California's Sierra Nevada And Cascade Mountains Meet At This Dazzling Lake By A National Park

The West Coast of the United States is home to two of the nation's most iconic mountain ranges: the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades. While both of these places boast innumerable natural charms, there are subtle differences between the two: The Sierras are much older and jagged, with one sheer rock side and another that approaches the main ridge gradually, while the Cascades are much more uniform, younger, and also home to several active volcanoes — like this destination where you may want to think twice about hiking. 

Both ranges offer an array of outdoor activities and are home to scores of national parks, such as this rugged reserve in Washington State that may have you thinking you're in Switzerland. They also meet in Northern California, and you can experience the splendor of both at Lake Almanor. 

Situated in the state's northeastern corner just a stone's throw from Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lake Almanor is a man-made wonder that is the perfect spot for camping, hiking, kayaking, boating, or just taking in the volcanic geology that makes it such a unique place. With far fewer visitors than some of California's other outdoor attractions, Lake Almanor remains an under-the-radar gem that is positively ripe for exploration. Here's what you can expect if you go there.

Lake Almanor was formed in 1913 with the damming of the North Fork of the Feather River, flooding a massive meadow where a natural lake once stood. At 13 miles long and 6 miles wide, Lake Almanor is one of the largest freshwater bodies of water in California, and was named by combining the names of the three sisters — Alice, Martha, and Elinore — of the president of the Great Western Power Company.

The lake is famous for its blue waters and awe-inspiring scenery that not only includes the volcanic rise of Lassen Peak, but also miles upon miles of shoreline blanketed in Ponderosa pine. It's especially popular with boaters, who can access the lake from two public launches. Its relatively warm surface temperature also makes it an especially inviting place for watersports enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for waterskiing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddle boarding, wave running, and more, not to mention nearly endless exploration via kayak and canoe.

Lake Almanor is also a great fishing destination, drawing anglers from California and beyond who hope to hook into a fat salmon, largemouth bass, and both rainbow and brown trout. For best results, anglers can jump in a boat and troll along the surface of the lake, or fish the banks and mouths of inbound rivers.

While many visitors to Lake Almanor elect to get on the water, it's also a terrific destination for hikers, who lace up their boots and hit the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail. This 22-mile-long out-and-back route hugs the lake's beautiful shoreline for most of the way, while also heading into the hills for some jaw-dropping vistas. It's a particularly good walk for birders, who can spot ducks, swans, bald eagles, along with many species of shorebirds.

For those wishing to pull up an RV or pitch a tent, the lake is home to several private campgrounds, as well as the Alder Creek and Almanor campgrounds operated by the U.S. Forest Service. If you're not staying overnight, you can hit up the Almanor Beach day use area, which is perfect for swimming and picnicking, with glorious views of both Lassen Peak and Dyer Mountain, the respective southern and northernmost peaks of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.

While you're in the neighborhood, you should head up to the Lassen Peak Volcanic National Park, a stunning piece of real estate that's home to meadows, alpine lakes, steaming fumaroles, and a number of volcanic peaks. You can explore the park via the over 150 miles of trails available, which allow visitors to experience not just pristine nature, but also the earth as it lives in and breathes in its pure thermal state. For more of California's natural wonders, check out these underrated state parks.