Elevation 5263 ft. DESCRIPTION:
This is a remote, forested basin that
is peaceful and lovely because of it's location. However, the reservoir
is usually drawn down to low water levels by late summer.
The lake also makes a good base camp
for day-hiking into the Granite Chief Wilderness from the west side.
The area is a State Game Refuge; so
- no firearms.
...peaceful and lovely because of it's
location.
North Fork Yuba River
DIRECTIONS:
From Auburn follow the Foresthill Road
east for 17 miles to Foresthill. Then take the Mosquito Ridge Road east
of Foresthill for 36 miles. The road is paved, but canyon drop-offs are
not for the squeamish.
ACTIVITIES:
Camping (Best)
French Meadows Campground: South shore,
75 campsites, flush toilets. This is a fee area; reservations accepted.
French Picnic Site: South shore, 7 sites, tables and grills, flush toilets
nearby.
Gates Group Camp: East side, near but
not adjacent to the lake, two-25 person and one-75 person campsites, central
parking. Fees and reservations required.
Coyote Group Campground: Northeast shore,
three-25 person and one-50 person campsites, central parking. Fees and
reservations required.
Lewis Campground: North shore across
road, 40 campsites and flush toilets. This is a fee area; reservations
accepted.
McGuire Picnic Site: North shore, ten
sites with tables and grills, flush toilets, and includes a designated
swimming area.
Poppy Walk-in/Boat-in Campground: Northwest
shore, 12 campsites, either pack-in drinking water or purify lake water
and pack-in/pack-out garbage. Free
Ahart Campground: One mile on road 96
above reservoir on the river, 12 campsites, either bring drinking water
or purify river water. This is a fee area and no reservations accepted.
Boating Lakes & Reservoirs
(Rating: Good)
Open to all craft, but speedboats and
water-skiing not advised due to submerged hazards. Boat ramps on both south
and north shores. Even in summer the long slow drive and winding access
road discourages large boat owners.
Flat water paddling is good in late
summer if you don’t mind the bathtub ring effect between the water level
and the normal shoreline after draw down.
Fishing (Good)
Rainbow and brown hatchery catchables
are planted. Large resident fish lurking about.
NEARBY LOCATIONS:
Campgrounds
Ahart Campground
Coyote Group Campground
French Meadows Campground
Gates Group Camp
Lewis Campground
Poppy Walk-in/Boat-in Campground
Nearby Communities - Foresthill
Reservations-
1-877-444-6777 |