Blue Lake Campground and Area
 Blue
Lake is a beautiful deep-blue 160 acre lake surrounded by ponderosa
pine, white fir trees and meadows and is located approximately 15
miles east of Likely, California and 35 miles south of Alturas,
California in the South Warner Mountains. The road to the lake is
a paved all-weather road. It is not plowed in the winter.
Blue Lake, at an elevation of 6,000 feet, is a natural lake that
sustains a good population of rainbow and brown trout. A boat ramp
is available for launching boats. The Blue Lake Campground is a
fee campground containing 48 units with piped water, stoves, vault
toilets and picnic tables. Handicap accessible restrooms are available
and there is an accessible trail to a fishing pier. The managed
season of use is from Memorial Day through October 15.
Getting There: Blue Lake Campground is located 16 miles
from the small community of Likely. From Highway 395, turn east
on forest service road 64. This paved, two lane road winds through
the juniper and sagebrush filled West Valley. At approximately 10
miles, you will come to a road junction, stay on FS 64 for the remaining
6 miles. You will soon enter a landscape dotted with fir trees and
towering ponderosa pines.
Elevation: 6,000 feet above sea level
Season: Generally June - October (Closed)
Road Conditions: Curvy Paved Road to Campground and Boat
Ramp.
-
- Facilities:
- 48 RV and tent units/up to 32 feet
- Picnic table and fire pit at each campsite
- Vault toilets
- Piped water throughout campsite
- Boat Ramp
- Accessible Fishing Platform
- Fees: $7.00
per night
Local Attractions:
-
- Several of the campsites are located directly on the lake. A boat
ramp is located close to the campground. Don't forget your fishing
license. Boating is usually done by those fishing by rowboat, canoe
or low powered boat as the lake is very small. Motor boat
speed is controlled and patrolled by Lassen County Sheriff. Skiing
is usually done on the larger and warmer West Valley Reservoir located
approximately 12 miles to the northwest of Blue Lake.
The Blue Lake National Recreation
Trail is 1.5 miles long, beginning at the Blue
Lake Campground, the trail continues around the west side of the
lake to the boat ramp. At least 90 percent of the trail is shaded
by picturesque white fir and massive ponderosa pine trees. Deer
tracks on the trail often outnumber hikers' tracks. Tree squirrels,
ducks, geese, loons and hawks are frequently seen by hikers while
walking the trail. The Blue Lake National Recreation Trail is
closed to all motorized vehicles
The South Warner Wilderness Area
is only six miles to the north of this camp ground, and offers
ample opportunities to leave civilization behind. Both Mill Creek
Falls Campground/Trailhead and Patterson Campground/Trailhead
will provide access into the southern portion of the wilderness.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
While a variety of wildlife may be seen around Blue Lake, a key
attraction is a pair of nesting bald eagles. Far enough away not
to disturb the birds, the boat ramp and fishing dock offer a rare
opportunity to observe the nest site. Normally shy and easily
disturbed while nesting, this pair has successfully fledged young
two years while most of the campground and lake remained open
to recreation.
Waterfowl may also be seen around the lake. Beavers maintain
a lodge at the south end and can occasionally be viewed from the
National Recreation Trail. Mule deer and small mammals are frequently
seen in the forest around the lake.
Nearby areas also offer viewing potential. The South Fork of
East Creek lies about 12 miles to the east off of the South Warner
Road. Beaver activity is apparent along the stream. A variety
of riparian songbirds inhabit the meadow and willow communities.
Patterson Mill Meadow is home to riparian songbirds as well. Jess
Valley, which visitors pass through between Likely and Blue Lake,
is home to waterfowl and shorebirds. Canada geese may be seen
along the ponds and ditches of the private ranch. White pelicans
are often seen on the reservoirs at the south end of the valley
where peat moss was once mined and sold for gardening.
The nearest food, gasoline, and restaurant are located in the
town of Likely, California, which is approximately 16 miles northwest
of the campground. Likely is located on the only paved access
to the campground. The nearest 24 hour services and hospital are
located in Alturas, CA.
Related Information
South Warner Wilderness
North Warner Auto
Tour Loop
Mill Creek Falls Campground
Patterson Campground
Paterson
Guard Station
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