To be honest, I'm a little hesitant to enlighten you too much. I feel like Lake Almanor is something of a well-kept secret. I'm afraid after my massive audience reads this review it'll become another Lake Tahoe. But I guess that's a risk I'm willing to take.
Lake Almanor is located in Plumas County in Northern California, according to Google Maps 81.6 miles east of Red Bluff and just south of Mt. Lassen. Resting at about 4500 feet and nestled between the Plumas and Lassen National Forests, the setting is every bit as beautiful as Tahoe, but without the crowds and traffic. The lake itself isn't quite Tahoe's crystal blue, but it's a whole lot warmer and doesn't stop your heart when you jump in for a swim like Tahoe's frigid waters. This is helpful for when you fall off your boat or jet ski, which there is plenty of space to do, with its 32000 acres of surface area and 52 miles of shoreline. I've been going to Lake Almanor for over 20 years and there is still plenty of lake I've never seen, either from on the water or the shore.
The fishing is usually good, either in the lake itself or many of the streams in the area such as Hamilton Branch or Deer Creek. This year was a little slow, with most of our catches consisting of smallish bass near the shore, but my cousin did land a pike which was probably seven or eight pounds. Since we didn't have a scale handy, we couldn't get an official weight so my family record setting seven pound King Salmon in 1989 still stands!
Like I said, my family and I have been going to Lake Almanor since the mid-80's, and it's just about the perfect spot for a big family group. We used to rent a house from a family acquaintance, but with all the kids getting bigger and having kids of their own, we outgrew those accommodations. However, there are plenty of places to stay on or very near the lake. Anything from rustic tent camping to RVing it to fancy lakeside resorts. Ok, I don't know how fancy they really are--this isn't Tahoe after all--but there are some very nice places. The last couple trips we've stayed at the Carson Chalets, which offer very comfortable and clean triangular domiciles just a brief walk from the private beach.
If just sitting in or boating on the lake isn't all you would like to do, there are lots of other outdoorsy activities close at hand. Mt Lassen and its National Park is nearby, with plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, and Bumpass Hell, a festering, bubbling canyon full of sulfur pots. Pretty stinky, but worth checking out. Here's an overly dramatic video describing the area:
If you're up for a bit of a drive through the mountains--though on surprisingly straight roads--Burney Falls State Park is about an hour and a half away. It's a beautiful drive and the destination is absolutely worth it. Burney Falls are (or is it "is"?) one of the coolest looking falls anywhere and the hike to the base takes all of about 10 minutes, so you get maximum reward for very little effort. Here's a video of the falls...just mute the audio. Very annoying music.
The nearest town of any size, which really isn't, is the hamlet of Chester. You'll find your standard grocery store and a couple of sporting goods stores there to stock up on supplies. There are a couple of decent eateries, like the Kopper Kettle for breakfast (I recommend the biscuits and gravy) and either the Pine Shack or the Lassen Gifts soda fountain for milkshakes. The Pine Shack has over 30 flavors!
But if you're more interested in sticking close to your campsite/cabin/chalet at the lake, you certainly will not be disappointed. Lake Almanor is Lake Tahoe without the crowds, heart palpitations, and gambling. Right, so if you like gambling go to Tahoe. If not go to Almanor. Wait! No, don't. Bah...too late. Now it'll be overrun with Critical Errors fans. Just when you see me soaking up some sun while fishing for The Big One, don't all rush up for your autograph at once.
We missed being there this year.
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