Known for being one of the prettiest bodies of water in Northern California, Lake Shasta is made up of the Squaw, Sacramento, McCloud and Pit Rivers. Along one side, the water is held back by the second-biggest dam in the United States. Altogether, the pristine waters of Shasta Lake take up a surface area of 30,000 acres. From jet skiing along the water to exploring the shoreline, visitors to the lake can enjoy a wide range of activities.
1. Explore the Shasta Caverns
One of the best areas to explore at the lake is the Shasta Caverns. These caverns can only be reached by boat, but they are worth the trip. Outside of the visitor center, you can pay your admission price. From there, you will spend two hours touring one of the prettiest limestone caverns in the area. Explore the different chambers, learn about the geology of the caverns and discover local wildlife while you enjoy one of the lake's best attractions.
2. Vacation With Lake Shasta Houseboat Rentals
To truly experience the lake, you have to spend some time on the water. One of the top ways to enjoy the clear waters is through Lake Shasta houseboat rentals. Offered in luxury or compact options, these houseboats allow you to live, sleep and explore from your floating palace. To make your stay even more unique, rent a kayak or jet ski to find narrow inlets and lagoons throughout the lake. In the evening, you can relax as you grill up fish on the top deck's grill. During warmer weather, rent a houseboat that includes a water slide for an even more interactive swimming experience.
3. Hike Through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Once you dock your houseboat, you can begin exploring the national forest on foot. The United States Forest Service offers multiple boat ramps, hiking trails and campgrounds around Lake Shasta. To check one of the most popular trails, check out the Fisherman's Point Trail. Open during the spring, summer and fall, this trail spans just half a mile in length. During summertime, make sure to pack plenty of water as you discover the native fauna and flora.
4. Discover the Shasta Dam
As the second-largest dam in the United States, Shasta Dam gets a regular stream of visitors. After checking out the visitors center, schedule a free tour of the upper part of the dam. Daily tours are offered throughout the year, but make sure to arrive early to reserve a spot. In total, this impressive dam spans 602 feet in height and 3,460 feet in width. During certain times of year, you can also watch ospreys nesting nearby through a webcam.
5. Water Skiing
While a houseboat is the best way to experience the lake, you may want to rent a faster speedboat to skim across the waves. Boating allows you to enjoy the scenery and see hidden spots along the lake. Boats can be rented at the same time as your houseboat. For an even more enjoyable experience, bring along water skis or rent water skiing equipment with your boat. This activity is especially popular in the Jones Valley and Sacramento Arm sections of the lake.
6. Snag a Fish
Anglers love fishing on the lake because trophy-sized bass are a regular occurrence. Plus, you can catch a three- to ten-pound trout in season. Other than bass and trout, fishermen can expect to find salmon, catfish, bluegills, crappie and sturgeon. Before you start fishing, make sure to buy a fishing license from one of the resorts along the lake's shorelines.
7. Discover the Beauty of the McCloud Arm
One of the most beautiful sections of Shasta Lake is near the McCloud Arm. At this location, you can see where the gray rocks were made from the ocean long ago. Near this area, you can also find the Shasta Caverns. Make a day trip to check out the scenery of the McCloud Arm and wander the caverns after lunch.
8. Check Out the Sundial Bridge at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Placed across the Sacramento River, the Sundial Bridge reaches into the heart of Redding, California. This 2004 bridge links two sections of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. It includes one of the largest working sundials in the world that records four hours of the day. From this spot, you can go hiking at one of the many paths in the Sacramento River Trail System or at the 300-acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
9. Swimming at the Lake
For a simple, relaxing experience, try swimming through the clear waters of the lake. While the lake does not have a designated swimming area, you can always swim off the sides of your houseboat or along the lake's shoreline. During the hot summer months, the lake is a popular spot for visitors who want to cool off while enjoying the lake's natural beauty.
From exploring the Shasta Caverns to houseboating along the crystalline waters, Shasta Lake offers a wide range of activities. Whether you are want the adventure of a lifetime or a relaxing vacation, you can enjoy all of the amenities that the lake has to offer.
Get more information:
Check out our Shasta Lake Houseboat Destination page
Learn more about Houseboat Rental Vacations with our COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HOUSEBOAT VACATIONS IN AMERICA
