Lake Almanor
Lake Almanor is located in Plumas County in northern California, just a few minute’s drive southeast of Lassen Volcanic National Park in Mineral, California, and just due east from St. Bernard Lodge in Mill Creek.
If you have set aside a couple of days while visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park or need some rest and relaxation from your tour of the national parks in the vicinity of Lassen, make sure to take a half or full day to enjoy the beauty and outdoor sports that Lake Almanor offers. It is the second largest manmade lake in California. Lake Almanor has excellent fishing, with fishing guides available year-round. In the summer, it is a go-to lake for many for fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, and just relaxing. Lake Almanor is at the top of the watershed and has not been negatively affected by the drought as Shasta and Lake Oroville.
Lake Almanor came into being in 1914 when the Great Western Power Company dammed the north fork of the Feather River. Before this, the Maidu Indians called it ìoy-ding-koyoî or Big Meadows. In 1848 Peter Lassen led a party through Big Meadows. At one time, there were many dairies and ranches dotted along the meadows. Now Lake Almanor is one of the largest man-made lakes in California and the largest in Plumas County. The Lake is 13 miles long and 6 miles wide, containing 52 miles of shoreline. Water temperature in the summer reaches 75 degrees F, which makes it great for water sports.
The Lake Almanor Recreation Trail runs nine and one-half miles along the west side of Lake Almanor. It is a terrific trail for snowshoeing in the winter. It is a nice trail for an easy family hike or biking excursion in the summer. From the trail, there are several places to stop and take in the spectacular views of Lake Almanor, Dyer Mountain, and Mt. Lassen. The Trail is 10 feet wide and paved, making it comfortable for both bicyclists and hikers.
The Lake Almanor Basin is known for one of the largest known breeding populations of Osprey in the Western States. It is not uncommon to spot Osprey in a nest or circling the lake to catch fish.
Enjoy Outdoor Sports, Hiking, and Camping at Lake Almanor
In the Winter, you can enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, Christmas tree cutting, and snowshoeing. In the summer months, you can golf, hike, bike, camp, and fish. Since Lake Almanor has 52 miles of shoreline, it is a mecca for water sports like boating, swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, and float tubing.
Lake Almanor Lodging and Accommodations
St. Bernard Lodge is a central and unique Lassen and Lake Almanor lodging location for travelers en route from/to other surrounding National Parks such as Lassen Volcanic National Park, Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, Yosemite National Park, or Redwood National Park.
St. Bernard Lodge is a beautiful rustic inn-style bed and breakfast (B&B) whose second floor has seven rooms and can sleep up to 20 guests. The restaurant and tavern on the first floor can feed up to 35 guests. St. Bernard Lodge accepts RVs, and campers are invited to explore the many campgrounds within 10 miles of the Lodge.
Lake Almanor Map and Directions
View map and directions from Lake Almanor to St. Bernard Lodge in Mill Creek, CA. Lassen Volcanic Park in Mineral, CA, is only a 20-minute drive from the Lodge.
You can call us at 530.258.3382 to reserve, or feel free to reserve online.
