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Exploring the beautiful nature of California


California Nature:   Shasta Lake


Lake Shasta, also called Shasta Lake, is an artificial lake created by the construction of Shasta Dam across the Sacramento River in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest of Shasta County, California. The lake has an elevation of 1,067 feet, and a surface area of 30,000 acres, making it the state's largest reservoir, and its third largest body of water after Lake Tahoe and the Salton Sea.

This wonderful lake has 47 square miles of surface area and 365 miles of shoreline. A beautiful lake, the scenery is especially brilliant near Shasta Dam. Shasta Lake is located in northern California about 10 miles north of Redding, California.

Shasta Dam was constructed between 1935 and 1945, while the lake was formed in 1948. It became the second largest dam, and tallest concrete dam in the United States. Known as the keystone of the Central Valley Project, outflow from Shasta Dam provides electricity and irrigation for widespread areas of California below the dam as well as flood control for the Sacramento River during the rainy season.
Lake Shasta is an important part of Californa nature Beneath the lake is the submerged town of Kennett, defunct tunnels and right of way of the Southern Pacific Transportation Company, parts of which can be seen when the water level is low.

Shasta Lake is popular for boating, water skiing, camping, house boating, and fishing. Formed by the damming of the Sacramento River, Pit River, McCloud River and several smaller tributaries, the lake has 365 miles of mostly steep mountainous shoreline covered with tall evergreen trees and Manzanita. The maximum depth is 517 feet.

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.

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.

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.

Picnic facilities are available at Fisherman's Point, near Shasta Dam; Bailey Cove; and Dekkas Rock. Each has tables, stoves, and restrooms.
Lake Shasta is especially beautiful near Shasta Dam 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.

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.

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.

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife including squirrels, foxes, eagles, and deer as well as mountain lions, black bear, and rattlesnakes. Although danger to humans is minimal, pay attention to posted information and instructions regarding potential dangers.

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is also home to a variety of vegetation including the unfriendly Poison Oak. Contact with Poison Oak may cause an itchy, red rash that can be aggravated by heat and water. Please, pay attention to posted information on how to identify and avoid contact with Poison Oak.

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.
 
 
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