Year-Round Activities at Lakeshore Resort
Whether you're here for some fun in the sun or can't wait to hit the slopes, Lakeshore Resort on Huntington Lake provides countless opportunities for year-round adventure.
Summer is one of the most popular times to enjoy Huntington Lake and the Lakeshore, CA area. Come see what we have in store!
Summer Activities
Backpacking & Hiking
Discover a variety of hiking trails suited for all skill levels
Don’t miss out on the awe-inspiring views from White Bark Vista at the top of Kaiser Pass, accessible through the backcountry, or embark on a high country adventure to Muir Trail Ranch.
For a day trip, visit Rancheria Falls, Mushroom Rock, Black Point, and Indian Pools, all easily accessible from Lakeshore Resort. If you’re feeling adventurous, backpack along the Pacific Crest Trail for an unforgettable experience.
Maps are readily available at the Forest Service Office in Prather and our General Store for your convenience.
Boating
It's not a full summer of fun without boating.
Whatever your boating choice, the Sierra National Forest provides numerous opportunities for canoeing, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and house boating.
For information on boating regulations make sure to check out the State of California Boating Safety website.
Camping
There are 7 campgrounds around Huntington Lake.
Rancheria, College, Deer Creek, Kinnikinnick, Catavee, Upper and Lower Billy Creek. You can contact the National Recreation Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov to book a campground site online.
Reservations can be made up to 1 day before arrival. Camping in the high-country requires a special permit as do campfires.
Fishing
Lakeshore Resort Spring and Summer Fishing.
For the fisherman, Huntington Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout throughout the spring and summer. Brown trout and kokanee are native to the lake and always present. Anglers have a 5-per-day limit with a total of 10 in possession.
Fresh water stream fishing in the Sierra National Forest is open from the last weekend in April through November 15. All lakes are open year around, though access may be limited due to seasonal closure of roads due to snow. You can fish the many high-country lakes such as Ward, Florence, Edison, and Portal Forebay.
Anglers 16 years and older who plan to fish in creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes will need to obtain a California fishing license. You can obtain 1-day, 2-day, and Season Fishing Licenses at our General Store. Visit the California Department of Fish & Game for regulation information.
Geocaching
The fun of treasure hunting mixed with exploration.
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.
Click here for local geocaching trails.
Horseback Riding
Sight seeing on a whole new level.
There are several Horseback riding companies available in the area that provide a variety of backcountry services. Pack stations include:
D&F Pack Station
Located just 1/2 mile from Lakeshore Resort, D&F offers 2-hour rides as well as fishing and hunting excursions in the high country. They provide a variety of backcountry trips to Kaiser, John Muir, Dinkey Lakes, and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas and around Huntington Lake. Boarding facilities are also available. Lakeshore Resort has coupons in our Reservation Office.
Located near Edison Lake, High Sierra provides a variety of backcountry trips to sites such as Graveyard Lakes, Margaret Lakes Basin, Bear Creek to fish for golden trout, Evolution Valley in the Kings Canyon National Park, and Silver Pass.
Located in the John Muir Wilderness at Blayney Meadows, the ranch provides horses for 1/2 day rides or longer overnight pack trips. Stay at the ranch, soak in the hot springs, and enjoy the best the high country has to offer.
Hunting
Obtain a permit to hunt for a variety of approved wildlife.
Hunting is permitted within national forests during seasons regulated by the California Department of Fish and Game. State hunting licenses are required. Please visit this website for information on regulations and seasonal dates.
Jet Skiing & Water Skiing
Enjoy more ways to have fun on the water!
Shaver Lake Water Sports offers jet skis, waverunners, canoes, ski boats, fishing boats, pontoon boats, one- or two-man kayaks and paddle boats for your enjoyment. Motorized boat rentals for Huntington Lake are available at Rancheria Enterprises and Huntington Lake Resort & Marina.
Lakes
Enjoy countless lakes with their own unique features.
There are many beautiful lakes in the area. Some are at lower elevations, while others are located in the high country.
Bass Lake: nestled among tall pine trees, this popular recreation area provides opportunities for camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Black Rock Reservoir: a small remote scenic lake located on the North Fork of the Kings River offering un-crowded fishing and camping opportunities.
Courtright Reservoir: located in one of the most superb geological areas of California with bare granite domes that rise from the shores of Courtright Reservoir.
Doris Lake: a moderate one-mile hike from Mono Hot Springs Resort. It is a spring-fed lake, making it a popular old time “swimming hole” for decades. Fishermen also find the lake a wonderful place to drown a worm or two.
Edison Lake: surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks and wilderness, the lake serves as a popular backcountry destination that offers camping, boating, picnicking, hiking, and fishing.
Florence Lake: beautiful High Sierra lake that provides opportunities for camping, hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing, and horseback riding. Florence Lake also serves as a starting point for wilderness hikers traveling to the John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park.
Huntington Lake: a popular summer and winter recreation area. This beautiful high Sierra lake is best known for sailing and fishing. Other opportunities include camping, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, and scenic driving.
Kerckhoff Reservoir: located on the South Fork of the San Joaquin River above Millerton Lake. This lake is accessible year round and provides opportunities for camping, boating, and fishing.
Mammoth Pool Reservoir: located on the San Joaquin River above North Fork. This lake is popular for fishing and boating. Other opportunities include camping, swimming, and hiking.
Pine Flat Lake: located in the oak covered foothills above the San Joaquin Valley. This lake is best know for houseboating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and wake boarding.
Portal Forebay: a small 20-acre lake located on the Kaiser Pass Road midway between Florence and Huntington Lakes. The lake serves as a holding forebay for the Portal Power House, which is located at Huntington Lake. This lake is best known for fishing.
Redinger Lake: located on the San Joaquin River above Kerckhoff Reservoir. Accessible year round, it is surrounded by oak and shrub covered foothills. This lake is popular for water skiing, wake boarding, and fishing.
Shaver Lake: a popular recreational lake surrounded by dense pine forests. Operated by Southern California Edison, it provides opportunities for picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, houseboating, water skiing, and wake boarding.
Tulle Lake: a moderate 2-mile hike from Mono Hot Springs that offers a serene peaceful setting for enjoying the beauty.
Twin Lakes: Lower Twin Lake is a nice little lake under a granite peak. Just a couple hundred feet further is Upper Twin Lake with caves to spelunk and a great lake to swim in. You can swim out to the island and find some rocks to jump from.
Ward Lake: just three acres in size, this quaint high Sierra lake provides visitors with a place to camp, fish, and hike.
Wishon Reservoir: a picturesque High Sierra lake that offers less-crowded opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and horseback riding.
Mountain Biking
Opportunities for a variety of skill levels.
The rugged mountain terrain makes for superb mountain biking opportunities. Take a trip around the lake or head to the high country for more challenging courses. Maps are available through the Forest Service Office in Prather as well as in our General Store.
Visit the Museum
Explore local history.
Check out the Billy Creek Ranger Station Museum located 4 miles west on Huntington Lake Road next to Billy Creek Campground.
The museum opens July 4th weekend until Labor Day Sunday and is open Wednesdays 1-4 PM and Sat./Sun. from 11AM til 4PM. The museum offers many historical pictures and mementos from the area, and every year there is a special exhibit. During the summer, they show a picture slide show on Thursday evenings at 7 PM at the Lakeshore Resort Lodge / Dance Hall.
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Go off-road and into adventure.
You will find many opportunities for off-highway enjoyment in the Sierra National Forest. Become familiar with OHV laws, restrictions, and closures. Respect private property, wildlife, and other forest visitors. Always operate your vehicle in a safe, responsible manner. Make sure your vehicle is registered!
Picnic Sites
Enjoy a peaceful meal outdoors.
There are 4 main picnic/day use areas at Huntington Lake as well as at Bear Cove, Billy Creek, Dowville, and the Boat Launch area across from Lakeshore Resort, which are all open from June – October. They provide an excellent area to enjoy the lake under shady fir trees during the hot summer months.
Sailing
On one of the best lakes in California.
Huntington Lake is one of the best sailing lakes in California, with consistent winds from the west coming up around 10 AM daily. Many sailing regattas are held during the summer months of July and August.
Visit the Fresno Yacht Club website for details about how to enter.
Swimming
Classic summer fun.
Take a refreshing dip in any of the alpine lakes for a breathtaking and relaxing day. The shore of Huntington Lake has a roped-off area for swimmers to enjoy the cool water on hot days.
White Water Rafting
Adventure on the rapids.
The Sierra National Forest offers a variety of river sports opportunities. Whitewater enthusiasts might consider a trip down the Kings River or the Merced Wild and Scenic Rivers. Both rivers are very technical (Class III and IV) and suited for experienced boaters. A rafting permit is not required for most private groups to raft the river. However, a special user permit may be required for some non-commercial guided trips and for large groups.
Wildlife Viewing
View wildlife from a safe distance in their native habitat.
For animal lovers, the area is home to black bear, mule deer, mountain lions, coyotes, raccoons, marmots, pine marten, golden mantel, ground squirrels, chickarees (cone cutters), tree squirrels, stellar jays, bald eagles, and osprey. The forest is open range to cattle, so watch for them on the highway.
With an array of winter activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Discover the fastest-growing winter sport in California.
Cross-country skiing is also referred to as Nordic skiing or ski touring. It requires minimal investment and basic skills, making it accessible to all. Additionally, any area with snow cover and relatively flat ground can serve as the playground of the Nordic skier.
Although snow-covered forest roads or trails suffice, the Sierra National Forest boasts several marked ski trails along Highway 168. These vary in length and difficulty from a one-mile beginner trail at Huntington Lake to a six-mile advanced trail near Highway 168 and Tamarack Ridge.
Most of the trails are situated between elevations of 7,000 and 7,500, promising awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape.
Snowmobiling
A fun and exciting winter activity.
You can explore the Sierra National Forest network of groomed and ungroomed snowmobile trails that are available in the Huntington Lake/Tamarack Area. There are trails for all levels of experience from easiest to most difficult. Be aware: snowmobiles are not allowed in wilderness areas or on cross-country ski trails.
Skiing and Snowboarding
The ultimate winter experience.
China Peak Ski Area offers downhill skiing and snowboarding. The resort is located just 2.5 miles from Lakeshore Resort. China Peak offers excellent opportunities for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced skier or snowboarder. Come and enjoy a day of winter fun!
Winter Travel Safety
Be aware of the hazards of winter travel.
Harsh conditions of wind, cold, snow, or whiteout can turn an outing into a tragedy. Knowledge of the area, weather, route, and limitations of your body and equipment, plus a little common sense can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Review the following Winter Tips before travel:
- Check the weather and the CHP reports at http://www.dot.ca.gov. CHP will close the roads if they determine driving conditions to be too unsafe. Caltrans works very hard to keep the roads open and safe. Caltrans No. 1-800-427-7623
- Always carry chains and know how to use them. The CHP will not let you travel either up or down the mountain in adverse conditions without chains. Chains are less costly to buy in the valley!
- Know where you are going and give yourself extra time to travel. Fresno to Lakeshore is 1-1/2 hours on a clear, dry day. Allow an extra hour on a stormy day or after fresh snow.
- Make sure your car radiator is filled with antifreeze, check that your battery is good, have a full tank of gas, and make sure your windshield wipers work. Gas stations may not be open nearby.
- In your car, bring an extra blanket, flashlight, a small shovel, and a window scraper or whiskbroom to clean the snow and ice off of your windshield.
- If caught at the resort in a blizzard, you can help us by helping yourself. It is safer not to leave during a blizzard and to wait until it is over. The saloon, restaurant, and general store are available to our guests during our regular hours.
- We do our best to plow the resort roads and driveways, and if we have time and have plenty of staff, the stairs and entrances to your cabin will be shoveled as well. This is usually done on the day of your arrival, however, if it is snowing, we may not be able to keep up with the shoveling, so we ask that you help yourselves.
- We have no control over the weather or other acts of man or nature. We do our best to help our guests if problems arise. Please notify any on-duty personnel as soon as possible it an emergency arises. If it is late and a problem can wait until the next day, we would appreciate your consideration.
- Beware of falling snow. When the trees and roofs of buildings are heavy with snow and the wind blows, park your car and remain away from these areas as much as possible. We are not responsible for falling limbs, snow, ice, or trees.
