There’s nothing like gliding over glassy water on a warm, sunny day, soaking in the rays and taking in what’s above, around and beneath you. Inflatable paddleboards and fold-up kayaks have also made it easier to get on the water and explore places you can’t reach from shore.
I’ve spent years exploring Northern California for guidebooks including Moon Northern California Road Trips and Moon Best of California State Parks. For those just getting into paddleboarding or kayaking, here are five places I’d recommend.
Waterman’s Landing, North Lake Tahoe
Based in Carnelian Bay on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Waterman’s Landing combines a paddle sports outfitter with a lakefront café. Founded by local athletes Anik and Jay Wild, it offers paddleboard and kayak rentals for all skill levels, along with breakfast, lunch and organic coffee. These are the people who got me into paddleboarding when I moved to Carnelian Bay, and I’ve been hooked on the sport ever since.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Just west of Redding, the 42,000-acre Whiskeytown National Recreation Area surrounds Whiskeytown Lake, a popular spot for swimming, boating, kayaking and paddleboarding during the hot summer months.
From late May through early September, Whiskeytown offers ranger-led kayak and paddleboard programs geared toward newcomers. No prior experience is required for the kayak tour, while the paddleboard program is designed for beginners and people with little experience. Equipment is provided, and reservations are required. For paddlers heading out on their own, Oak Bottom is one of several places to launch a kayak or paddleboard, and rentals are available there.
Manzanita Lake at Lassen Volcanic National Park
Manzanita Lake sits near the northwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park, with views of Lassen Peak rising above the water. Only nonmotorized watercraft are allowed on Manzanita Lake, making it a natural spot for kayaking.
Manzanita Lake Campground is the largest campground in the park, with 179 sites, and tends to have the park’s longest open season. Single and double kayaks are available to rent seasonally at the nearby Manzanita Lake Camper Store. I like paddling Manzanita Lake because I can see the bottom and feel like a peanut beneath the towering mountain.
Lake Natoma, Folsom
Drive over Folsom’s Rainbow Bridge on a summer day and you’ll often see Lake Natoma dotted with paddlers below. Part of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Lake Natoma is primarily managed for nonmotorized and slow-speed recreation.
Since I love stand-up paddleboarding, my favorite place to launch is Nimbus Flat. Lake Natoma’s 5-mph speed limit helps keep the water relatively calm, making it a welcoming place for beginner paddlers. The Sacramento State Aquatic Center also rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards nearby if you don’t have your own. It’s fitting that Folsom now promotes itself as the “Paddling Capital of the West.”
Lake Almanor
Near the town of Chester, Lake Almanor attracts boaters, campers and anglers to roughly 52 miles of shoreline. Campgrounds, resorts and public boat launches around the lake provide plenty of ways to get on the water.
High Elevation Kayak Rentals offers kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and water bikes, with delivery available around Lake Almanor for an additional fee.
I personally enjoy visiting Lake Almanor during the annual Poker Paddle in July. Paddlers choose between 5- and 8-mile routes before drawing their poker hands, with prizes for the best and worst hands. The event wraps up with lunch at Plumas Pines Resort.