Shasta Lake

Shasta is a 30,000-acre reservoir and the state's largest reservoir and is considered by many travelers to be one of the best lakes in Northern California. As visitors fish and explore this Sacramento River-fed lake, snowcapped Mount Shasta looms over the lake as an ever-present landmark. It's worth the trip to see the Shasta Dam, the country's second-largest concrete dam and the location where Woody Guthrie allegedly wrote the lyrics to "This Land Is Your Land".

If you're looking for even more Shasta Lake history, take a boat tour of the lake's fascinating underground cave system. Shasta Lake's hundreds of miles of shoreline and quiet coves make it ideal for overnight anchoring. Renting a houseboat is the thing to do here, but if you'd rather stay on land, the Inn at Shasta Lake promises a secluded stay nearby in nature.

Summer activities include fishing, boating, camping, and waterskiing, while winter sports enthusiasts will find ski resorts nearby, as well as a plethora of state and national parks with areas for mountaineering, cross-country skiing, hunting, and snowshoeing. Even if you're just passing through, the views from I-5 can be breathtaking. There are plenty of pull-offs with nearly unobstructed lake views if you want to make a brief stop or two to get a few shots.