Forget Lake Tahoe, This Sierra Nevada Beauty Has Pristine Water, Boating, And Fishing In A 'Granite Bowl'

North America's largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe, features deep, clear water surrounded by a ruggedly scenic landscape comprised of mountain peaks, massive granite boulders, and expansive evergreen forests. Those features have long made Tahoe a favorite destination for boaters and fishermen. But its popularity has resulted in the lake being swarmed with massive crowds. However, just an hour to the west is another, albeit smaller, lake with almost identical natural features sans the crowds. So, those looking to enjoy their time on the water in less crowded conditions should forget Lake Tahoe and visit Lake Spaulding, a pristine lake located in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, instead.

Lake Spaulding is inside Sierra National Forest. However, the lake and the land immediately surrounding it is maintained by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Inasmuch, PG&E operates the campground and day use areas. The lake itself was created in 1912 and covers just under 700 acres. Once the 275-foot-tall dam was completed, the waters of the South Fork Yuba River filled a large depression –- or bowl –- in the granite landscape that had been naturally made by glacial activity. The end result was a deep, clear water lake encircled by granite boulders and outcrops, mountain peaks, and pine wood forests.

Visitors can reach Lake Spaulding one of two ways. In order to get to the lake by vehicle, head west on CA-20 from Truckee, the under-the-radar mountain hub for outdoor activities, or east from Nevada City, California's historic "Queen City." Then, turn onto Spaulding Lake Road, which leads to the campground and day use areas. Another option is to hike in via the Pioneer and Lake Spaulding trails in the national forest.

The combination of pristine waters and surrounding scenery has made Lake Spaulding quite popular among boaters, paddlers, and anglers. Motorboats, jet skis, and sailboats are all allowed on the lake. There is one boat ramp facility available within PG&E's Lake Spaulding Campground near the dam on the southern end of the lake. While both the campground and boat launch were closed for the 2026 season due to repair work on the dam, both facilities are expected to be fully operational in 2027. Paddlers with packable kayaks and SUPs, such as inflatable models, can also reach the lake via the Spaulding Lake Trail and launch their crafts from shore.

Fishing is another big reason why people seek out Lake Spaulding. The lake is best known for producing quality catches of rainbow and brown trout. There is ample shore access around the lake. Both shore bound fly fishermen and conventional tackle anglers can do well casting flies or downsized lures. Boating anglers typically have the best results trolling with either spoons or diving plugs. Whether fishing from boat or shore, anglers 16 years and over need a valid California fishing license.

Visitors hoping to camp at or near Lake Spaulding have a few options. Most years, the PG&E Lake Spaulding Campground is open. This facility features 25 sites for tents or RVs up to 30 feet. There is drinking water and vault toilets in the campground. Reservations can be made online. Additionally, the Indian Springs Campground is just 10 minutes away in the national forest. This campground has 35 sites for tents and small camper trailers. Camping at either of these campgrounds also allows visitors easy access to the Emerald Pools, a series of ethereal swim pools along the South Yuba River below Lake Spaulding.