Cherry Lake, reservoir in California
Cherry Lake is a reservoir formed by the Cherry Valley Dam in Stanislaus National Forest, surrounded by tall trees and mountains at an elevation of about 4700 feet (1430 meters). The lake is fed by three forks of Cherry Creek and serves purposes including drinking water supply and hydroelectric generation.
The lake was created in the middle of the 20th century when the Cherry Valley Dam was built to hold water for cities including San Francisco. Earlier uses of the forest by logging and mining workers were later replaced by water management and recreation purposes.
The lake serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors connect with nature through everyday outdoor activities. People use it regularly for fishing, hiking, and relaxing by the water, experiencing simple moments like listening to birds and watching the changing seasons.
The lake is accessible by paved forest roads from late April through October, after which roads often close due to snow. The west side has a boat ramp and swimming area, while the southwest shore offers a campground with space for over forty tents and RVs.
Cherry Creek below the lake offers one of the most challenging whitewater experiences in California with Class V rapids and steep drops. These extremely difficult rapids are accessible only through a few outfitters and are typically run from June to August when snowmelt makes the river safe.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
