Shasta is a 30,000 acre reservoir and the state’s largest reservoir and is considered by many travelers to be one of the best lakes in Northern California. As visitors fish and explore this Sacramento River-fed lake, snow-capped Mount Shasta looms over the lake as an ever-present landmark. It’s worth the trip to see Shasta Dam, the nation’s second largest concrete dam and the site where Woody Guthrie allegedly wrote the lyrics to “This Land Is Your Land.”
If you’re looking for even more Shasta Lake history, take a boat tour of the lake’s fascinating underground cave system. Shasta Lake’s hundreds of miles of shoreline and quiet coves make it ideal for overnight anchorage. Renting a houseboat is the thing to do here, but if you’d rather stay on land, the Inn at Shasta Lake promises a secluded stay nearby in nature.
Summer activities include fishing, boating, camping, and water skiing, while winter sports enthusiasts will find ski resorts nearby, as well as a plethora of state and national parks with areas for rock climbing, cross-country skiing, hunting, and snowshoeing. Even if you’re just passing through, the views from I-5 can be breathtaking. There are plenty of exits with almost unobstructed lake views if you want to make a quick stop or two to take some photos.
