When you want to escape the daily grind and spend some quality time with your family, a lake vacation offers the opportunity to kick back and relax. Lake Almanor is a large reservoir lake located in the northeastern section of California. Within easy driving distance of Lassen National Forest, this lake provides endless outdoor activities that give you the chance to view nature and spend time reconnecting with your kids. The lake covers more than a million acre-feet and provides miles and miles of shoreline, making it the perfect place to find a cabin on the lake with a Lake Almanor vacation rental. Here’s a quick guide to finding the top 10 vacation rental locations in the Lake Almanor area.
1. Alamanor
At about the midpoint on Lake Almanor’s western shore lies the town of Alamanor. This small community offers a lot of peace and quiet with vacation rentals along the edge of the lake. If you opt for one with a dock, you can fish for your supper off the end of it or tie up your own boat. Spend your days boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming in the lake, or just sit on the deck with a good book and watch the kids playing.
2. Lake Almanor West
Just a few minutes north of Almanor sits Lake Almanor West, which invites your family to come and enjoy the lake. This low-key community makes it easy to relax and commune with nature. Bring your bikes and explore the back roads around the lake, or put on sturdy shoes and walk along the lake’s shores. Enjoy days filled with swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding as your family spends quality time together in this isolated location.
3. Chester
Explore the city of Chester on the northwestern shore of the lake. A small airfield allows anyone with a private pilot’s license to fly in for a short weekend on the lake. Each morning, stop by the Rusty Roof Coffee Roasters for a cup of Joe and a sweet pastry before heading out on the lake for some fishing, canoeing, or waterskiing. At the end of the day, grab a bag of burgers from the Burger Deport or a pizza from the Pizza Factory.
4. North Shore Area
A little east of Chester, you encounter the isolation of the North Shore area. Select one of the secluded lakeside cabins or modest homes a short distance from the lake as a vacation rental. Pass the days boating, fishing, kayaking, and hanging out at your cabin. Hop in the car and drive the short distance to the Lassen National Forest for a day of hiking and bird-watching.
5. Lake Almanor Country Club Area
If you want to get in some golfing practice along with your time on the water, then find a vacation rental in the Lake Almanor Country Club area. You can hit the links at the Bailey Creek Golf Club while enjoying gorgeous lake views. This area sits on a peninsula that juts out into the lake and gives it its unusual shape. At the Bandshell, you and your family can catch an outdoor concert during the summer months.
6. Lake Almanor Peninsula
Head northeast of the country club to arrive in the area known as Lake Almanor Peninsula. Your days here include boating, fishing, and swimming. It’s just a few minutes from here to the Bailey Creek Golf Club, so go ahead and schedule a tee time to hit the links. Hop in the car for some hiking in the Lassen National Forest, or just bike around the town on a beautiful, spring afternoon.
7. Hamilton Branch
Nestled on the northeastern side of the lake, the community of Hamilton Branch provides a small town feel for your family. Talk to the locals to find the best fishing spots along the creek known as Hamilton Branch. For a one-of-a-kind souvenir, visit the Calico Goose with its selection of folk art gifts. In the evening, stop by the Pizza at the Branch for a pizza, and eat it on the outdoor patio to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the lake.
8. East Shore Area
Get back to nature with a vacation rental along the lake’s shoreline in the East Shore area. This quiet stretch of the lakefront area offers your family the chance to relax and unwind after the stress of work and school. Gather the family in the car for a short trip to Dyer Mountain for some hiking and biking, or just take a picnic lunch to enjoy the scenery and fresh air.
9. Rocky Point Area
Located on the southern shores of the lake, the Rocky Point area offers your family an isolated spot to recharge your batteries. While away the days boating on the lake, fishing, paddle boarding, swimming, and riding inner tubes attached to the boat. Ride bikes along the rural roads surrounded by forest, which provides continuous shade.
10. Prattville
Vacation rentals in Prattville include both homes on the lake and smaller family homes along the back roads in secluded locations. If you don’t want to do all the cooking while on vacation, take the family to Carol’s Prattville Café for a tasty meal. One evening, drive over to Plumas Pines Resort & Bar for a dinner out on the patio with its stunning lake views.