Lake Davis, dam in Plumas County, California
Lake Davis is a large reservoir in Plumas County, California, created in 1967 and situated in a forested, mountainous setting. The water is clean and deep with a long shoreline that supports fishing, boating, and water activities, while surrounding forests and open spaces provide a tranquil backdrop.
The lake was created in 1967 to support irrigation and fire protection, a project that transformed the region. The area holds deep roots with the Maidu tribes who used these lands for thousands of years, followed by trappers in the 1800s and a gold rush that brought settlers and the arrival of railroads that opened new connections.
The lake bears the name of William Davis, a 19th-century pioneer who worked in this region. Today it serves as a gathering place where visitors practice traditional outdoor pursuits like fishing and boating, connecting them with the recreational heritage of Northern California.
The lake sits about 7 miles north of Portola at higher elevation and offers several boat ramps plus a wheelchair-accessible fishing levee for easy entry. Various camping and picnic areas ring the property, some available without reservation and others requiring advance booking, while jet skis are prohibited to maintain the peaceful atmosphere.
Smith Peak Lookout, an old observation tower above the lake, offers 360-degree views of mountains and water, reached via steep forest roads or on foot. The annual Lost and Found Gravel Grinder bike race starts in Portola and courses through backcountry routes with distance options ranging from 35 to 100 miles for different skill levels.
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