Huntington Lake

Fresno County

Huntington Lake, Fresno County, California
Huntington Lake, Fresno County, California

Huntington Lake

Fresno County


Huntington Lake

At an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, Huntington Lake draws many summer visitors who want to escape the scorching valley temperatures and enjoy the temperate, mountain air along with all the pleasures of a large, recreational lake.

Some water skiers and wake boarders don wetsuits while others thrive in the 60-degree water. Steady winds make Huntington Lake a popular place for sailors, while good fishing attracts anglers. Quieter than its neighbor, Shaver Lake, Huntington makes a restful destination for a relaxing summer vacation.

Huntington Lake is located 60 miles northeast of Fresno, midway between Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks. It is owned by the Southern California Edison Company, which operates a number of large reservoirs in the area.


Boating

Huntington Lake is one of California's best small mountain lakes for boating. A public boat launch facility is located on the northeast side of the lake and there are private ramps at several of the marinas. Sailors love to come to Huntington Lake because of its steady afternoon winds. Because of the wind and the chilly water, water skiing is not as popular as at lower elevation lakes.

Marinas

Huntington Lake has several marinas which offer launch ramps, mooring, and boat rentals. Some of them focus on renting fishing boats and sailboats while others rent personal watercraft and pontoon boats.

Fishing

Huntington Lake is not known as a famous fishing destination, but it has plenty to offer trout and kokanee anglers. Both rainbows and browns can be taken from the lake. Skilled shore fishermen do almost as well as those in boats.

Campgrounds

Huntington Lake has 7 Forest Service campgrounds, mostly of them along the north side of the lake. Many campsites are either lakeside or with nice lake views. Several of the resorts at Huntington offer RV camping as does the nearby China Peak Ski Area.

Lodging

Huntington Lake has several excellent resorts, all of them featuring individual cabins at moderate prices. Some of them were originally built in the early 20th century and although they have been upgraded, they still retain that rustic, old-time charm. Most are lakeside or within easy walking distance of the water.



Recreation Opportunities Near
Huntington Lake

Huntington Lake is in the heart of the Sierra with many great places nearby.

  • China Peak:
    • Mountain Bike
    • Summer Concerts
    • Triathlon
    • Fly Fishing Camps
    • Scenic Tours
  • Horseback Riding - Guided Day Rides or Pack Trips - Huntington Lake D & F Pack Station
  • Lake Thomas A. Edison Take that slow, scenic driver over Kaiser Pass, spend the day hiking around the lake. Have lunch at the Vermilion Resort or Mono Hot Springs.
  • Florence Lake An hour of slow driving away over Kaiser Pass. Hike to the far end and ride the water taxi back.
  • Explore the Kaiser Wilderness right out the back door from Huntington Lake.
  • OHV Routes: Red Mountain OHV Routes and more OHV Routes
Huntington Lake, Fresno County, California

Huntington Lake


Huntington Lake Facts
Lake Size: 1,435 surface acres
Maximum Depth: 128 feet
Length: 7 miles
Shoreline: 14 miles
Dam Construction: 1913, 1919
Reservoir Owner: Southern California Edison Co.
Maximum Lake Elevation: 6,950 feet
Average High Air Temperatures
  spring: 55 degrees
  summer: 74 degrees
  fall: 63 degrees
  winter: 46 degrees
Summer Surface Water Temperature: 65 degrees

Nearby Communities

Except for the few little establishments along the north side of the lake, you need to drive 21 miles back to Shaver Lake to find a lot of stores and services.

From Shaver Lake it is another 35 miles down to Fresno where you can find just about anything you need or want. The nearest hospitals are also located in Fresno.


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