There’s nothing like a hot Northern California summer afternoon at the lake or river! Who needs the ocean front when we have hundreds of beaches with even softer sand, more sunshine, and incredible views located inland? Read on to discover why these amazing beaches off the coast are so great.
- Trinity River, Trinity and Humboldt Counties
Flickr/ Eileen McFall Forget the sound of waves crashing on the beach, I’d rather have the rush of nearby rapids filling my ears as I sit and take in the beauty of the Trinity River. Wear a life jacket if you jump in! Otherwise, bring your beach chairs and just relax.
- Donner Lake, Nevada County
Flickr/ The Dunnes While the north and south shores are rockier, the east and west ends of Donner Lake both boast magnificent beaches where you will want to spend all day lounging and playing in the sun.
- Lake Orovile, Butte County
Flickr/ CleftClips This large reservoir is fed by the sparkling waters of the Feather River. In addition to the fishing, boating and camping this area is known for, the Reservoir also gets plenty of sun, which means it’s perfect for swimming and hanging out on the beach.
- North Fork, Yuba River, Downieville
Flickr/ Ken Lund Sure, that may be a tiny little beach in the photo, but there are tons of them located around Downieville. This beautiful crystal clear water and sandy shoreline are both awesome.
- Trinity Lake, Trinity County
Flickr/ Shawn Less frequently visited than nearby Lake Shasta, Trinity boasts deep blue waters and lots of beach space. It’s also popular for fishing, house boating, speed boating, and waterskiing.
- The Eel River, Humboldt County
Flickr/ D Smith Pictured here is the Confluence of Main & Middle Forks of the Eel River. It’s a great place to lounge on the beach, but truth be told there are tons of places up and down the riverbank that offer sandy shores. Be careful of swift currents!
- Lake McCloud, Shasta County
Flickr/ Glenn Nelson What you sacrifice in the amount of beach here you make up for in remoteness and that feeling that you are the only one around for miles. This reservoir is great for fishing and is located near the popular McCloud Falls.
- Lake Helen, Lassen Volcanic National Park
Flickr/ Jasperdo Fed by snowmelt, this icy lake is only fun to jump into on the warmest of days. It’s always a treat to sit on the beach besides its lovely blue waters, however.
- Lake Tahoe, El Dorado and Placer Counties
Flickr/ jcookfisher Literally any beach along this Northern California icon of a lake will have you didn’t your toes in silky soft sand and loving every minute. There’s a reason why it’s one of the premiere destinations in this area. Pictured here is Baldwin Beach.
- Clear Lake, Lake County
Yelp/ Jennifer S. Clear Lake is quite possibly the oldest lake in the country. It’s a popular place for boating, but the beaches are definitely underrated. It’s the kind of destination that screams beach towel, a cold drink, and hours in the sun.
- Eagle Lake, Lassen County
Wikipedia/ UFHoops06 Located about 15 miles north of Susanville, this is actually the second largest lake entirely within the state of California. It’s great for fishing, wildlife viewing, and of course, hanging out on the beach.
Which beach on this list is your favorite? Did we miss any that you feel should have made the article? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below or on Facebook.
Flickr/ Eileen McFall
Forget the sound of waves crashing on the beach, I’d rather have the rush of nearby rapids filling my ears as I sit and take in the beauty of the Trinity River. Wear a life jacket if you jump in! Otherwise, bring your beach chairs and just relax.
Flickr/ The Dunnes
While the north and south shores are rockier, the east and west ends of Donner Lake both boast magnificent beaches where you will want to spend all day lounging and playing in the sun.
Flickr/ CleftClips
This large reservoir is fed by the sparkling waters of the Feather River. In addition to the fishing, boating and camping this area is known for, the Reservoir also gets plenty of sun, which means it’s perfect for swimming and hanging out on the beach.
Flickr/ Ken Lund
Sure, that may be a tiny little beach in the photo, but there are tons of them located around Downieville. This beautiful crystal clear water and sandy shoreline are both awesome.
Flickr/ Shawn
Less frequently visited than nearby Lake Shasta, Trinity boasts deep blue waters and lots of beach space. It’s also popular for fishing, house boating, speed boating, and waterskiing.
Flickr/ D Smith
Pictured here is the Confluence of Main & Middle Forks of the Eel River. It’s a great place to lounge on the beach, but truth be told there are tons of places up and down the riverbank that offer sandy shores. Be careful of swift currents!
Flickr/ Glenn Nelson
What you sacrifice in the amount of beach here you make up for in remoteness and that feeling that you are the only one around for miles. This reservoir is great for fishing and is located near the popular McCloud Falls.
Flickr/ Jasperdo
Fed by snowmelt, this icy lake is only fun to jump into on the warmest of days. It’s always a treat to sit on the beach besides its lovely blue waters, however.
Flickr/ jcookfisher
Literally any beach along this Northern California icon of a lake will have you didn’t your toes in silky soft sand and loving every minute. There’s a reason why it’s one of the premiere destinations in this area. Pictured here is Baldwin Beach.
Yelp/ Jennifer S.
Clear Lake is quite possibly the oldest lake in the country. It’s a popular place for boating, but the beaches are definitely underrated. It’s the kind of destination that screams beach towel, a cold drink, and hours in the sun.
Wikipedia/ UFHoops06
Located about 15 miles north of Susanville, this is actually the second largest lake entirely within the state of California. It’s great for fishing, wildlife viewing, and of course, hanging out on the beach.
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