Lake McCloud

The Lake McCloud boat ramp provides public access to this scenic mountain reservoir in northern California. Managed by PG&E, the ramp facility includes parking for vehicles with trailers, a couple of picnic tables, and a vault toilet. This boat launch is located far up the Pit Arm of the lake, offering a more remote experience away from the busier areas.

The McCloud Reservoir is known for its calm, emerald-colored waters surrounded by forested shores. This makes it a popular destination for kayakers, canoeists, and small motorized boats looking to explore the lake's beautiful natural setting. While the boat ramp itself is currently damaged and undergoing repairs, the facility still offers an access point to the water when it is operational. Nearby campgrounds like CAMP 4 GROUP CAMPGROUND and FOWLERS CAMPGROUND provide additional options for those looking to spend time on the lake.

This day use area is a popular site for viewing all sorts of wildlife as well as fishing. There is a wooden deck over the water with handicap access.* The wooden deck suffered severe damage over the winter due to high river levels.  It is unknown when repairs will be conducted.Lakin Dam has benefited people and wildlife.According to local residents, Lakin Dam was built in 1925 by the McCloud...

This day use area is a popular site for viewing all sorts of wildlife as well as fishing. There is a wooden deck over the water with handicap access.* The wooden deck suffered severe damage over the winter due to high river levels.  It is unknown when repairs will be conducted.Lakin Dam has benefited people and wildlife.According to local residents, Lakin Dam was built in 1925 by the McCloud River Lumber Company. The dam was built to supply a reliable water source for the people of McCloud, and to provide water for the mill’s boilers, which ran the mill.In addition to providing water for the town of McCloud, Lakin Dam creates the slow moving waters where the native Redband Trout live.The original dam’s pipes were made of redwood wrapped with wire. The redwood was replaced in the 1960’s with a steel pipe.The dam was named after Bert Lakin who was general manager of the McCloud River Lumber Company. Mr. Lakin was well respected in the American lumber industry.On October 1, 1936 he lost his life in a forest fire on the west edge of McCloud.

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