Lake Almanor is a popular destination for affordable family vacations in Northern California. The 28,000-acre PG&E reservoir draws visitors who are looking for a friendly lake community with great fishing and boating. All varieties of boating and water sports are popular at Lake Almanor, including jet skiing, water-skiing, tubing, wake boarding, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing. The lake is big enough to accommodate them all and never feel crowded.

Lake Almanor draws all kinds of boaters. Water skiers are often out on the lake early when the surface is as smooth as glass. Sailors and windsurfers like the afternoon breezes that sweep across the lake. Others just enjoy cruising around the lake, enjoying the scenery.

Lake Almanor is well equipped for boaters with marinas along every shore. Most of the marinas offer slips for rent, boat rentals, gas, and other supplies. Several free Forest Service launch ramps are also available.

Fishermen are out early at Lake Almanor, casting lines for king salmon, trout, and bass. Four and five-pound Rainbow trout are not unusual, and they can get up to 10 pounds. A 16-pound brown was landed back in 1988. Many locals believe there are bigger ones out there, lurking in the 90-foot-deep lake. Fish from shore or from a boat, you're bound to score big at Lake Almanor.

Lodging for most at Lake Almanor is rarely lavish, but its always comfortable. RV Parks and campgrounds abound around the lake's edge. Resorts often offer a combination of camping spaces and cabins for rent. Rental cabins are also available from private owners.

The nearby town of Chester, population 2,000, provides all the needed services with plenty of restaurants, motels, and stores. Smaller communities like Hamilton Branch and Canyon Dam also can be a source of basic supplies.

Various forms of recreation are available in the area. Only 20 miles away is Lassen National Park. Around Lake Almanor you will find golf, hiking trails, bird watching, cycling, and horseback riding. Other attractions include the Chester Museum, the Collins Pine Museum, and the September Street Rod Extravaganza.