The lake, without a rod
Getting on Lake Almanor when you are not fishing
Boat launches, swim beaches, and the paved trail down the west shore.
Last checked 24 September 2026.
- Two public launches: Canyon Dam and Almanor
- Canyon Dam is open all year
The two public launches
Canyon Dam, off Highway 89 at the south end of the lake, is open year round. The Almanor launch on the west shore, north of Prattville, is open seasonally.
The trail
The Lake Almanor Recreation Trail is paved and closed to motor traffic, running down the west shore from the Canyon Dam launch. Our Lake Almanor guide covers it.
The Chamber ride
The Chamber publishes a fifteen mile ride down the west shore, rated easy, about an hour and a half one way. Start at the Cedar Chalet Bakery, two miles west of Chester on Highway 36.
Off season
Lake Almanor does not close, and we are open all twelve months ourselves. Our chain control guide covers the roads.
Rooms, the home and RV sites are on our stay page.