Dodge Reservoir, Lassen County, California
Dodge Reservoir is a large body of water set in California's high desert, covering about 480 acres and surrounded by gentle hills with sagebrush and scattered junipers. The water level changes seasonally, reaching its highest point in spring and early summer.
The reservoir was built in 1937 by the Dodge Brothers to supply irrigation water for nearby farmland. Over time it shifted from serving only agricultural needs to becoming a spot for outdoor recreation while the Dodge Ranch retained its water rights.
The reservoir reflects a rural way of life where farming and nature coexist in the high desert landscape. Visitors experience the quiet natural surroundings with their characteristic sounds - wind moving through junipers and water lapping gently at the shoreline.
Access is via the unpaved County Road 506, which can be rough or muddy after rain and suits vehicles with trailers but remains dusty and uneven. Check water and road conditions with the Eagle Lake Field Office before visiting, as these change significantly with the seasons.
The reservoir has no minimum water level requirement since the Dodge Ranch controls the water rights with no legal floor for water retention. This means the water level can vary dramatically from year to year, which may surprise visitors expecting more constant conditions.
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