Shasta Dam — Attraction in Shasta Lake

It was our first visit to Lake Shasta, while driving to lake Shasta we came to Shasta Dam visitor center. There were hardly some people at the dam, so we just followed some people walking on the dam sidewalk We saw couple of cars crossing the bridge, we were not sure how to go to other side of the bridge so thought of checking with the security officer. We requested security officer to provide information He came out of the cabin and started talking rudely We felt very humiliated with his inpolite behaviour instead of providing information to visitor he was very rude and arrogant He was shouting on small kids who were watching Deer we were struggling enough to understand how to reach to Lake and for our horror had a very bad treatment by visitor center staff. Upon asking about how those people got to cross the bridge very rudely he said that people who has business on the other side can only cross the bridge. As we remember the other people were also from our nationality so was just thinking what kind of business we have to have cross the bridge. In short Very disappointed with the visitor center staff they were not at all helpful and very rude. So much for Shasta being " no place for racism". Very disappointed ....Definitely no star for lake shasta for hiring such ruthless staff My son is still thinking and confused about the way the security officer behaviour. He should be fired immediately for this kind of behaviour with tourist The first thing came to his mind was is it because of our color...??? We are very sad....with the...

This was my first time coming here and this place is AMAZING!!! The water is like jumping into a luke warm bath on the DAM SIDE. "The Sacramento river on the South side is a totally different story.....BUUUUUR" Access to the shores are a bit tricky due to the steep sides, but there are definitely places that you can get to. You have to be out and away from the dam by 10pm, but opens back up a 6am. If you are into OHV, or 4x4 action, there are PLENTY of trails very close. DO NOT follow Google maps thinking you can get onto WESTSIDE RD. and make it to the lake!!!!! Don't get me wrong, you'll have a great time wheeling, but the trail...path....whatever, stops about a 1/4 mile short. HOWEVER, if you dont mind not being by the water and camping, there is an AMAZING spot where it dead ends....The views are breathtaking. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR SWIMMING, AND WHEELING!! 5 F'N STARS GUYS!!!

Side note: for the wheelers out there...take Westside road to the OHV 4 cutoff, take 4 up and over the mountain "the top is a visual treat" when you reach the top, continue on OHV 4 for a bit and you will see the OHV 12 cutoff...take that to OHV 3 and it will put you out right back where you started. AWESOME WHEELING EXPERIENCE. I drive a 2013 XTERRA with a 2.5 suspension lift and a 2" body lift that sits on 33's. Anything much less than that I WOULD NOT RECOMMENDED!!! BIG TRUCKS "wide" ARE A NO GO!! YOU WILL BE STUCK ON CORNERS WITH NO WHERE TO GO!!!

HIT IT AND...

For anyone who resides in California and has never made the stop at this dam or Shasta Lake for that matter, has to!  The drive up to the dam itself is worth the trip and picture taking is not an option here, it's a must.  The views from the dam are breathtaking and to see down the "spillway" from the top is inspiring.

The view of the lake in the background is awesome and in the winter months, the mountains are covered in snow and is another "Kodak Moment."  Other than the summer months, driving up to the dam can get pretty cold and a sweater or even a jacket is advised.

They have a visitor center, which also has the history on the dam with scheduled tours available, although the day we were here, they were closed?  "I can't recall what their explanation was but at the time, I really didn't care because just the walk partway on the dam was enough for us."

September 2021; the drought has severely affected the use of this lake as well as to the environmental impact. Hopefully water levels will return to normal in the coming year(s). See...