Spaulding Lake
...nesting below rugged granite lifting up to Grouse Ridge ...
DESCRIPTION:
Spaulding lies in a dramatic setting: dark green, large trees nesting below rugged granite lifting up to Grouse Ridge and the Sierra Crest. Yet minutes from I-80.
Normal capacity 75,100 Acre Feet.
Elevation 5011’ with a season of mid-June through October. Drawdown occurs by late summer.
DIRECTIONS:
To Spaulding Lake
From I-80, take Highway 20 exit toward Nevada City. Follow for 2.3 miles then turn right and follow paved road 0.5 mile. From Nevada City, take Highway 20 east for 25 miles and watch for signed access road to the left (north).
See South Yuba River Map.
ACTIVITIES:
Camping (Rating: Best)
This 24 unit campround sits on the south shore of Lake Spaulding with the scenic mountains of the Grouse Ridge recreation area overlooking the lake. The setting is forested and until the lake is drawn down by late summer, the campground is especially nice.
Elevation 5000' with a season of mid-June through October.
Vault toilets,units available for RVs/trailers, drinking water. Fees.
Operated by the Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Company.
Underwater Diving (Rating: Good)
Fair to good, up to 400’ depth with variable visibility. Attractions: large fish, bottom contours, and tree stumps. Folklore says there’s a logging train engine lying on the bottom, but no underwater sightings have been reported -- yet.
Fishing (Rating: Good)
Rainbow and browns stocked, and resident fish can be large, especially brown trout. Bank fishing limited by rugged terrain, shores, and access. Boat fishing most productive when you come in early over the snow.
Boating Lakes & Reservoirs (Rating: Good)
All crafts are allowed, but late summer after drawdown begins can be hazardous due to exposed rocks. Launching of large boats proves difficult as drawdown falls below the ramp. Boat Ramp south east shore.
Nice lake for flat water crafts especially the upper end where gentle shoreline offers primitive camping.
