01
Best overall pick
Manzanita Lake Beach
Near Lassen Volcanic National Park Northwest Entrance • Classic Mountain Lake Beach • Best Overall Pick
Calm, clear water and postcard views of Lassen Peak make Manzanita Lake the go-to beach day from Old Station.
About 25 minutes from Old Station, the small swim beach at Manzanita Lake feels made for spreading out a blanket between the pines and wading in slowly warming shallows. Kayak and paddleboard rentals, nearby campgrounds, and an easy shoreline loop trail turn a quick dip into a full day out. Expect cool water even in mid-summer, but the scenery and wildlife watching more than make up for it.
02
Most peaceful escape
Butte Lake Shoreline
Remote Northeast Lassen Region • Quiet Volcanic Lakeshore • Most Peaceful Escape
A rougher road leads to Butte Lake’s uncrowded shoreline, where black lava rock backs a surprisingly inviting place to cool off.
Reached by a gravel road east of Old Station, Butte Lake is where you go when you want a swim with almost no one else around. There’s no formal swim beach, but the gently sloping shoreline near the campground works well for wading and cooling down after hiking the Cinder Cone. Bring everything you need, as services are minimal and shade is limited to pockets of lakeside pines.
03
Best for families
Lake Britton Beach
Mcarthur-Burney Falls Area • Family Swimming Cove • Best For Families
Sheltered water, a defined swim area, and nearby amenities make Lake Britton one of the easiest family beach days near Old Station.
Just north of McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Lake Britton’s sandy swim area is a favorite with families who like a little infrastructure with their lake time. The roped-off swimming zone, gentle entry, and easy access from parking simplify things if you’re wrangling kids or coolers. Combine a visit here with a hike to the falls for a classic high-country summer day.
04
Best developed lake beach
Brandy Creek Beach, Whiskeytown Lake
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area • Developed Lakeside Swim Area • Great For Summer Afternoons
Brandy Creek Beach offers shaded picnic tables, lawns, and mellow swimming on a broad stretch of Whiskeytown Lake.
A bit of a drive from Old Station but worth it on the hottest days, Brandy Creek Beach feels like a classic summer rec area. You get maintained restrooms, picnic sites tucked under oaks and pines, and a roomy swim area where the water warms up faster than the higher-elevation lakes. Arrive earlier on weekends if you want a shady spot close to the waterline.
05
Top day-trip outing
Lake Almanor North Shore Beach
Lake Almanor North Shore • Wide Open Reservoir Shore • Top Day-Trip Outing
Long stretches of shoreline and big-sky views make Lake Almanor’s north side a classic all-day beach trip from Old Station.
South of Old Station via Highway 89, the north shore of Lake Almanor offers multiple pull-outs and small park areas where you can walk straight onto the gravelly beach. The reservoir’s broad expanse means plenty of sun, room to spread out, and steady afternoon breezes that feel great on hot days. Pack a picnic and plan to linger for the colorful sunsets over the surrounding ridgelines.