Shasta's Lakes
More Than Meets the Eye - Shasta Lake, keystone of the Central Valley Project, is the largest man-made reservoir in California. When full, its 365 mile shoreline exceeds that of San Francisco Bay. Shasta is the second largest and tallest concrete dam in the United States. It was constructed between 1935 and 1945, and the lake was filled in 1948.
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.
For more information or help, the Shasta Lake Information Center is in Mountain Gate, telephone (530) 275-1589.
Lakehead Area - The Lakehead Area, with its fast pace and easy access off Interstate 5, offers a wide variety of services and recreation pursuits. It is convenient for those planning a short visit or an extended stay. It is located near a community which has many services.
From the Antlers Boat Ramp or a number of marinas, skiing, houseboating and fishing are easily accessible on the Sacramento Arm of the lake.
Forest Service and commercial campgrounds are available, or there are resort cabins for rent. At Lakehead you can choose between a campfire supper, full course meal, pizza or burgers for dinner.
For a vacation full of variety and action, the Lakehead Area is a good choice.
Salt Creek Area - Salt Creek is easily accessible from Interstate 5 and wonderfully suited to the overnighter, boater or fisherman. Yet, it is not as active an area as Lakehead.
Camping facilities range from a commercial recreation vehicle park to the Forest Service drive-in or the more secluded walk-in camps.
The Salt Creek Area is also the gateway to the Gilman Road Area and the McCloud Arm of the lake.
Gilman Road Area - The Gilman Road exit off Interstate 5 provides access to the McCloud Arm of the lake and a world removed from the noise and hurry of the freeway. The Forest Service campgrounds here can best be described in one word - relaxed.
The area boasts 5 family camps, several group camps, the Dekkas Rock day-use lake access and picnic areas and launching at the Hirz Bay public ramp. The gradual shoreline below most campgrounds makes moorage convenient. Complete boating services are available at the marinas in the O'Brien area to the south. Boating, hiking, fishing, hunting and even spelunking are popular activities in this area.
Sold on the McCloud Arm ---If so, here are two words of caution --- supplies and bears. The store at Salt Creek is the last chance for services. Beyond lies "bear country." Keep food in secure containers inside vehicles: clean tables thoroughly after meals; use garbage containers; and do not feed or tease the bears.
O'Brien Area - The O'Brien Area is at the hub of the lake and provides central access to all arms. Though rural in nature, the area offers a wide variety of opportunities. Each marina and campground appears isolated amidst the thick oak and pine forests and the steep, rugged country.
The O'Brien Area is a sharp contrast to the Lakehead Area. Although both offer similar facilities and recreation choices, each is a unique outdoor experience. At O'Brien, there are resort/marinas, a public campground, launch ramps and the Lake Shasta Caverns tours.
Jones Valley Area - East of Jones Valley, on the Pit Arm, lies much of Shasta Lake's subtle beauty. Bald Eagle, Osprey, and sportsmen all fish together in the finest bass habitat on the lake. Here also, boaters discover wildlife, challenging skiing, and solitude in its long, meandering coves.
Forest Service facilities include: the Jones Valley Campgrounds, Jones Inlet beach camping area, Rocky Ridge Group Camp and the Jones Valley public boat ramp. The two resort marinas have complete services. Additional stores, gas, restaurants, and taverns can be found nearby along Bear Mountain Road.
Whether exploring, escaping, or improving skiing techniques, the Jones Valley Area is a good place to begin the adventure or end the day.
Shasta Dam Area - 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.
