The Incredible Road Trip Through Northern California That Leads You To 9 Stunning Lakes
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Kate Freeman
Author
We’ve planned an epic road trip that will take you to nine stunning lakes in Northern California. This lake-hopping road trip would be a great way to spend your summer vacation! Explore Northern California’s many lakes– both large and small, popular and relatively unknown. If you just have one day, choose a couple of lakes from this list and enjoy the varied landscapes and activities available at these lakes. Some are best for swimming, some for fishing and kayaking, and other lakes offer unparalleled views– perfect for a picnic! So take a look at our list of lakes and start planning your summer 2024 Northern California road trip!
This road trip winds around Northern California, stopping at some of the prettiest lakes in the state. So pack your swimsuit and dive into adventure on this trip to nine NorCal lakes.
1. Bucks Lake
Bucks Lake, CA, USA
This gem, located near the town of Quincy, is a popular place for locals and those in the know. Bucks Lake isn’t as well known as Lake Almanor or Lake Sonoma (which are also on our list), but we think this might be one of the prettiest lakes in all of Northern California– and that’s saying a lot! If weather permits, take a dip in the pristine water of this beautiful and clean mountain lake. Park at Sandy Point Day Use Area and Boat Launch where you’ll find a picnic area and restrooms. This is a great place to picnic and swim in the water.
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2. Snake Lake
Snake Lake, California 95971, USA
Snake Lake is not far from Bucks Lake. It features some of the same beautiful mountain scenery, except this lake is a lot smaller and not swimmable. But we like Snake Lake because it is somewhat unknown, except to area fishermen. Bring your poles with you to Snake Lake and see if you can catch some of the bluegills, bass, or catfish that swim in these waters. If you just want to experience the sight of this lovely lake, head to Snake Lake Campground where you’ll find picnic tables that are shaded by the towering pines of the area.
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3. Lake Almanor
Lake Almanor, California, USA
Like Bucks Lake and Snake Lake, Lake Almanor is also located in Plumas County. It seems like in the past decade awareness of this beautiful mountain lake has exploded. There are cabins for sale, many hotels, and also a ton of gorgeous rentals on the shores of Lake Almanor. It’s hard to choose just one spot to enjoy on Lake Almanor. We like the quiet and seclusion of PG&E Picnic Park, but our favorite spots are Westwood Beach and the Lake Almanor Country Club area. While this lake is just one stop on your NorCal lakes road trip, it would be easy to spend a day here. There is so much to do-- swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, golfing, and more.
4. Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake, California 96130, USA
Eagle Lake’s claim to fame is that it is California’s second-largest freshwater lake. Located in northeastern California at 5,100 feet elevation, this lake spans anywhere between 16,000 and 29,000 acres. Visitors can swim, fish, and enjoy water sports on Eagle Lake. Next to the lake, there are biking and hiking trails, plus several campgrounds. This lake feels relatively undeveloped compared to the previous lakes on this list. You’ll find parking and some areas to explore at the Christie Day Use Area Campground, located about an hour from Lake Almanor.
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5. Lake Britton
Lake Britton, California, USA
Technically a reservoir, Lake Britton is a picturesque body of water located in Shasta County. Lake Britton has campgrounds and boat launch access. Kayakers and boaters will enjoy exploring this scenic lake that has a dam as well as a bridge going over it. If you’re just passing through, drive over the Lake Britton Bridge on your way to the Burney Creek Pier.
Consider staying the night here if you plan on visiting all nine lakes. There are plenty of campgrounds, as well as some nearby rental properties.
6. Black Butte Lake
Black Butte Lake, California, USA
This man-made lake is situated on the west side of the Sacramento Valley, not far from Orland. This tranquil lake has 40 miles of shoreline and 20 miles of hiking trails that surround the lake. Park at the day-use area called Buckhorn Recreation Area where you’ll find a playground and exercise area plus toilets and campsites.
7. Lake Pillsbury
Lake Pillsbury, California 95469, USA
The scenery changes quite a bit from Black Butte Lake to Lake Pillsbury. At an elevation of 1,818 feet, Lake Pillsbury is the largest lake in Mendocino National Forest. We love swimming and relaxing on the shores of this picturesque lake. Definitely include this lake on your road trip, especially since it may not be around forever!
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8. Lake Mendocino
Lake Mendocino, California 95482, USA
This beautiful blue lake is located just north of wine country, and near the city of Ukiah. Explore the area on the many hiking trails, or fish for smallmouth bass, strippers, and catfish. Lake Mendocino has more than 300 campsites to choose from, but for day use head to the northwest side of the lake. The Pomo Day Use Area has picnic tables, restrooms, and is a good place to swim.
9. Lake Sonoma
Lake Sonoma, California, USA
Drive south from Lake Mendocino on U.S. 101 and in an hour you’ll reach Lake Sonoma. This wine-country lake is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. On the drive to Lake Sonoma from the U.S. 101 exit you’ll pass several wineries. Why not enjoy a tasting and buy a bottle of wine to enjoy by the lakeside? We recommend Dutcher Crossing Winery. The property is stunning and they don’t require reservations for a tasting. Stop by the Lake Sonoma Overlook to take in incredible views of the lake.
If you turn this list of amazing lakes into a road trip, share your vacation pictures on our Only in Northern California Facebook Page and tell us how it went! This list only scratches the surface of all the small, lesser-known lakes in Northern California. But it’s a good start! And hopefully, we’ve piqued your interest in some new lakes with this list. Tell us, which NorCal lakes would you want to visit on a road trip?
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