After a long and challenging drive to reach Silver lake, you will be rewarded with a paddling adventure of a lifetime. Often, without a soul in sight. This spellbinding lake provides paddling opportunities unlike any other place in Northern California. It is easily one of my favorite paddling destinations when I want to “disappear”.

This seldom traveled lake is perfect for adventurous paddlers who enjoy paddling and camping at isolated destinations. It makes an excellent weekend trip for you and a companion. The lake features primitive wilderness campsites, stunning reflective views upon the lake’s crystal clear water surface and ideal paddling opportunities.

You can hand launch your boat from along the shoreline, but you may have to hand carry your boat a short distance from the parking area to the shore. Boats with motors are not allowed on Silver Lake, which makes it a perfect kayak angling destination, providing the road is drivable. Vehicles that ride low to the ground may have difficulty driving on this road.

The Department of Fish and Game plants 1,000 rainbows and 2,000 brook trout fingerlings each year, which may not seem like very many fish, but this lake doesn’t get a lot of action due to its remote location.

Quiet coves, beautiful views, and pleasant weather all draw paddlers to the lake in the summer.

Map of Silver Lake