Recreation

 

Bicycling | Bird Watching | Fishing | Golfing | Horseback Riding | Hiking | Hunting | Water Sports

 

Bicycling

Bicycling is a favorite sport for many people visiting the Lake Almanor area. The surrounding forest land provides many miles of mountain bike trails. West of Highway 89, a Forest Service road leading to Humbolt Summit and Humbug Valley is also a popular ride. For visitors who just want to sight see while biking, the surrounding area has miles of paved country roads with spectacular views that appeal to road bicyclist of all ages. Many guests at the Dorado Inn enjoy leaving in the morning, riding along the highway into the nearest town of Chester for lunch and being back at the resort just in time for the dinner social hour.

Maps of some trails are available at Plumas National Forest (530) 283-2050. Further Information also available at Bodfish Bicycles in Chester (530) 258-2338

Annual biking events

 

Bird Watching

Viewing wildlife in their natural habitat is one of Lake Almanor's best and free attractions. Nearly 300 different bird species live in the surrounding National Forest. Among the most popular, and easy, species to observe are deer, bald eagles and waterfowl.

The best birding in the country is during the spring and fall, but interesting species can be found in any season. Spring visitors can spot White-faced Ibis, Sandhill Cranes, American Bitterns, Black-crowned Night-herons, geese and a variety of wild ducks. Sierra Valley, east of Portola, is one of the best known birding locations in the area. In the summer and fall, sights of Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, Prairie Falcons, Kestrels and Long-eared Owls are very common.

For a free Plumas County bird list call the Plumas County Visitors Bureau at 1-800-326-2247

 

Fishing

Lake almanor provides excellent year round fishing and is known for its trophy-size fish. The lake contains rainbow and brown trout, landlocked Chinook salmon, large-mouth bass, small-mouth bass, green sunfish, Sacramento perch, channel catfish and brown bullhead catfish.

Fishing limits are 5 trout/salmon (combination) per day, 10 in possession; 5 black bass (large or small-mouth) per day. Catfish and sunfish have no limit. The fish must be at least 12 inches long in order for you to take them back to the resort and enjoy them for dinner. Contact the Department of Fish and Game for more information.

Nearby Fishing Guide Services

 

Golfing

There are three golf courses located on the pristine shores of Lake Almanor and many more in the area. Golfers can usually enter the court without reservations, but it is best to reserve a space in advance during the busy summer season. Most of the courses offer a variety of fine dining services. Golfers can enjoy a nice meal or refreshment after golfing.

 

Horseback Riding

Many stables offer guided trips from hourly trips to overnight pack trips complete with meals. If riders want to experience the Old West, there is a horse-drawn wagon ride available. In winter, sleigh rides pulled by Belgian Draft Horses are also exciting. Visitors who bring their own horses will find plenty of trails and stables to accommodate them.

Hiking

There is not better way to enjoy the beauty of Lake Almanor than by foot. The Almanor Basin offers a myriad of hiking opportunities, including the paved Lake Almanor Recreation Trail that follows the west shore of the Lake. Lake Almanor is also close to some magnificent hikes in the Lassen Volcanic National Park and the nearby Caribou Wilderness Area

One of the most famous trails is Lake Almanor Recreational Trail.  It is 9.5 miles long and treks the west side of the beautiful lake.  For more detailed information and maps, call Lassen National Forest (530) 257-2151

 

Hunting

Deer, black bear, goose and duck hunting are the most popular activities for hunters in Lake Almanor and the surrounding area. The county ranks among the top five in the state for annual black bear harvest. The deer hunting is spread in three main zones: D3, X6a-b, C4. During the first week of the hunting season, there is some tremendous mountain quail hunting. Contact the Department of Fish and Game for more information.

 

Water Sports

Lake Almanor sits at 4500 foot elevation level, and offers more that 52 miles of shoeline. he average summer daytime temperature is 87 degrees, the water surface temperature is an average of 75 degrees and the water offers crystal clear visibility. It has excellent water conditions for all kinds of water sports. Water-skiing, boating and windsurfing are the most popular sports. Boats and Equipment may be rented from several nearby marinas.

 

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