Shasta Dam

Tour the one of the largest Concrete Dams in the U.S.  At 602 feet (183 m) high, it is the eighth tallest Dam in the United States. Located at the north end of the Sacramento Valley,  Shasta Dam creates Lake Shasta for long-term water storage, flood control and hydroelectricity. It’s the largest Reservoir in the state and can hold about 4,500,000 acre-feet. Free Tours provided at the Visitor Center. Open Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and closed Saturday and Sunday.

Samwel Cave

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.

• Farmer’s Market: Start your trip off right! Allow Shasta Lake’s premier full-service supermarket to make your houseboat vacation fun from the start. It’s easy!
• Raley’s Lake Blvd This Redding location offers online shopping for pickup only. But at only 22 minutes away from Shasta Marina at Packers Bay, it’s an excellent option to stock up on groceries for your houseboating trip.

• Government Campground Reservations: Reserve your place under the stars with the National Recreation Reservation Service.
• Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association: Northern California’s Shasta Cascade region is a unique experience that fulfills just about any interest. Start planning your vacation now by exploring the website or downloading the online Visitors Guide.
• U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Reclamation: Established in 1902, the Bureau of Reclamation is best known for the dams, power plants, and canals it constructed in the 17 western states. These water projects led to homesteading and promoted the economic development of the West.
• USDA Forest Service: The Forest Service was established in 1905 and is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands, which encompass 193 million acres.
• California Department of Water Resources Division of Flood Management: This page will show you the current lake levels at Shasta Lake.

While our houseboats offer a full kitchen and amenities for whipping up just about any recipe you can think of, sometimes it’s great to have someone else do the cooking for you. The locations listed below are some of our favorites.

• Basshole Brews: Catch the excitement! We also feature a tackle and bait shop. We are your headquarters for fun, seven days a week! Families welcome.
• Silverthorn Pizza & Pub: Enjoy a cocktail on the large outside deck or enjoy our awesome pizza or the coldest beer or beverage. Check out the latest sporting events on our two big screen TVs or enjoy a game of eight-ball on our pool table.
• Cook House: 10300 Bridge Bay Rd. Redding, CA  96003  530 275-3021
• Country Cooking at Lakeshore Inn and RV: We are a full-service restaurant. Dinners on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights are our barbecue nights–featuring chicken, tri-tip, and baby back ribs with all the fixings.

Little BackBone RockSlide