest Service campgrounds here can best be described in one word
- relaxed.
The area boasts 5 family camps, several group camps, the Dekkas Rock
day-use lake access and picnic areas and launching at the Hirz Bay public
ramp. The gradual shoreline below most campgrounds makes moorage convenient.
Complete boating services are available at the marinas in the O'Brien
area to the south. Boating, hiking, fishing, hunting and even spelunking
are popular activities in this area.
Sold on the McCloud Arm ---If so, here are two words of caution ---
supplies and bears. Keep food in secure containers inside vehicles:
clean tables thoroughly after meals; use garbage containers; and do not
feed or tease the bears.
O'Brien Area
(Google Map)
The O'Brien Area is at the hub of the lake and provides central access
to all arms. Though rural in nature, the area offers a wide variety of
opportunities. Each marina and campground appears isolated amidst the
thick oak and pine forests and the steep, rugged country.
The O'Brien Area is a sharp contrast to the Lakehead Area. Although
both offer similar facilities and recreation choices, each is a unique
outdoor experience. At O'Brien, there are resort/marinas, a public campground,
launch ramps and the Lake Shasta Caverns tours.
Jones Valley Area
(Google Map)
East of Jones Valley, on the Pit Arm, lies much of Shasta Lake's subtle
beauty. Bald Eagle, Osprey, and sportsmen all fish together in the finest
bass habitat on the lake. Here also, boaters discover wildlife, challenging
skiing, and solitude in its long, meandering coves.
Forest Service facilities include: the Jones Valley Campgrounds, Jones
Inlet beach camping area and the Jones Valley
public boat ramp. The two resort marinas have complete services. Additional
stores, gas, restaurants, and taverns can be found nearby along Bear Mountain
Road.
Whether exploring, escaping, or improving skiing techniques, the Jones
Valley Area is a good place to begin the adventure or end the day.
Shasta Dam Area
(Google Map)
Directly behind Shasta Dam is a wide basin formed by the confluence
of the Sacramento and Pit Rivers. Spectacular views of Mt. Shasta and
Mt. Lassen backdrop the steep shores and islands in this area.
Although there are no overnight facilities near the dam, lodging is
available in the nearby communities. Boats may be launched at Centimudi
Ramp, and services are available at several nearby resorts.
WHERE TO GO?
IT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU WANT TO DO . . .
There are literally hundreds of coves and bays within the 365-mile shoreline
of Shasta Lake. Wooded flats, steep, rocky hillsides, secluded creeks, an
occasional waterfall, and thousands of acres of mountainous country surround
the lake.
A broad spectrum of facilities, ranging from primitive to luxurious,
supports the many, varied recreational opportunities offered. At the upper
end of the scale, there are 10 marinas and a number of resorts; most offer
rental cabins, motel-type accommodations, or trailer parks with hookups
and showers.
For the more independent visitor, the Forest Service manages 22 campgrounds.
These vary from vehicular campgrounds, which will accommodate trailers
up to 30' (no hookups), to walk-in camps; group camps which will accommodate
up to 120 people; and a special feature at Shasta Lake, boat-in campgrounds.
Most campgrounds have piped water. Some have flush toilets, but the majority
have pit or vault-type facilities.
Shasta Lake is one of the few in California where visitors can camp
along the shore. Some areas are "restricted", such as a Bald Eagle or
Osprey nesting site, but even so there are several hundred miles where
shoreline camping is permitted.
To assure that the privilege of camping along the shoreline is not lost,
help keep the area clean. Pack it in, pack it out. Please dispose of trash
at the boat ramps, and do not leave it at the floating toilets.
A campfire permit is required for building campfires or using gas or
charcoal stoves (such as hibachis) along the shoreline. This permit is
free and may be obtained from any Forest Service office.
Deciding where to go and what to do at Shasta Lake can be a bewildering
and frustrating experience for a newcomer. The following information is
intended to serve as a guide to help you get around. More detailed information
and brochures are available at the Shasta Lake Information Center, and,
during the summer, from Campground Hosts at many of the National Forest
Campgrounds.
SWIMMING
Shasta Lake has no developed swimming areas. However, some of the resorts
do have pools. Many people swim from the shore near their campgrounds
or from boats. During the summer, the water is comfortably warm; but visitors
are urged to avoid areas with heavy boat traffic. Swimming is prohibited
at boat ramps.
HIKING
The trails at Jones Valley, Packers Bay, Bailey Cove, Shasta Dam and
Hirz Bay provide moderate hiking and good access to shoreline, fishing,
oak woodlands and occasional secluded creeks or vistas. Since the summer
days are often hot and dry, be sure to carry water. Better still, hike
trails when the weather is cool. Hiking trails are generally open all
year.
LODGING
Motel accommodations are available in the Lakehead area and at Bridge
Bay. Cabin accommodations are available at many resorts and marinas.
TRAILER CAMPS
Hookups are available only at commercially operated campgrounds and
resorts. Many Forest Service campgrounds will accommodate small trailers.
Large trailers, 22-30 feet, are not advised in the Bailey Cove, Jones
Valley, Lakeshore East or McCloud Bridge Campgrounds due to narrow parking
spurs.
TENT CAMPS
Shasta Lake offers both conventional and walk-in camps. Walk-in campgrounds
provide a central parking area, but equipment must be carried a short
distance to the campsite. The Jones Valley and Lakehead areas are popular
with skiers, as are some of the camps on Gilman Road. Fishermen often
prefer the quiet waters of the McCloud, off Gilman Road, or the back country
areas of the Squaw and Pit near Jones Valley.
BOAT ACCESS CAMPS
Four campgrounds on Shasta Lake are accessible only by boat. These camps
have tables, stoves and toilet facilities (pit or vault). Situated in
the more remote areas of the lake, these camps offer a unique camping
experience away from headlights and traffic.
PICNICKING
Picnic facilities are available at Fisherman's Point, near Shasta Dam;
Bailey Cove; and Dekkas Rock. Each has tables, stoves, and restrooms.
BOAT LAUNCHING
The Forest Service maintains six public ramps, with parking areas, which
provide access to most areas around the lake. Bailey Cove, Centimudi,
and Jones Valley Ramps are often congested on summer weekends. Packers
Bay, Antlers and Hirz Bay are recommended alternatives during periods
of heavy use. Low water ramps are located at Jones Valley and Centimudi.
Additional launching facilities are available at the marinas.
WATERSKIING
Popular everywhere on the lake, the Sacramento Arm and Jones Valley
areas are particularly favored. The water is generally calm and ideally
suited to this sport. Skiing can be hazardous in the Pit Arm where snags
and floating debris have not been removed. Waterskiing is prohibited in
some of the smaller coves and bays; these areas are posted by buoys.
FISHING
Everyone has a favorite "hole". The Jones Valley area provides the best
access to the Pit and Squaw Arms - considered by many to provide the best
overall fishing. Other popular spots are located where the major rivers
and streams empty into the lake, such as McCloud Bridge, on the McCloud,
and Riverview (Lakehead) on the Sacramento Arm.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO AROUND THE LAKE
Shasta Lake is one of the dominant features in Northern California.
Visitors can see the lake from Antlers Bridge, O'Brien Rest Area, and
the Pit River Bridge on Interstate 5. The three Shastas - Shasta Dam,
Shasta Lake, and Mt. Shasta - can be seen from the Shasta Dam Vista Point.
Operated by the U.S.Water and Power Resources Service, Shasta Dam provides
a variety of services including irrigation, power, and flood control.
Shasta Caverns began forming over 250 million years ago in the massive
limestone of the Grey Rocks visible from Interstate 5. The caverns, located
off the Shasta Caverns/O'Brien exit, are privately owned and tours are
offered year-round.
Explore the natural and human history of Shasta Lake by taking a self-guided
nature trail. The Hirz Bay Nature Trail is located in the Hirz Bay Campground,
and the Samwel Cave Trail is located one mile south of the McCloud Bridge
Campground.
AREAS OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Interesting historical sites can be found throughout the area. For instance,
a trail blazed up the Sacramento River by Michael LaFramboise in 1834
later became the Oregon Trail. It was used extensively by traders, trappers,
and gold seekers before being improved to a stage road. In 1872, the Central
Pacific Railroad followed the same route as far north as Dunsmuir.
