Sierra National Forest

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Name of Lake

Huntington Lake

Elevation

7,000'

Setting

Huntington Lake is a popular summer and winter recreation area. This beautiful high sierra lake provides wonderful opportunities for camping, hiking, picnicking, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and scenic driving.

Directions

Take Hwy 168 east from Clovis to Shaver Lake. Continue on Hwy 168 through Shaver Lake to Huntington Lake. Travel time from Clovis is 1 1/2 hours.

Maps

Interactive Map

[Map]: Thumbnail of map with link to vicinity map.

Vicinity Map
(Huntington Lake Quad)

Boating & Sailing

Huntington Lake is one of California's premier sailing lakes. Nearly five miles long, this lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides and contained on its western end by three dams. On summer days, hot air from the central San Joaquin Valley expands and rises up the canyon, forcing cool air that has settled above the lake at night into the mountains above. This thermal effect produces consistent afternoon westerly winds averaging 15 mph - ideal for sailing. Boat launching facilities, mooring and rentals are available at several marinas. A public boat launching ramp is located between College and Deer Creek Campgrounds. There is a fee for parking vehicles and trailers at the boat ramp.

Camping & Picnicking

There are seven public campgrounds at Huntington lake which include: Upper Billy Creek, Lower Billy Creek, Catavee, Deer Creek, Kinnikinnick, College and Rancheria. At Badger Flat above Huntington Lake is a group campsite which is available to reserve. To make reservations contact www.recreation.gov or by phoning 1.877.444.6777. Reservations must me made at least one day in advance. There are also three picnic areas on the north side of the lake for those who choose to visit for the day. A fee is charged at campgrounds and picnic areas. There are active bears in the area so please use the food storage boxes provided at the campground. Never feed the bears.

Fishing

Huntington Lake is an ultimate destination for avid anglers looking to hook up a German brown, rainbow trout, or Kokanne salmon. The limit is five per day, 10 in possession. State fishing regulations apply.

Hiking and Equestrian Trails

Beautiful scenery, soaring granite peaks, and backcountry lakes makes this an excellent place for hiking. Nearby several trails provide access into the scenic Kaiser Wilderness. Permits are required for overnight stay. Several day hikes are available to explore areas around the lake.

Horseback riding and backcountry guided services are available.

Winter Sports

During the winter months Hwy 168 is open to Huntington Lake which provides a winter wonderland of activities.

Nearby are Sno-Park areas for tubing and sledding. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are available at Sierra Summit Resort.

Services

There are numerous privately owned accommodations for visitors who prefer a few extra amenities. Horseback riding and backcountry guided services are available. At Billy Creek, you will find the Billy Creek Guard Station Museum which highlights the area's local history. The museum is open to the public during the summer months.

History of Huntington Lake

In the early 1900's, water and hydroelectric development were dominant forces shaping the landscape across the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Huntington Lake was constructed in 1912 as a part of the enormous Big Creek Hydroelectric Project envisioned by John S. Eastwood to provide power for a growing California. The lake was named for Henry Edwards Huntington, the entrepreneur who financed the earliest work to develop the Big Creek project which includes a system of lakes, tunnels, steel penstocks and power houses.

More Information

Contact the High Sierra Ranger Station at 559.855.5355 or during the summer you can contact the High Sierra Visitor Information Station at 559.877.7173.

Related Information

Is the water safe to drink?

Safe Food Storage

Campgrounds

Picnic Areas

Pets in the Sierra National Forest

Recreation Report - get the latest info on which campgrounds, roads and picnic areas are open!

Trip Planning

Leave No Trace

Recreation - Huntington Lake