Overview

Lake Spaulding CA sits at 5,014 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, stunning in its beauty. The thick pine forest surrounding offers many hiking adventures, and the lake is ideal for water sports of all kinds. Get away from the crowds at Lake Tahoe and take a side trip to this lovely lake for some unique outdoor pleasures.

Location & Information

Lake Spaulding California can be reached from Lake Tahoe by taking Highway 89 to Interstate 80, following it west to the Highway 20 exit toward Nevada City. Continue for 2.3 miles and turn right to follow this paved road for 0.5 miles.

The season to visit Lake Spaulding is from mid-May through mid-October.

Contact information:
PG & E Regional Land Department
916-386-5164
http://www.pge.com/recreation

Fees

• Day Use: $7/vehicle
• Boat Launch: $10
• Campsite: $25/night

Activities

• Boating
  This lake is a popular destination for boating, with powerboats, rowboats, canoes, jet skis and sailboats permitted on the water. For a small fee, you can launch from the ramp and get out there in the summer sun.
• Fishing
  Anglers fish from either boat or shore to find large browns and rainbows. Boat fishing is the most productive here, but all fishing is rated good.
• Hiking
  The Spaulding Lake Trail is a marvelous 5-mile moderate hike, taking you along the northern shore of the lake, following an old railroad-logging route. Perfect if you want to see amazing wildflowers in bloom from May to June.
• Camping
  Lake Spaulding Campground provides only basic amenities, but 25 sites are available for tents (RVs are only allowed in overflow area by boat launch). There are vault toilets and drinking water. The forested setting is marvelous and the fresh air divine. First come, first serve only and typically open from mid-May through mid-October.

Fun Facts

Lake Spaulding was originally created in 1912 for use in hydraulic mining.