A collection of travel and adventure stories

Lake Valley Reservoir Kayaking

Description and Directions >>

Description:
Lake Valley Reservoir is a 300 acre surface area lake located in the High Sierras of Northern California. The shoreline is surrounded by tall pine trees and granite rocks. Powerboating is not permitted on the lake. Total paddle length is approx. 2 miles roundtrip.

Activities:
kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking, swimming, sightseeing

Directions:
From Sacramento, take Interstate 80 East and exit at the Yuba Gap exit. Continue until the intersection and turn right onto Lake Valley Road. Continue for about 1 mile to another intersection, where you will make a left onto Forest Road 19 (a dirt road). Continue and park at the Silver Tip Picnic Area & Boat Launch.

Story Date 8/8/2004
Publish Date 11/18/2004

Story Perspectives >>

According to Mikala: I was surprised at how pretty Lake Valley Reservoir was. We started our paddle at about 8-9 am, and the water was flat and glassy. It looked like we had the lake mostly to ourselves.

We paddled to the right of the launch and rounded near the dam. As we neared the other side, the shore became more interesting, with large granite boulders, plants and trees lining the shore. We entered a little inlet, where we explored among the old tree trunks scattered in the water.

We continued along the shore, passing a lodge (no one was around). Past the lodge, there was just the forest and water. It was very peaceful.

We reached the far end, where there is a small creek entering the lake. We landed to explore the area a little. There were too many trees and branches that were lying in the water, so we couldn't paddle into it. Maybe at another time of the year, when the water is higher.

After our exploration, we made our way back up the lake. We enjoyed the sight and sound of many birds flying in the trees. The wind had picked up and the water was no longer flat. We finally reached an island in the middle of the lake, where we landed and enjoyed lunch. We had the island to ourselves the whole time.

The day on this lake was a great experience...definitely relaxing and enjoyable.