Driving Directions • DFG Sierra District
Lakes, Ponds & Reservoirs
Excerpted from California Department of Fish & Game’s Tracks Magazine (2001)
Compiled by Patrick Konoske 04/27/06
(I cannot vouch for the accuracy of these directions. Use with discretion and at your own risk.)
Other Sections: Sierra District Rivers, Streams & Creeks • Sierra District Lakes, Ponds & Reservoirs
North Central District Rivers, Streams & Creeks
(List is in alphabetical order by name.)
| ANTELOPE RESERVOIR | From Greenville, on Hwy 89, go south 5 miles to Beckwourth Greenville Road. Turn east, go 16 miles to Indian Creek Road. Turn north, go 10 miles to information station at reservoir. |
| BAILEY RESERVOIR | From Adin, on Hwy 299, go south 1 mile to Hwy 139. Turn south, go 20 miles to Said Valley Reservoir. Just past reservoir, turn east on Termo-Grasshopper Road, go 6 miles, watch for sign to reservoir. |
| BALCH PARK LAKE (Lower) | From Hwy 99, at Tipton, take Hwy 190 E past Porterville to Springville. At east side of Springville turn north on Road J-37/Balch Park Drive, go 2.4 miles. Turn northeast on Road 220, go 14 miles to Balch Park. |
| BALCH PARK LAKE (Upper) | From Hwy 99, at Tipton, take Hwy 190 E past Porterville to Springville. At east side of Springville turn north on Road J-37/Balch Park Drive, go 2.4 miles. Turn northeast on Road 220, go 14 miles to Balch Park. |
| BASS LAKE | From Fresno, on Hwy 41, go north 47 miles, through Oakhurst, to Yosemite Forks. Turn east, go 4 miles on Road 222, bear right at “Y” to The Forks. |
| BAUM LAKE | From Burney, on Hwy 299, go east 8 miles (past Hwy 89 junction). Turn south toward Cassel/Crystal Lake Hatchery, go 2 miles to hatchery turnoff. [1] Turn east, go 1 mile to lake. [2] Continue on Cassel Road 1 mile to Hat Creek crossing at Cassel. Turn left on dirt road, just before canal, for access downstream toward lake. |
| BAYLEY RESERVOIR | From Main St. (Hwy 395), in Alturas, travel west on Carlos Ave. to Westside Road (West Ave.). Turn south, go 6.7 miles to County Road 60. Turn west, go 7 miles to County Road 62. Turn south, go 4 miles to reservoir. |
| BEAR RIVER RESERVOIR (Lower) |
From Jackson, at junction Hwy’s 49-88, go east 47 miles on Hwy 88 to USFS Road 8N03. Turn south, go 2 miles to lake. |
| BEARDSLEY RESERVOIR | From Sonora, on Hwy 108, go east 36 miles to USFS Road 5N02. Turn north, go 5.2 miles to lake. |
| BLACK BUTTE RESERVOIR | From Orland, on Hwy I-5, take Black Butte Lake exit. Go west 10 miles on Newville Road (Road 200) to the lake. |
| BLUE LAKE | From Likely, on Hwy 395, go east 8 miles on Jess Valley Road. Turn south on Blue Lake Road, cross South Fork Pit River. Follow signs, go 8 miles to lake. |
| BLUE LAKE (Lower) | From Meyers, at junction Hwy’s 50-89, take Hwy 89 S, go 11 miles to junction with Hwy 88. Turn west, go 2.5 miles on Hwy 88 to Blue Lakes Road. Turn south, go 12 miles to Lower Blue Lake. Road. Turns N, 2 more miles, to Upper Blue Lake. |
| BLUE LAKE (Upper) | From Meyers, at junction Hwy’s 50-89, take Hwy 89 S, go 11 miles to junction with Hwy 88. Turn west, go 2.5 miles on Hwy 88 to Blue Lakes Road. Turn south, go 12 miles to Lower Blue Lake. Road. Turns N, 2 more miles, to Upper Blue Lake. |
| BOCA RESERVOIR | From Truckee, on Hwy I-80, go east 6 miles. Turn north on Stampede Meadows Road, go 1.5 miles to reservoir. |
| BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR | From Bridgeport, at junction Hwy’s 182-395, take Hwy 182 N, go 5 miles to dam, lake on west side of road. |
| BRILES RESERVOIR | From Davis Creek, on Hwy 395 north of Alturas, take County Road 11, go east 2.2 miles Take northeast fork and go 5 miles. Turn north at Briles Reservoir sign, go 1 mile, then take southwest fork to reservoir. |
| BUCKS LAKE | From downtown Quincy, on Hwy’s 70-89, go west 16 miles on Bucks Lake Road. To lake. Beyond Meadow Valley this road becomes steep, winding, and narrow for about 3 miles, the grade and turns are easier on the logging road, to left about a mile past Meadow Valley. |
| BULLSEYE LAKE | From McCloud, on Hwy 89, go SE 16.2 miles (just beyond Bartle) to Forest Road 15 (Medicine Lake Road). Turn north, go 4.2 miles, then turn northeast at sign “Hambone Lake/Medicine Lake” onto Forest Road 49. Go 24.4 miles to USFS Road 43N17 (easy to miss, if you come to Road 97 go back 0.4 miles, turn L). Turn right, go 1 mile on dirt road, then turn right at sign, go 0.3 miles to lake. |
| BURNSIDE LAKE | From Meyers, at junction Hwy’s 50-89, take Hwy 89 S, go 11 miles to junction of Hwy’s 88-89. Go straight, south on dirt road, at this intersection, 5.5 miles to lake. |
| CAPLES LAKE | From Jackson, at junction Hwy’s 49-88, Take Hwy 88 E, go 62 miles (past Silver Lake and Kirkwood) to lake on R. |
| CARIBOU LAKE | From Westwood, near Lake Almanor, on Hwy 36, take County Road A-21 north 9 miles to Silver Lake Road [1] Turn left, go 5 miles along Susan River to fork. Bear right, go 0.5 miles Watch for sign to lake. [2] Go 0.5 miles past Silver lake Sign to Caribou Lake. |
| CASTLE LAKE | From Hwy I-5, take Central Mt. Shasta exit, go west to Old Stage Road (Stop sign across from entry to Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery). Turn south, go to Box Canyon Dam. Cross dam, go 0.5 miles, turn left at sign to Castle Lake. Go 7 miles to lake. |
| CHERRY LAKE | From Groveland, on Hwy 120, go east 14 miles to USFS Road 1N07. Turn north, go 26 miles to lake. Alternate access: Buchanan Road/Cottonwood Road (USFS Road 1N04) out of Tuolumne City, 31 miles |
| CLEAR LAKE | From Alturas, on Hwy 395, go south 19 miles to Jess Valley Road. Turn east, go 9 miles to junction with Blue Lake Road Bear left, go 2.5 miles to USFS road at Jess Valley. Turn east, go 2 miles to Mill Creek Falls campground, hike about 0.25 miles to lake. |
| CONVICT LAKE | From Bishop, on Hwy 395, go north 34 miles to Convict Lake Road (across from airport). Turn west, go 2 miles to resort and lake. |
| CORRINE LAKE | From Fresno, on Hwy 99, take Hwy 41 N, go 28 miles to Road 200 (North Fork turnoff). Turn east, go 16.5 miles to Road 222 (Auberry Road). Turn south, go 2.4 miles to Road 235 (Redinger Lake Road). Turn east on dirt road, go 3.6 miles to lake. |
| COURTRIGHT RESERVOIR | From Fresno, on Hwy 99, take Hwy 168 E, go 51 miles to Dinkey Creek Road (just before Shaver Lake). Turn east, go 12 miles to McKinley Grove Road (Forest Road 40). Turn east, go 21 miles, bear left at Wishon turnoff onto Courtright Road, continue to reservoir. |
| CRATER LAKE | From Old Station, on Hwy 89, take Hwy 44 SE, go 25 miles to Bogard Ranger Station & Rest Area. Turn north just past Ranger Station and go 7 miles to lake. |
| CROWLEY LAKE | From Bishop, on Hwy 395, go north 31 miles. Turn east on Crowley Lake Road, go 0.3 miles to lake. |
| DARRAH CREEK POND | From Redding, on Hwy I-5, take Hwy 44 E, go 20 miles to Black Butte Road. Turn south, go 9 miles, follow signs to Darrah Springs Hatchery, pond is outside hatchery grounds on west side. |
| DAVIS LAKE | From Portola, on Hwy 70, take Davis Road N, go 7 miles to dam. Turn north on Grizzly Road. To campground/ramp. |
| DIAZ LAKE | From Lone Pine, on Hwy 395, go south 3 miles to lake, on west side just past Hwy 136 junction. |
| DONNER LAKE | From Hwy 89 S, I-80 junction west of Truckee, turn north, go 0.2 miles to Donner Pass Road Go west 1.1 miles, cross freeway to lake and State Park on south side of road. |
| DUNCAN RESERVOIR | From Canby, on Hwy 299, go west 1 mileto Hwy 139. Turn northwest, go 6.5 miles to Loveness Road. Turn north, cross RR track, then go 0.2 miles. Turn right on cinder road, go 1.2 miles to fork. Bear left to reservoir. |
| EAGLE LAKE | From Susanville, on Hwy 36, go west 2.3 miles. Turn north on Lassen County Road A-1, go 18 miles to lake. [1] South access at Gallatin Beach or along Road A-1. [2] North access from Road A-1 or Hwy 139. |
| ECHO LAKE | From Westwood, on Hwy 36, take County Road A-21 N, go 9 miles to Silver Lake Road. Turn left along Susan River, go 5 miles to fork. Bear left, go 6.4 miles (past Shotoverin Lake) to Echo Lake. |
| ECHO LAKE (Tahoe Basin) (Lower & Upper) |
From Meyers, on Hwy 50, go west 5 miles to Little Norway. Turn north on Echo Drive-Echo Summit Road, go 1.5 miles to lake. |
| EDISON LAKE | From Fresno, on Hwy 99, take Hwy 168 E, go 71 miles to east end of Huntington Lake. Turn east on Kaiser Pass Road, go 5.7 miles to one-lane road, continue 10.3 miles to Mile High Ranger Station, keep going, 3 miles to Florence Lake junction. Turn north, go 4 miles, cross stream just below dam, go 2 miles to campground/parking at lake. |
| EL DORADO FOREBAY | From Pollock Pines, on Hwy 50, take Sly Park exit. Turn north, go 0.2 miles to Pony Express Trail. Turn west, go 0.2 miles to Forebay Road. Turn north, go 0.7 miles to forebay. |
| ELLERY LAKE | From Lee Vining, at junction Hwy’s 120-395, take Hwy 120 W (Tioga Pass Hwy), go 13 miles, up long grade, to lake on south side of road. |
| FALLEN LEAF LAKE | From Sacramento, Hwy 50 E to So. Lake Tahoe area. Take Hwy 89 N, past Camp Richardson. Look for Fallen Leaf Road on left. |
| FEE RESERVOIR | From Cedarville, on Hwy 299, turn north on Surprise Valley Road, go 26 miles to Fort Bidwell. Turn east on Fee Reservoir Road and go 9 miles to reservoir. |
| FLORENCE LAKE | From Fresno, on Hwy 99, take Hwy 168 E, go 71 miles, to east end of Huntington Lake. Turn east on Kaiser Pass Road, go 5.7 miles to one-lane road, continue 10.3 miles to Mile High Ranger Station, keep going, 8 miles to lake, bear right at Edison Lake turnoff, follow signs. |
| FRENCH MEADOWS RESERVOIR | From Auburn, on Hwy I-80, go northeast 2 miles |
| FRENCHMAN RESERVOIR | From Sierraville, on Hwy 49-89, take Hwy 49 N, go 25 miles to Hwy 70 at Vinton. Turn east, go 2 miles to Chilcoot. Turn north, go 7 miles on Frenchman Road, then east across dam to campsites. |
| FULLER LAKE | From Truckee, on Hwy I-80, go west 24 miles to Hwy 20. Take Hwy 20 W 4.3 miles to Bowman Lake Road. Turn north and follow signs 3 miles to lake, rocky entry road. |
| GOLD LAKE | From Downieville, on Hwy 49, go 16 miles east to Bassetts. Turn north on Lakes Basin Road (Gold Lake Forest Hwy.), go 6.8 miles to Gold Lake Road. Turn northwest, go 0.4 miles, then turn north, 0.3 miles to lake. |
| GRACE LAKE | From Shingletown, on Hwy 44, take Wilson Hill Road south, go 1.6 miles. Turn east (left) on dirt PG&E access road. [1] Go 1.5 miles to Grace Lake. [2] Turn right at Grace Lake, follow pipeline 0.8 miles to Nora Lake. [3] Keswick Canal flows into east end of Nora Lake. |
| GRANT LAKE | From Hwy 395, 66 miles north of Bishop, turn west on north end of June Lake Loop (Hwy 158), go 5 miles to Grant Lake Marina sign. |
| GULL LAKE | From Hwy 395, 60 miles north of Bishop, turn southwest at south end of June Lake Loop (Hwy 158). Go 3 miles to June Lake Village. Turn north to campground and boat ramp. |
| GUMBOOT LAKE | Form Hwy I-5, take Central Mt. Shasta exit, go west to Old Stage Road (Stop sign across from entry to Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery). Turn south, bear right on W.A. Barr Road, 3 miles to fork with Castle Lake Road Bear right on USFS 40N30 (Road#26), across Box Canyon Dam, around lake Siskiyou, and up South Fork Road (about 16 miles), to Gumboot Lake turnoff. Turn left to lake. |
| HAIWEE RESERVOIR | From Lone Pine, on Hwy 395, go south 23 miles to Olancha. Approx. 3 miles south of Olancha, turn east on dirt road, go 1 mile to lake. |
| HALSEY FOREBAY | From Auburn, on Hwy I-80, go east 7.5 miles to Placer Hills Road Exit, cross freeway, go 0.7 miles to Bancroft Way. Turn west, go 0.8 miles to parking lot by lake. |
| HEENAN LAKE | From Meyers, at junction Hwy’s 50-89, take Hwy 89 S, go 11 miles to junction of Hwy’s 88-89. Turn east, go 6 miles to Woodfords. Turn south, go 12 miles on Hwy 89 (past Markleeville) to junction with Hwy 4. Turn east, continue on Hwy 89 toward Monitor Pass, go 4 miles up steep hill, turn right at Heenan Wildlife Area to parking lot. |
| HELL HOLE RESERVOIR | From Auburn, on Hwy I-80, go northeast 2 miles to Auburn-Foresthill Road. Turn east, go 18 miles to Mosquito Ridge Road at Foresthill. Turn east, go 36 miles, continuing on Road 96 to French Meadows Reservoir Cross dam, continue on Road 48, go 10 miles (bear left at campground on Long Canyon Creek.) to lake. |
| HERRING CREEK RESERVOIR | From Strawberry, on Hwy 108, go east 2 miles; [1] Turn right on Herring Creek Road (USFS Road 4N12), go northeast 7 miles, at “Y”, bear right to stream and campground. [2] From campground continue east 1 mile to reservoir. |
| HUME LAKE | From Fresno, on Hwy 99, take Hwy 180 E, go 52 miles to entrance to Kings Canyon National Park, continue 1.7 miles to fork at STOP (Generals Highway). Turn north (past Wilsonia and Grant Grove Village), continue east on Hwy 180, 7.6 miles to Hume Lake sign. Turn east, go 3.2 miles, stay right to lake. |
| HUNTINGTON LAKE | From Fresno, on Hwy 99, take Hwy 168 E, go 71 miles (past Shaver Lake) to east end of Huntington Lake. Turn west, Huntington Lake Road runs along north shore. |
| ICE HOUSE RESERVOIR | From Pollock Pines, on Hwy 50, go east 9 miles to Ice House Road, near Riverton. Turn north on Ice House Road, toward Crystal Basin, go 10.5 miles to Ice House Reservoir turn-off. [1] Turn east, go 1.5 miles to Ice House Reservoir. [2] Stay on Ice House Road, go 5.5 miles farther. Turn west, go 1.5 miles to Union Valley Reservoir. [3] Continue on Ice House Road, go 13 miles farther to Loon Lake Road. Turn east, go 5 miles to fork in road, then turn east to lake. |
| INDIAN CREEK RESERVOIR | From Meyers, at junction Hwy’s 50-89, take Hwy 89 S, go 11 miles to junction of Hwy’s 88-89. Turn east, go 6 miles to Woodfords. Turn south, go 4 miles on Hwy 89 to Airport Road. Turn east, go 3.6 miles to lake. |
| IRON CANYON RESERVOIR | From Montgomery Creek, on Hwy 299, go east 1.5 miles to Big Bend Road . Turn north, go 17 miles to Big Bend, continue northwest on main road 6 miles to reservoir, narrow, winding road. |
| JACKSON MEADOWS RESERVOIR | From Truckee, at junction Hwy’s 89 N, I-80, take Hwy 89 N, go 14.4 miles to Jackson Meadow Road. Turn west, go 16.7 miles to lake. |
| JENKINSON LAKE (SLY PARK RESERVOIR) |
From Pollock Pines, on Hwy 50, take Sly Park Road exit, go south 4 miles to lake. |
| JUNE LAKE | From Hwy 395, 60 miles north of Bishop, turn southwest at south end of June Lake Loop (Hwy 158), go 2.5 miles to knoll (just before June Lake Village). Turn north, go 200 yards, then turn right onto Brenner St., the marina is just ahead. |
| KILARC RESERVOIR | From Shingletown, on Hwy 44, go west 3 miles to Ponderosa Way . Turn north, go 1.5 miles to Withrow Road (Inwood Road). Turn left, go 0.5 miles to Ponderosa Way. Turn right, go 11.3 miles to Whitmore Road (at CDF Station). Turn east (right), go 0.5 miles to Fern Road East. Turn north (left), go 2.3 miles to Kilarc Reservoir Road. Turn right (east), uphill on dirt road, go 3.4 miles to reservoir. |
| KINNEY RESERVOIR | From Meyers, at junction Hwy’s 50-89, take Hwy 89 S, go 11 miles to junction of Hwy’s 88-89. Turn east, go 6 miles to Woodfords. Turn south, go 12 miles on Hwy 89 (past Markleeville) to junction with Hwy 4. Continue straight on Hwy 4 for 13 miles Reservoir alongside highway, 0.5 miles east of Ebbetts Pass. Steep, narrow, winding road last several miles. Limited parking. Trail access to Lower and Upper Kinney Lakes from here. |
| KIRKWOOD LAKE | From Kirkwood, on Hwy 88 (between Silver and Caples lakes), go west 0.7 miles. Turn north on a narrow, winding road, go 0.3 miles to campsites/lake. |
| KIRMAN LAKE | Located southwest of junction of Hwy’s 108-395. Access, across private posted land, by foot or mountain bike. Respect landowner, overuse or abuse could jeopardize access. |
| LAKE ALMANOR | From Chester, on Hwy 36, many approaches from Hwy’s 36, 89, 147, and Road A-13, which circle the lake. |
| LAKE ALPINE | From Angels Camp, on Hwy 4, go east 51 miles Lake borders highway on south side. |
| LAKE BRITTON | From Redding, on Hwy I-5, take Hwy 299 E, go 56 miles to Hwy 89. Turn north, go 10 miles to Old Highway Road, then: [1] Go west 1 mile to lake. [2] Continue north on Hwy 89 and watch for campground signs. |
| LAKE GEORGE | From Hwy 395, turn west on Mammoth Lakes Road (Hwy 203), go 3.8 miles to Lake Mary Road. Turn west, go 3.0 miles to Y (at Lake Mary). Turn right, go 0.3 miles, then L 0.4 miles to Lake George, uphill between lakes Mary and Mamie. |
| LAKE MAMIE | From Hwy 395, turn west on Mammoth Lakes Road (Hwy 203), go 3.8 miles to Lake Mary Road. Turn west, go 3 miles to Y. [1] Road goes around Lake Mary. [2] At “Y”, turn right, go, 0.5 miles to Lake Mamie. |
| LAKE MARY | From Hwy 395, turn west on Mammoth Lakes Road (Hwy 203), go 3.8 miles to Lake Mary Road. Turn west, go 3 miles to Y. [1] Road goes around Lake Mary. [2] At “Y”, turn right, go, 0.5 miles to Lake Mamie. |
| LAKE SISKIYOU | From Hwy I-5, take Central Mt. Shasta exit, go west to Old Stage Road (Stop sign across from entry to Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery). Turn south, bear right on W.A. Barr Road, 3 miles to fork with Castle Lake Road Bear right on USFS 40N30 (Road#26), go across Box Canyon Dam and around lake, or enter at campground. |
| LAKE TAHOE | From Tahoe City, on Hwy 89, go south 10.5 miles to Homewood. |
| LAKE VALLEY RESERVOIR | From Auburn, on Hwy I-80, go east 45 miles to Yuba Gap exit. Turn south, go 0.2 miles. Turn south again, go 1.5 miles to lake, road well signed. |
| LAUREL LAKES | From Hwy 395, turn west on Mammoth Lakes Road (Hwy 203), go 2.8 miles to Sherwin Creek Road. Turn left, go 4.5 miles SE to Laurel Canyon Road Caution! Only high clearance 4X4’s from here to lakes. Turn south, go 5 miles up steep, rocky narrow USFS road, may be closed by snow until July. |
| LILY LAKE | From New Pine Creek, on Hwy 395 at Oregon border, turn east on County Road 2, travel 8 miles, up steep grade, to Lily Lake sign. Turn left, go 0.2 miles to lake. |
| LITTLE GRASS VALLEY RESERVOIR | From Marysville, at junction Hwy’s 20-70, take Hwy 20 E, go 12 miles to County Road E-21/Browns Valley turnoff. Turn north, go 20 miles to La Porte Road. Turn east, go through Brownsville, continue on E-21, La Porte Road about 25 miles to La Porte. Go beyond town 3.5 miles, turn northwest on Little Grass Valley Road, road forks soon after turn, go north 3 miles to east shore campground, continue west to other access sites. |
| LITTLE MEDICINE LAKE | From McCloud, on Hwy 89, go SE 16 miles to Bartle, continue past Bartle 0.2 miles to Forest Road 15 (Medicine Lake Road). Turn north, go 4.2 miles to sign to Hambone Lake/Medicine Lake. Turn northeast onto Forest Road 49, go 26.4 miles to intersection. Turn left, go 0.3 miles to STOP. [1] Turn left to boat ramp on Medicine Lake. [2] Turn right, go 1.4 miles, around Medicine Lake, to road and sign to Little Medicine Lake. Turn north, go 100 yards to lake. |
| LONG LAKE | From Susanville, on Hwy 36, go west 5 miles to Hwy 44. [1] Turn northwest on Hwy 44, go 10 miles to McCoy Flat Reservoir on south side of Hwy. [2] Continue 2.5 miles on Hwy 44 to Long Lake on south side of Hwy. (just before RR Xing). |
| LOON LAKE | From Pollock Pines, on Hwy 50, go east 9 miles to Ice House Road, near Riverton. Turn north on Ice House Road, toward Crystal Basin, go 10.5 miles to Ice House Reservoir turn-off. [1] Turn east, go 1.5 miles to Ice House Reservoir. [2] Stay on Ice House Road, go 5.5 miles farther. Turn west, go 1.5 miles to Union Valley Reservoir. [3] Continue on Ice House Road, go 13 miles farther to Loon Lake Road. Turn east, go 5 miles to fork in road, then turn east to lake. |
| LUNDY LAKE | From Lee Vining, on Hwy 395, go north 7.4 miles to Lundy Lake Road [1] Turn west, go 3 miles to creek. [2] Go 0.5 miles farther to lake. |
| LYONS RESERVOIR | Hwy 108, 6 miles east of Twain Harte, 1 mile past Sierra Village, turn north on USFS 3N14, go 2 miles reservoir. |
| MAMMOTH POOL RESERVOIR | From Fresno, on Hwy 99, take Hwy 41 N, go 28 miles to Road 200 (North Fork turnoff). Turn east, go 19 miles to North Fork. Turn east, go through town of South Fork, continue 40 miles (past Fish & Rock creeks) on Mammoth Pool Road (Minarets Road, Forest Road 81), road crosses West Fork Chiquito Creek then crosses Chiquito Creek to junction with Road 6S25. Turn south (right), go 5 miles to reservoir, past camps along Chiquito Creek. |
| MANZANITA LAKE | From Redding, on Hwy I-5, take Hwy 44 E, go 43 miles to Lassen Peak Road (Hwy 89 S). Turn southeast, go 0.5 miles to lake on right, secondary road 0.5 miles past entrance to SE end of lake. |
| MARTIS LAKE | From downtown Truckee, off Hwy I-80, go south 4 miles on Hwy 267 (Road. To Kings Beach at Lake Tahoe), go past airport. Just before crossing Martis Creek, turn north to lake. |
| McCLOUD RESERVOIR | From McCloud, on Hwy 89, go south 10 miles on Squaw Valley Road. To lake, road continues across dam and up east side to Star City Creek arm. |
| McCOY FLAT RESERVOIR | From Susanville, on Hwy 36, go west 5 miles to Hwy 44. [1] Turn northwest on Hwy 44, go 10 miles to McCoy Flat Reservoir on south side of Hwy. [2] Continue 2.5 miles on Hwy 44 to Long Lake on south side of Hwy. (just before RR Xing). |
| McCUMBER RESERVOIR | From Shingletown, on Hwy 44, go east 10 miles to McCumber Road . Turn north and go 2 miles to lake. |
| McLEOD (McCLOUD) LAKE | From Hwy 395, turn west on Mammoth Lakes Road (Hwy 203), go 3.8 miles to Lake Mary Road. Turn west, go 3.0 miles to Y, at Lake Mary. Turn right, go 1.6 miles (past Mamie and Horseshoe lakes), park at west end of lot. From information sign take trail 0.5 miles to lake, easy walk. |
| MEDICINE LAKE | From McCloud, on Hwy 89, go SE 16 miles to Bartle, continue past Bartle 0.2 miles to Forest Road 15 (Medicine Lake Road). Turn north, go 4.2 miles to sign to Hambone Lake/Medicine Lake. Turn northeast onto Forest Road 49, go 26.4 miles to intersection. Turn left, go 0.3 miles to STOP. [1] Turn left to boat ramp on Medicine Lake. [2] Turn right, go 1.4 miles, around Medicine Lake, to road and sign to Little Medicine Lake. Turn north, go 100 yards to lake. |
| MILTON RESERVOIR | From Truckee, at junction Hwy’s 89 N, I-80, take Hwy 89 N, go 14.4 miles to Jackson Meadow Road. Turn west, go 16.7 miles to Jackson Meadows Dam. Take dirt road, downhill from dam, go 1.5 miles to Milton Reservoir. |
| MOSQUITO LAKES (Upper and Lower) |
From Angels Camp, on Hwy 4, go east 54 miles Lakes are on south side of road at Pacific Summit, highway beyond Lake Alpine is steep, narrow, and winding. |
| NORA LAKE | From Shingletown, on Hwy 44, take Wilson Hill Road south, go 1.6 miles. Turn east (left) on dirt PG&E access road. [1] Go 1.5 miles to Grace Lake. [2] Turn right at Grace Lake, follow pipeline 0.8 miles to Nora Lake. [3] Keswick Canal flows into east end of Nora Lake. |
| NORTH BATTLE CREEK RESERVOIR | From Old Station, on Hwy 44-89, go southwest 12 miles. Turn west on red cinder road at sign “Red Lake-Big Lake-N. Battle Creek Reservoir”, go 2 miles to intersection. Turn left, go 1 mile to next intersection, bear right and go 3.3 miles to top of rise. Turn southharp R at intersection and go 0.5 miles to reservoir. |
| NORTH LAKE | From Bishop, on Hwy 395, take West Line St. (Hwy 168) west, go 19 miles to the North Lake sign. Turn north and continue on gravel Road. To lake, near Middle Fork Bishop Creek. |
| ORR LAKE | From Weed, on Hwy I-5, take Hwy 97 N, go 27.8 miles to Bray-Tennant Road. Turn southeastast, go 5 miles to “Y.” Turn east, toward Bray, go 3 miles At entrance to town, turn north toward Orr Mountain Lookout. Cross railroad track, turn right, then stay left on dirt road, go 2 miles to lake. |
| PACKER LAKE | From Downieville, on Hwy 49, go 16 miles east to Bassetts. Turn north on Lakes Basin Road (Gold Lake Forest Hwy.), go 1.4 miles to Sardine-Packer Lake Road. Turn west, go 0.2 miles, bear right at “Y” onto Packer Lake Road, go 2.8 miles At second Y (Sierra Buttes Road), bear right, go 0.5 miles to day-use area. |
| PINE CREEK RESERVOIR | From Alturas, at junction Hwy’s 299-395, take Hwy 395 S, go 1 mile to County Road 56 (CSAA map shows “Pine Creek Bl., Road 57” to powerhouse.). Turn east, go 0.5 miles to County Road 115. Turn south, go 2.6 miles to County Road 59. Turn east, follow road 0.7 miles, then turn east again and go 2.2 miles. Turn south at T, follow road 3.2 miles to reservoir. |
| PINECREST LAKE (Strawberry) | From Sonora, on Hwy 108, go east 24 miles to Pinecrest Road. Turn northeast, go 1.5 miles to lake. |
| PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR | From Bishop, on Hwy 395, go north 9 miles to Gorge Road. Turn east, go 0.5 miles to Y. Bear west, go 1 mile to yellow gate, continue 1.4 miles to boat ramp. |
| PORTAL FOREBAY | From Fresno, on Hwy 99, take Hwy 168 E, go 71 miles to east end of Huntington Lake. Turn east on Kaiser Pass Road, go 5.7 miles to one-lane road, Continue 7.3 miles to lake. |
| PROSSER RESERVOIR | From Truckee, at junction Hwy’s 89 N, I-80, take Hwy 89 N., go 1.5 miles to Prosser Reservoir turn off (USFS Road 18N74). Turn east, go 1 mile to campground, 2 miles to boat ramp. |
| RED LAKE | From Meyers, at junction Hwy’s 50-89, take Hwy 89 S, go 11 miles to junction with Hwy 88. Turn west on Hwy 88, go 6.5 miles (past Blue Lakes Road. Through scenic Hope Valley), access on west side of highway near dam. |
| REDWOOD LAKE (Balch Park) | From Hwy 99, at Tipton, take Hwy 190 E past Porterville to Springville. At east side of Springville turn north on Road J-37/Balch Park Drive, go 2.4 miles. Turn northeast on Road 220, go 14 miles to Balch Park. |
| RESERVOIR “C” | From Alturas, at junction Hwy’s 299-395, take Hwy 299 W, go 4 miles to Crowder Flat Road. Turn north, go 9.6 miles to sign to Round Valley, Reservoir “C”. Turn west and go 6.5 miles, follow sign to reservoir, just north of road. |
| RESERVOIR “F” | From Canby, on Hwy 299, go west 1 mile to Hwy 139. Turn northwest, go 6.5 miles to Loveness Road. Turn north, cross railroad track and go 4.5 miles. At “Y”, bear right (cross road leading to Hidden Basin/Williams Reservoir), go 2.8 miles to Y. Bear right (NE), go 3.5 miles to reservoir. |
| ROCK CREEK LAKE | From Bishop, on Hwy 395, go north 25 miles to Tom’s Place. Turn west on Rock Creek Lake Road [1] Go 8 miles to lake. [2] Go 1 mile past lake to stream. |
| ROLLINS RESERVOIR | From Colfax, on Hwy I-80, go east 5 miles to Rollins Lake Road Exit and go 2.6 miles to Long Ravine Road, then turn north to lake. |
| SABRINA LAKE | From Bishop, on Hwy 395, take West Line St. (Hwy 168) west, go 20 miles to lake. |
| SADDLEBAG LAKE | From Lee Vining, at junction Hwy’s 120-395, take Hwy 120 W (Tioga Pass Hwy.), go 14 miles, up long grade, to Saddlebag Lake Road [1] Turn north on dirt road, go 2.5 miles to lake. [2] Saddlebag Creek/Lee Vining Creek flows from lake along west side road. |
| SALMON LAKE (Upper) | From Downieville, on Hwy 49, go 16 miles east to Bassetts. Turn north on Lakes Basin Road(Gold Lake Forest Hwy.), go 4 miles to Salmon Lakes Road. Turn west, go 1.8 miles to lake. |
| SARDINE LAKE (Lower) | From Downieville, on Hwy 49, go 16 miles east to Bassetts. Turn north on Lakes Basin Road (Gold Lake Forest Hwy.), go 1.4 miles to Sardine-Packer Lake Road. Turn west, go 0.2 miles, bear left at “Y” onto Sardine Lakes Road, go 1.3 miles to lake. |
| SAWMILL POND | From So. Lake Tahoe at Hwy 50-89 junction, turn south on Lake Tahoe Blvd. Pond is 2.5 miles on left. |
| SCHAADS RESERVOIR | From Mokelumne Hill, at junction Hwy’s 49-26, take Hwy 26 E, go 14 miles to Associated Office Road (2 miles south of West Point). Turn southeast, go 0.5 miles. Turn south onto Railroad Flat Road, go 1 mile Turn east on Blue Mountain Road, go 3 miles. Turn north on USFS Road 6N03 at “Lodestar” sign, follow signs 1.3 miles to lake and resort. Pavement ends, dirt road slippery during wet weather. |
| SCOTTS FLAT RESERVOIR (Upper) | From Nevada City, on Hwy 20, go east 5 miles to Scotts Flat Road. Turn south, go 4.3 miles to lake. |
| SHASTA LAKE | From Redding, on Hwy I-5, [1] Go 23 miles north to Antlers, on the Sacramento River arm. [2] Take Hwy 299 E from Redding, go 34 miles At 1 mile west of Montgomery Creek, turn north on Fenders Ferry Road, go 8 miles to boat ramp on Pit river arm. |
| SHAVER LAKE | From Fresno, on Hwy 99, take Hwy 168 E, go 52 miles to just past Dinkey Creek Road Continue through town of Shaver to lake and campground access sites. |
| SHOTOVERIN LAKE | From Westwood, near Lake Almanor, on Hwy 36, take County Road A-21 north 9 miles to Silver Lake Road. Turn left, go 5 miles along Susan River, to fork. Bear left, go 1.4 miles to lake. (Go 5 miles farther to Echo Lake.) |
| SILVER LAKE (Amador County) |
From Jackson, at junction Hwy’s 49-88, take Hwy 88 E, go 50 miles, highway crosses spillway just beyond store. |
| SILVER LAKE (Lassen County) |
From Westwood, near Lake Almanor, on Hwy 36, take County Road A-21 north 9 miles to Silver Lake Road [1] Turn left, go 5 miles along Susan River to fork. Bear right, go 0.5 miles Watch for sign to lake. [2] Go 0.5 miles past Silver Lake Sign to Caribou Lake. |
| SILVER LAKE (June Lake Loop) |
From Lee Vining, at junction of Hwy’s 395-120, go south 4.3 miles to north end of June Lake Loop (Hwy 158). Turn southwest, go 10 miles (past Grant) to lake east of highway. |
| SMITH FLAT RESERVOIR | From Alturas, on Hwy 395, go south 26 miles, reservoir is on east side of road. |
| SNAG LAKE | From Downieville, on Hwy 49, go 16 miles east to Bassetts. Turn north on Lakes Basin Road (Gold Lake Forest Hwy.), go 5.7 miles to lake. |
| SOTCHER LAKE | From Hwy 395, turn west on Mammoth Lakes Road (Hwy 203), go 3.4 miles to Lake Mary Road. Turn north, continue 12 miles on Hwy 203/Minaret Road, through town, past Minaret Summit, down long grade to the San Joaquin River. Follow signs to Red’s Meadows, (past turnoff to Devils Postpile National Monument), lake is to left just past this fork. |
| SOUTH LAKE | From Bishop, on Hwy 395, take West Line St. (Hwy 168) west, go 17 miles to South Lake turn-off, continue on South lake Road for 6 miles to the lake. |
| SPAULDING RESERVOIR | From Truckee, on Hwy I-80, go west 24 miles to Hwy 20. Take Hwy 20 W, go 2 miles to Spaulding Lake Road. Turn north, go 0.7 miles to boat ramp, well signed, some dirt road. |
| STAMPEDE RESERVOIR | From Truckee, on Hwy I-80, go east 6 miles to Stampede Dam Truckee Road. Turn north, go 10 miles (past Boca Reservoir) to USFS Road 19N69 (Dog Valley Road). Turn west, go across dam, 1 mile to camp. |
| STARKWEATHER LAKE | From Hwy 395, turn west on Mammoth Lakes Road (Hwy 203), go 3.4 miles to Lake Mary Road. Turn north, continue 10 miles on Hwy 203/Minaret Road, through town, past Minaret Summit, down long grade to the San Joaquin River. The lake is on right between road and river. |
| STUMPY MEADOWS LAKE (Edson) | From Placerville, at junction Hwy’s 50-49, take Hwy 49 N, go 1 mile. Bear north on Hwy 193, go 16 miles to Georgetown. Turn east on Georgetown-Wentworth Springs Road, go 18.5 miles to lake. |
| SUGAR PINE RESERVOIR | From Auburn, on Hwy I-80, go north 2 miles to Forest Hill Road. Turn east, go 19 milesto Forest Hill. Continue on Forest Hill-Soda Springs Road, go 9 miles to Sugar Pine Road (Forest Road 10). Turn northwest, go 4.6 mi to Ranger Station. Turn west on Iowa Hill Road Go 2 miles to dam. Cross dam to Sucker Pear Road, campgrounds are on this road on north side of lake, boat ramp on south side. |
| TABEAUD RESERVOIR | From Jackson, at junction Hwy’s 49-88, take Hwy 49 S, go 0.5 miles to Clinton Road. Turn east, go 6 miles to lake. |
| TIGER CREEK AFTERBAY | From Jackson, at junction Hwy’s 49-88, take Hwy 88 E, go 14.5 miles (past Pioneer) to Buckhorn Road. Turn south, go 3 miles to lake. |
| TIOGA LAKE | From Lee Vining, at junction Hwy’s 120-395, take Hwy 120 W (Tioga Pass Hwy), go 18 miles, up long grade, to lake, just past resort, on SE side of road. |
| TOPAZ LAKE | From Bridgeport, on Hwy 395, go north 45 miles to California-Nevada state border, lake is in both states, on east side of highway. |
| TROUT LAKE | From Yreka, east on Hwy 3 to Montague, take Grenada-Montague Rd ½ mile to Bold Mt. Rd, then 2 1/2 m to Shasta Valley WLA. |
| TRUMBULL LAKE | From Lee Vining, on Hwy 395, go north 13 miles to top of Conway Summit. Turn west on Virginia Lakes Road, go 6 miles, toward Virginia Lakes. At fork bear right to Trumbull Campground, go through campground to lake north of road. (Upper and Lower Virginia Lakes are just up the road.) |
| TWIN LAKE (Lower) | From Bridgeport, on Hwy 395, turn west at north end of town onto Twin Lakes Road, 13 miles to Lower lake, 16 miles to Upper lake. |
| TWIN LAKE (Upper) | From Bridgeport, on Hwy 395, turn west at north end of town onto Twin Lakes Road, 13 miles to Lower lake, 16 miles to Upper lake. |
| TWIN LAKES (Mammoth) | From Hwy 395, turn west on Mammoth Lakes Road (Hwy 203), go 3.4 miles to Lake Mary Road. Turn west, go 2.2 miles to Tamarack Lodge, lower lake is across from lodge, upper lake is just beyond and connected by narrow channel. |
| UNION RESERVOIR | From Angels Camp, on Hwy 4, go east 42 miles to Spicer Reservoir Road (USFSRoad 7N0. Turn south, go 8 miles, (cross NF Stanislaus River) to Utica Reservoir turnoff (USFS Road 7N75). Turn north, go 0.5 miles Bear right at fork, go 0.5 miles to reservoir. |
| UNION VALLEY RESERVOIR | From Pollock Pines, on Hwy 50, go east 9 miles to Ice House Road, near Riverton. Turn north on Ice House Road, toward Crystal Basin, go 10.5 miles to Ice House Reservoir turn-off. [1] Turn east, go 1.5 miles to Ice House Reservoir. [2] Stay on Ice House Road, go 5.5 miles farther. Turn west, go 1.5 miles to Union Valley Reservoir. [3] Continue on Ice House Road, go 13 miles farther to Loon Lake Road. Turn east, go 5 miles to fork in road, then turn east to lake. |
| VIRGINIA LAKE (Lower) | From Lee Vining, on Hwy 395, go north 13 miles to top of Conway Summit. [1] Turn west on Virginia Lakes Road, go 6.5 miles to Lower Virginia Lake.,(turn-off on south side of road). [2] Upper lake just beyond at end of road. |
| VIRGINIA LAKE (Upper) | From Lee Vining, on Hwy 395, go north 13 miles to top of Conway Summit. [1] Turn west on Virginia Lakes Road, go 6.5 miles to Lower Virginia Lake.,(turn-off on south side of road). [2] Upper lake just beyond at end of road. |
| WALKER LAKE LITTLE | From Lee Vining, at junction of Hwy’s 395-120, go south 4.3 miles to north end of June Lake Loop (Hwy 158). Turn southwest, go 1.5 miles to Parker and Walker Lake Road. Turn north, go 1.5 miles to Walker Lake Trail Head Road, follow signs to parking area. Walk 1.5 miles to lake, past locked gate on vehicle trail. |
| WALTON LAKE | From Placerville, at junction Hwy’s 50-49, take Hwy 49 N, go 1.0 miles Bear north on Hwy 193, go 16 miles to Georgetown. Turn east on Georgetown-Wentworth Springs Road Go 5.5 miles, pass ranger station, to Darling Ridge Road. Turn south, 0.3 miles to lake. |
| WARD LAKE | From Fresno, on Hwy 99, take Hwy 168 E, go 71 miles, to east end of Huntington Lake. Turn east on Kaiser Pass Road, go 5.7 miles to one-lane road, continue 10.3 miles to Mile High Ranger Station, keep going, 5 more miles, at Edison Lake turnoff, bear right and follow signs toward Florence Lake. Lake on south side of road across from campground. |
| WEAVER LAKE | From Truckee, on Hwy I-80, go west 24 miles to Hwy 20. Take Hwy 20 W 4.3 miles to Bowman Lake Road. Turn north, go 16 miles to Graniteville Road, continue east 0.5 miles on Graniteville Road. Turn north on McMurray Lake Road, go 2 miles to Weaver Lake. |
| WEST VALLEY RESERVOIR | From Likely, on Hwy 395, turn east on Jess Valley Road, go 2.2 miles [1] Turn south at West Valley Reservoir sign, follow road 5.5 miles to reservoir. [2] Continue on Jess Valley Road 1.5 miles to Pit River crossing. |
| WHISKEYTOWN LAKE | From Redding, on Hwy I-5, take Hwy 299 W, go 10 miles to access sites along highway, or turn south at Visitor Center to Brandy Creek area. |
| WHITE PINES LAKE | From Murphys, on Hwy 4, go east 12 miles to Arnold. Bear northeast (left) on Blagen Road, go 1 mile (through White Pines) to the lake. |
| WISHON RESERVOIR | From Fresno, on Hwy 99, take Hwy 168 E, go 51 miles to Dinkey Creek Road (just before Shaver Lake). Turn east, go 13 miles to McKinley Grove Road (USFS 40). Turn east, go 16 miles, bear right at Courtright Road. To reservoir. |
| WOODS LAKE | From Meyers, at junction Hwy’s 50-89, take Hwy 89 S, go 11 miles to junction with Hwy 88. Turn west on Hwy 88, go 9.5 miles (through scenic Hope Valley, past Red Lake), cross Carson Pass and continue 1 mile to Woods Lake Road. Turn south, go 1 mile (road closed by snow in winter), then turn south again, go 1 mile to lake. |
| WRIGHTS LAKE | From Kyburz, on Hwy 50, go east 5 miles to Wrights Lake Road. Turn north, go 8 miles to campground. |