Being famous for being home to cities like LA, San Francisco, and San Diego, many people forget about the diverse topography of California. True, it’s mainly known for its sweeping coastlines, expansive deserts, and national parks but there is another, often overlooked, treasure: the lakes. There are many beautiful lakes around here and in this article, we’ll focus on the largest lakes in California. These bodies of water, scattered like gleaming gems across the state, are scenic marvels and play a crucial role in sustaining life but also powering communities.
Helpful Tips For An Amazing Lake Vacation In California
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When selecting the lakes for our comprehensive list, it wasn’t merely about plucking out names on a whim. Instead, our approach was methodical, looking into various aspects of size. Naturally, surface area plays a significant role, painting a vivid picture of the expansive water bodies stretching across California. We took into consideration the volume of water they store and the lakes’ depths, but also length and width.
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Largest Lakes In California (Natural)
Now that we covered some basics, let’s go through some of the largest lakes in California, starting with…
Lake Tahoe
I spent a couple of summers by Lake Tahoe, primarily lounging in South Lake, but also exploring its shimmering shores and I found myself completely captivated by its beauty. A season by Lake Tahoe, with its clarity unlike any I’ve seen before, was a revelation and the highs of serene sunsets but also the lows of unexpected stormy nights were equally gorgeous.
One can’t help but be awestruck by the sheer expanse of this iconic lake; it covers impressive 22 miles in length and 12 miles in width and from the distance it seems like a vast stretch of crystal-clear water that seems almost endless to the naked eye. As far as depth go, it plunges to depths of over 1,600 feet, making it North America’s second-deepest freshwater lake only after Great Slave Lake in Canada. And if that’s not enough, the lake is also surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, making this a must-see natural attraction.
Clear Lake
Tucked away in Northern California’s wine country, Clear Lake is not just another pretty face in California’s roster of aquatic wonders. This one is the oldest freshwater lake in North America, according to estimates it is 480,000 years’ old. It covers an area of around 68 square miles, making it one of the largest lakes in California, but size isn’t its only claim to fame; it’s also a hotspot for bass fishing.
Beyond its fishy pursuits, the lake also has a geothermal twist as it’s located against a backdrop of volcanic landscapes and geysers.
Mono Lake
Located east of the Sierra Nevada, Mono Lake is like an eccentric artist that everyone’s charmed by but often misunderstood. One of California’s largest lakes, it’s also among the oldest, but slightly younger than Clear Lake. Another fun fact about it is that Mono is almost three times as salty as the ocean, it barely has any fish living in it, but you can find shrimps inside it. Another unique feature are the tufa towers, peculiar limestone formations rising from the water that look like nature’s own skyscrapers formed by freshwater springs interacting with alkaline lake water.
Salton Sea
Meet the Salton Sea: California’s quirky, cousin in the family of vast water bodies. One of the state’s largest lakes, it came to existence, not via ancient glaciers or meandering rivers, but via a flood accident in the early 1900s. However, despite its accidental and some would say unfortunate birth, the Salton Sea shines in its own offbeat way. Its salinity levels surpass those of the Pacific Ocean (crazy, right?), so it’s no spa, but it does offer a haven for countless birds, making it a birdwatcher’s delight.
It ain’t Lake Tahoe but it has its own peculiar beauty with its sun-bleached shores, a desert backdrop, and eerily quiet atmosphere that makes it feel like California’s own post-apocalyptic beach scene.
Eagle Lake
Nestled up north in California, Eagle Lake is one of the largest lakes in California. It’s like the cool indie band of the state’s water bodies – not as mainstream as some, but it has a loyal following (it’s one of the most popular getaway spots for locals). As one of the Golden State’s largest natural lakes, its claim to fame isn’t just its size, but its unique resident: the Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout.
The lake’s alkaline waters might deter others, but this trout thrives, making it a must-visit for any angler looking for a brag-worthy catch. And while you’re there, soak in the panoramic views of pine forests meeting cerulean waters.
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Goose Lake
This list of the largest lakes in California wouldn’t be complete without Goose Lake. Tucked away on the border of California and Oregon, this lake is like the cool, mysterious character in a novel that keeps you guessing because it’s one of California’s more sizable aquatic expanses, with an identity that can best be described as part Golden State, part Beaver State.
And here’s the fun fact: sometimes, it just… disappears. Yep, during drier times, this lake has a penchant for playing hide-and-seek, revealing vast meadows in place of its waters. When it’s not busy performing magic tricks, it’s offering a sanctuary for migrating birds, making it an avian aficionado’s dream. The lake also boasts a history rich with Native American culture, giving it layers deeper than its waters.
Largest Man-Made Reservoirs
Next, we’ll cover some of the largest man-made reservoirs in California.
Shasta Lake
As the crown jewel among the state’s reservoirs and one of its largest lakes, Shasta wears its title with panache. Born from the ambitious Shasta Dam project in the 1940s, this lake is a powerhouse, supporting hydropower for the entire local area surrounding it.
With its labyrinth of fingers and coves weaving through scenic mountain terrain, it’s a boater’s dream and a water-skier’s paradise. And that’s not all, if you delve deeper, you’ll also discover caverns and underwater sites.
Lake Oroville
Oroville Lake is one of the state’s grandest reservoirs, held together by the impressive Oroville Dam. Interestingly, in 2017, the lake’s spillways made headlines with some unexpected erosion antics, giving everyone a bit of a hydrological heart-flutter.
Water theatrics aside, Oroville is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground, and a great place for boating, fishing, and camping galore. And with the Feather River tickling its toes, it’s a hotspot for salmon enthusiasts eager for a fishy face-off.
New Melones Lake
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this reservoir doesn’t just sit there looking pretty (though it does that exceptionally well). It was created by the New Melones Dam for water storage purposes but with time it also became a mini tourist attraction.
The lake’s shores whisper tales of the Gold Rush era, adding a touch of vintage charm to your potential adventure. And if that’s not enough, you should know that the lake is also an ecological hotspot, with bald eagles making guest appearances here and there.
San Luis Reservoir
San Luis Reservoir is situated cozily between San Francisco and Los Angeles, making it a critical midpoint for the State Water Project and also a great day trip idea from either of the two cities. Don’t let its utilitarian purpose fool you. This reservoir knows how to put on a show! With shimmering waters set against rolling golden hills, it’s a popular pit stop for road trippers and water enthusiasts alike, it offers fishing, boating, and some primo picnic spots.
Lake Berryessa
Nestled in Napa County, famous for its wines, the are is also home to this beautiful lake that offers a different kind of intoxication. Crafted behind the Monticello Dam in the 1950s, Berryessa quickly became a recreational hotspot, dripping with charm (pun intended).
From its serpentine shores to the famed “Glory Hole” spillway – which looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie when it overflows – it’s a place you just have to visit. You can go boating, fishing, and lakeside lounging but let’s be honest, the best part might just be basking in the sun, sipping a Napa Valley Chardonnay, and just relaxing.
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Folsom Lake
Situated just a hop, skip, and jump from Sacramento, this reservoir is a sparkling gem amidst the Sierra foothills. Crafted by the Folsom Dam, its waters are dotted with boaters, swimmers, and the occasional kayaker paddling to the rhythm of nature. The surrounding area is steeped in Gold Rush history, making it an interesting mix of natural beauty and historical whispers. It’s as if the lake is playfully winking at us, saying, “Come for the water sports, stay for the tales of yesteryears.” And, if you’re lucky, you might just catch a golden sunset that’d make even the 49ers pause.
How did you like our guide to the largest lakes in California? Did you ever visit any of them? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
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