Our First 16′ x 65′ Foot Sumerset Luxury Houseboat Has Arrived

https://www.facebook.com/ShastaMarinaHouseboats/videos/1654181664616853/

It started with a conversation and a design on a blank napkin and our vision became reality after nine months of design, building, refining and completing the more than a 2,600 mile road trip from Kentucky to California. The first of five new Sumerset Houseboats has made her debut at Shasta Marina at Packers Bay. The other four new boats are scheduled to arrive about every two weeks through July.

The hull of the Sumerset is 16 feet wide, which requires special permits from each state and a special “oversize load” delivery convoy to transport the boat from Kentucky to California. Additionally, the Sumerset Houseboat is too tall to fit under freeway underpasses and bridges to deliver assembled. Once the boat is constructed and quality tested at the manufacturer, the upper deck is removed and shipped separately with the hot tub, railings and other special equipment on separate trucks. Once the houseboat arrives at its destination, the upper deck is reassembled and the interior furnishings are installed and displayed.

The date was set and the invitations were out for the open house to debut the first Sumerset for May 18, 2018, weeks in advance of the boat leaving Trifecta Houseboats in Kentucky. Unknown at the time, the delivery of the first Sumerset would experience several unexpected delays in transport and arrive in northern California just hours before the event.

The team at Shasta Lake Houseboat Sales partnered with the staff at Shasta Marina at Packers Bay as well as other independent vendors to work together in an “all-hands-on-deck” build and completed the construction and transportation of the Sumerset into the water at Shasta Marina at Packers Bay in less than 10 hours. This process usually takes three to five days. The time lapse video above highlights the process of preparing a boat from delivery to the water. The end result is the newest, largest, most luxurious boat for rent on Shasta Lake this summer. If you are interested in reserving one of the new Sumerset’s for 2018, please call the marina at 800.959.3359 for more information.

The Mirage I

Shasta Lake offers experiences of lifetime for families of all shapes and sizes. Shasta Marina at Packers Bay understands that every vacation is different, that is part of the reason why we offer a wide variety of luxurious houseboats.

One of our favorite houseboats for smaller families is the Mirage I – a perfect houseboat for a long holiday weekend, or full week getaway from your daily routine. From the moment you step into the Mirage I it will feel like you’ve entered a whole new 15’ x 56’ world filled with everything that you will need to relax and have fun.

Imagine waking up in one of the two staterooms and making yourself a cup of coffee just to watch the sunrise from the top deck. After sunrise, you can head over to the full gas kitchen to prepare breakfast before heading out with the crew in search of the perfect cove to jet ski for the rest of the day. Once you have found the perfect cove for your group, you can relax and enjoy everything the lake has to offer. You can go for a swim, read a book or head out on a hike around the lake.

If your a fisherman or have a family with a dog, The Mirage I has a unique full walk-around bottom deck railing. You can prop your fishing pole or on the railing, or use the railing to keep your water-loving dog onboard until it’s playtime!

As the day is coming to an end it’s time to start the grill for some delicious barbecue. What better way to end the day than chillin’ and grillin’ with your loved ones on the top deck. Once the barbeque is over you and your crew can hang out at the wet bar and enjoy the starry night the Shasta lake has to offer. After a long day of activities and bonding with your crew it is time to head over to one of our six beds for a well deserved rest.

Whether you choose the Mirage I or one of the other larger houseboats at Shasta Marina at Packers Bay, one thing that remains the same, your family will be set for the #BestVacationEver?

Ever Wonder What Night Time Is Like On A Shasta Marina Houseboat?

Diamonds In The Sky

During the hustle and bustle of city activity, city lights can drown out the magnificent features nature has to offer. One of the most beautiful sights to see is the milky way from the deck of a houseboat. With more than 350 miles of shoreline on Shasta Lake, you can sail to a cove that has an unobstructed view of billions of twinkling diamonds in the sky!

If you have never experienced a luxury houseboat vacation from Shasta Marina, hurry on up to Northern California. We can’t wait to share the beauty with you.

The New Sumersets Are Coming Soon!

We are excited to announce the anticipated arrival of our five new luxury Sumerset Houseboats to Shasta Marina’s fleet. While every boat in our marina is ready to deliver the “Best Vacation Ever”, the Sumerset model will be the largest, most luxurious boat on Shasta Lake.

It’s reverse floor plan galley (that’s kitchen in boat-speak) means that you will be closer to the water action when you’re grabbing a cool drink from the fridge or pulling hot, fresh pizza out of the oven.

The 16 x 65 foot frame hosts four private staterooms with queen beds, one semi-private room with queen bunk beds and one more private bedroom with an additional queen bed. Additional sleeping accommodations are in the main salon. But, perhaps the best place to catch some ZZZ’s in on the sundeck.

The upper deck is where you’ll find the stereo playing the tunes while the steak and veggies are grilling on the gas barbeque. The large wet bar with ice maker, TV and 15 built-in bar stools offer a place for everyone to enjoy the view. All of this are just steps away from the eight-person hot tub and swim slide ready for the wet-side of the best vacation ever.

All five Sumerset houseboats are currently under construction in Kentucky. The first boat, Sumerset 1 is scheduled to arrive mid-May. And, then we expect the other boats to arrive about every two weeks thereafter throughout the summer.

The process of selecting the manufacturer, the boat model, the layout and interior design that we thought would offer the best experience for your guests took months. We are enjoying the process of watching the boats “come to life”. Here are the photos of each of the five new Sumerset boats from the manufacturer, entitled Sumerset 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 based on their expected order to the marina.

If you are interested in reserving the new Sumerset models, please call the marina at 800.959.3359 for more information.

Fishing Resources

  • Phil’s PropellersWe specialize in high-performance bass boat propellers. We carry over 1,000 new and used propellers in stainless, bronze, and aluminum. We offer high-quality repairs of propellers on-site, as well as polishing services.
  • Lakehead Trout DerbyWe are in the Lakehead Community of Shasta Lake and would like to WELCOME all anglers old and young to our Trout Derby. We hope you will get to know all that this part of Shasta Lake has to offer.
  • Shasta Tackle CompanyIt was a boyhood dream and the love of fishing that inspired Gary Miralles to begin inventing fishing lures at age 16.

Shasta Lake Area Helpful Documents

Here are a number of useful documents provided by the US Forest Service. These documents will help you identify local flora and fauna as well as offer tips and tricks, such as fishing locations, recreation facilities locations, and other helpful information that can make your stay on Shasta Lake the best vacation ever.

Hiking Trails

California Lakes info from Shasta Marina at Packers Bay

Samwel Cave Nature Trail

The Trail is 1 mile

   Samwel Cave is noted for its use among the Wintu Indians. Samwel is a Wintu word meaning holy place. Also known as the Cave of the      Lost Maiden & Cave of Magic Pools. In the closed portion of the cave, scientists have discovered Cultural Artifacts and Ice Age Fossils.        Legends tell of pools of magic powers and Ritual Ceremonies.

    Samwel Cave is located at the eastern slope of Bollibokka Mountain with its portal opening southwards to the the upper McCloud Arm      of Shasta Lake.  The trail, the Entrance Portal with the view and the first Chamber are freely accessible. The rest of the Cave is closed          with a gate, for the protection of the Cave and the protection of the Visitors. The Permit and the Key is available from the Shasta Lake        Visitor Information Center in Mountain Gate. While there are two fairly horizontal levels, which can be visited without difficulties,              there is a deep drop to the lower level which requires Climbing Gear.

BY CAR: Take Gilman Road (Exit 698 off of Interstate 5), then go down to the Cave by a footpath, which starts 2.8 miles past the McCloud River Bridge.
BY BOAT: Go to Point McCloud (on the McCloud Arm) across from Ellery Creek Campground and follow the Nature Trail one mile up to the Cave entrance.

Packers Bay Trail System

A scenic, 4-Trail Loop System

There are four Trails in this System:

Waters Gulch Trail -2.8 miles

Overlook Trail – 0.4 miles

Fish Loop Trail – 0.7 miles

Eastside Trail 0.4 miles. 

These are open all year, but it is best to hike them in the Spring and Fall. Fish Loop begins at Packers Bay Parking Lot, Eastside begins at Shasta Marina’s Boat Ramp, Overlook and Waters Gulch begin 1/2 mile before Packers Bay Parking Lot (Trailheads and Gravel Parking Lot on the Right).

BY CAR: From the South, Take I-5 to Exit 695, turn Left, go under the Freeway and get back on I-5 headed South for one mile and then take Exit 693. Turn Right and drive down Packers Bay Road.

BY BOAT: Go to Packers Bay across from Bridge Bay.

 

Greens Creek Trail

The trail is 6 miles round-trip.

The Trail is steep and is considered to be moderately challenging.  It starts from the Greens Creek Boat-in Campground and it’s a 1,230 feet climb to the Ridge on this 6 mile course.  This Trail does provide some amazing views. The Trail passes through magnificent Limestone Formations that separate the McCloud and Squaw Creek Arms and then descends back to the Lake Level near the historic Mining Town of Bully Hill, where you can still see remains of the Bully Hill Zinc and Copper Mine that was in operation from 1870 to 1919.                                                                                                                                                                                          BOAT ACCESS ONLY: Go to the East side of the McCloud River or to Bear Cove on the Southwest Squaw Creek Arm.

 

                                                                                   

California Lakes info from Shasta Marina at Packers Bay

Bailey Cove Trail

The Trail is 3.1 miles

This is a Loop Trail that takes about an hour to complete and is considered moderately challenging. The Trail is single track dirt and parallels the Shoreline. Some of the access is steep. Bailey Cove Trail is popular for Sightseeing, Fishing, Swimming and its Public Boat Ramp. There is a day use area and there is also a beautiful forested Campground.                                                                                                                      BY CAR: Take I-5 to Exit 695, Turn Right and then follow Shasta Caverns Road to Bailey Cove.                                                                                                                          BY BOAT: Go to the West side of the McCloud Arm

 

 

California Lakes info from Shasta Marina at Packers Bay

Sugarloaf Creek Trail

The trail is 2 miles

     Sugarloaf Creek runs year-round so the lush creek-side vegetation lure hikers to visit. The Trail parallels the Creek.  There is a                       Swimming Hole just South of where Lakeshore Drive crosses the Creek.
BY CAR: Take Lakeshore Drive (Exit 703), turn left, and follow the signs.
BY BOAT: The trail is accessible at Sugarloaf Creek, crossing on the Sacramento River Arm.

Clikapudi Trail

The Trail is a 7.6 – mile loop.

“Photo Courtesy of John Soares from Northern California Hiking Trails” https://northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com/blog/

  Clikapudi Trail is the longest maintained Trail on Lake Shasta where you can see great views of the Mountains,  explore the Pit River          Arm and Clikapudi Creek.  This Trail is considered Moderately Difficult. This is a popular  trail for Hiking, Horseback Riding and                Mountain Biking. It is accessible from three Trailheads, one at the Jones Valley Campground, also Jones Valley Boat Ramp Parking Lot    and halfway between, where the Trail crosses Forest Road 33N03. 

   BY CAR: Take I-5 to Oasis Road (Exit 683) to Bear Mountain Road, then take Jones Valley Road to the Jones Valley Boat Ramp.
   BY BOAT: The trail starts at Jones Valley Campground on the Pit River Arm and ends at the boat ramp.

Hirz Bay Trail

The Trail is 1.6 miles

      The trail begins and ends at day use areas near Campgrounds: Hirz Bay and Dekkas Rock. It’s a scenic walk following the Shoreline and crossing shady                Creeks over wooden Bridges with great vistas of the Lake. The Trail passes by Limestone Rock Formations and winds through groves of many types of                  Trees. There are day use areas that have Parking, Bathrooms, and other Amenities.

BY CAR: Take Gilman Road (Exit 697) to Hirz Bay Amphitheater.
BY BOAT: The trail can be hiked from Hirz Bay Amphitheater or Dekkas Rock Campground on the northwest McCloud Arm.

Hirz Mountain Lookout

This 20-foot Lookout Tower comes with a full 360-degree view. The Lookout is available for rent to the Public seasonally–by Reservation only–to anyone 18 years of age or older. Seasons normally run from May 1st through October 15th. The Lookout has a maximum capacity of four People. The Rental Fee is $75 per night with a maximum four-day stay per group/per year.   Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m. Make reservations to stay by calling the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) at 1-877-444-6777 or by contacting them through the web at www.Recreation.gov.

BY CAR: Take I5 to Gilman Road,  Exit 698, follow Gilman Road 5 miles to Road 35N04, Turn Left on to a limited sight distance single lane dirt Road. Road 35N04 is a high clearance Mountainous Road recommended for 4-wheel Drive Vehicles. Due tp slippery, steep terrain the last 1/4 mile of road access is for foot traffic only.

Dry Fork Trail

The Trail is 4.7 miles

This Trail was made to extend fishing access North of Shasta Dam. There are great views of the lake and Mt. Shasta and lots of opportunities to fish and swim.A trail following the shoreline to the Dry Creek Inlet. Great fishing and panoramic views.

BY CAR: Take I-5 to Shasta Dam Blvd. (Exit 685) and follow the Signs.
BY BOAT: The Trail is on the West side of Shasta Dam at a County Road that is only accessible when the Lake is down 15 feet or more.

California Lakes info from Shasta Marina at Packers Bay

Photo Collection: Relating to the Lawerence May Family. Contributor: The Bancroft Library, University of CA., Berkeley.

Bully Hill Mine

A scenic two-mile walk crossing creeks and great vistas.

BOAT ACCESS ONLY The mine is located at the Squaw Creek Arm on the northwest side. The ruins of Bully Hill Mine can be seen on a flat just above the north shore line. This was a copper-producing mine from 1901–1927 that sat just above the town of Delamar. You can reach the mine ruins by taking a 2.5-mile trail at Baxters Gulch and ending at the mine.

Waterfalls

California Lakes info from Shasta Marina at Packers Bay

Little BackBone RockSlide

BOAT ACCESS ONLY: Go to the Sacramento Arm at the end of Little Backbone Creek. Hike up the creek for approximately 20 minutes.

California Lakes info from Shasta Marina at Packers Bay

Waters Gulch

BOAT ACCESS ONLY: Go to the Sacramento Arm on the northern end near Packers Bay. This 20-foot waterfall is visible from the Waters Gulch Trail.

California Lakes info from Shasta Marina at Packers Bay

Bear Creek Falls

BOAT ACCESS ONLY Go three miles past Stein Creek on the Pit River Arm. This is a 25-foot waterfall. Do not attempt to go by boat if the water is below 25 feet down; hike in. The waterfall is near Arbuckle Flat.

Indian Creek Falls

BY CAR: Take I-5 to Gilman Road (Exit 698) to Gregory Beach Campground.
BY BOAT: Access the waterfall across from the Antlers Resort on the Sacramento Arm.

California Lakes info from Shasta Marina at Packers Bay

Potem Falls

BY CAR: From I-5, take Highway 299 east 31 miles to Fenders Ferry Road (Road 27). Turn left and drive 9 miles to a pullout parking area on the left. There is a short, easy hike of 0.3 miles to the falls. *NOTE: Fenders Ferry road is a dirt road and a four-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle is recommended. Allow yourself about 1/2 hour to reach the turn out.

BY BOAT: Beach the boat close to the Pit 7 Dam in a safe place. Beware of dangerous conditions for parking your boat. Hike up to Fenders Ferry Road. Go over the bridge and follow the road one (1) mile.

Off-Lake Lodging

While our houseboats offer exceptional living and sleeping quarters, there may be times you come to the lake and want to stay on land. These nearby lodging facilities offer lovely and quaint cabins, some with private views of the lake. For those with RVs, the Lakeshore Inn and RV has space for RV camping complete with full hook-ups.

Tsasdi ResortImmaculate cabins–with fully equipped kitchens and private decks–are nestled among a forest of blacks oaks overlooking our dock on Shasta Lake. Come hide away at Tsasdi Resort. Our year-round cabin rental resort offers the finest Shasta Lake lodging for all your Northern California adventures.

SugarLoaf Cottages Resort: These cozy cabins are nestled along the shore of Lake Shasta. Sugarloaf Cottages is the perfect location for a romantic weekend getaway, a fishing vacation, or a family gathering. Escape to Sugarloaf Cottages Resort.

Lakeshore Inn and RVWe are nestled in a shady grove of tall pines and oak trees overlooking Shasta Lake!

Shasta Lake Resources

Perhaps you have been bitten by the houseboating bug and wish to purchase one for yourself? Or maybe you are curious about other attractions the Shasta Lake area offers? Feel free to peruse the links below for more information.

Shasta Lake Houseboat Sales: This is the largest selection of BROKERED HOUSEBOATS in California! They also feature: Shasta Lake Houseboat Storage, Dry Dock Boat and RV Storage, and Shasta Marine Transport.

ShastaLake.com: Go here for Shasta Lake tourism and recreation information.

Shasta Lake Chamber of CommerceThe Shasta Lake area is located at the very top of the great Central Valley in beautiful Northern California and is nestled between lush green mountains.