30 Not-to-Be-Missed Things to Do at Shaver Lake

Are you planning a trip to Shaver Lake? Wondering what to do here? No worries, cause we are here to save your day! Whether you are a hiker, a traveler prepping for an annual trip, or just vaguely searching for fun activities, Shaver Lake has your back upholding something for everyone! Stick with us until the end and discover what makes Shaver Lake a genuinely unique year-round destination for your ultimate vacation.

Fun Things to Do at Shaver Lake

Shaver Lake is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, this scenic beauty offers a wide range of outdoor activities and attractions for you to enjoy. To make it convenient, We have handpicked 30 of the best things to do at Shaver Lake.

1. Boating and Sailing

Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a casual boater, Shaver Lake offers you the best opportunities to enjoy the water with surreal surroundings. It is an ideal spot for boating and sailing, owning favorable wind conditions.

Rent a sailing boat from Shaver Lake Marina in Camp Edison or Sierra Marina at the lake’s northern end; enjoy a leisurely cruise around the lake, inhaling the stunning mountain scenery and spotting wildlife along the shoreline. You can find a private spot, anchor, and jump into the fresh waters for a summer swim. Pack picnic essentials and sunscreen for more fun activities. 

The rentals are available for a few hours or a full day, providing the best service. This activity allows you to explore the lake’s various coves, inlets, and islands, offering a sense of adventure and discovery. You may also find boat racing events here. Overall, boating is a great activity to unwind, have fun, and connect with Shaver Lake’s panoramic nature.

2. Mountain Biking

Mountain biking in Shaver Lake offers thrilling adventures through the stunning Sierra Nevada landscape. Shaver Lake has routes suitable for all skill levels, catering to every biking preference, from leisurely rides to challenging downhill descents. Renowned as a premier location for mountain bikers, China Lake Mountain Bike Park sits less than 20 miles northeast of Shaver Lake. This park offers mountain biking throughout the summer with full-suspension bike rentals and other additional necessities. You can also bring your own bike and gear.

With a network of scenic trails, you can explore dense forests, rugged terrain, and breathtaking vistas, no matter whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider. So plan and Prepare immediately to pedal through pine-scented air, encounter wildlife, and soak in the natural beauty by mountain biking in the Shaver Lake area.

3. Hiking

Shaver Lake has hiking opportunities for everyone. The Shaver Lake Trail is one of the most accessible trails, being kid and dog-friendly and less crowded than other lake areas. Your alternative easy trail can be Shaver Lakeview Trail, with stunning views. Rancheria Falls is an out-and-back trail with beautiful falls to witness. This is another comfortable, family-friendly hike with easy parking, path, and restroom amenities. 

You can count The seven-mile Twin Lakes trail and the Dinkey Lakes loop for tougher ones. So, the only thing that remains is to get those hiking boots on and start your journey through the breathtaking beauty of Shaver Lake’s hiking paths!

4. Swimming 

Get a fresh summer swimming in Shaver Lake and experience the ethereal beauty of the lake. The lake’s crystal-clear waters provide a pristine environment for you to swim, regardless of your age. Unprofessional dips or exhilarating swims, Shaver Lake’s calm, clean waters will surely bring peace to both your body and mind during the summer heat. 

Designated swimming areas and lifeguard supervision during peak seasons make it a safe and sound activity to embrace Shaver Lake’s beauty in every way possible. So, swim amidst stunning mountain scenery and feel the serene ambiance of Shaver Lake without any delay!

5. Horseback Riding

Shaver Stables (shaverstable.horse/) is a locally owned stable offering Horseback rides in the beauty of the Sierra at Shaver Lake, CA. Their friendly and knowledgeable guides will help you to have a unique way to explore the serene beauty of the area’s wilderness. The required season is May through September. Get connected with nature, family, and friends on a group ride, from short-hour rides to longer-day private trips.

It is often said that Horseback rides offer lasting memories, whether it’s your first or hundredth time. So, see more of the lake, tour the scenic trails, and have an excellent horseback riding experience. 

6. Fishing

Shaver Lake is a perfect spot for fishing. You can fish a variety of trout, bass, salmon, and crap. You will need a California fishing license to fish on the lake. You must get your fishing license even if you plan to “catch and release,”  and ensure you always have your fishing license on you, no matter what. You have to pay a high penalty for any breach of the law. Kokanee.net has a popular guide service for fishing here.

However, they have some days when you can fish within the approved limits for free. You can check the calendar and further notices for such activities when you are visiting.

7. Kayaking and Canoeing

People say, ‘If it floats, the odds that you can rent one in Shaver Lake are pretty darn good.’ Kayaking and canoeing are the perfect sport in Shaver Lake’s calm and slow waves. You can rent kayaks and hire experienced guides for an adventurous kayak tour amid Shaver Lake. You can rent paddleboards or customize your adventure process through several rental services.  Mountains clothed with towering pine and a long shoreline provide a spectacular background setting for a kayaking tour in the lake.

8. Camping

If you look forward to camping here, you have umpteenth opportunities in the Shaver Lake area. Camp Edison, Dorabelle, Swanson Meadow, and Bretz Mill are renowned. Camp Edison is the most famous among these camps, with toilets, water, fishing amenities, and 252 scenic sites. It is also family-friendly, but you must pay and reserve before camping here.

There is a children’s camp named Camp Chawanakee, which is also a great place for family fun. Although you have to pay a fee for every renowned campground, it is worth your money.

9. Jetskiing

Shaver Lake Watersports, Shaver Lake Power Center, Shaver Lake Marin, and many more services let you have a jetskiing experience in Shaver Lake with complete guidance. Being a calm and slow lake, Shaver Lake calls you for a jetskiing experience in summer. You’ll have summer fun, adventure, and mesmerizing scenic views, all as a packaged deal while you do so.

10. Skiing

Skiing in Shaver Lake transforms winter into a snowy playground. You’ll find excellent skiing opportunities at China Peak Mountain Resort, regardless of skill level. So it is your time to Glide down through the slopes, carve through fresh powder, and enjoy the thrill of winter sports while you are in Shaver Lake during winter.

11. Snowboarding 

This is a similar activity to skiing. Shaver Lake Authority will allow you a bundle of offers to choose from. You can select both skiing and snowboarding or choose one of them. They also have packages for children. So find what matches you best and go snowboarding in this winter wonderland.

12. Snowmobiling

If you are into snowmobiling, you must know how to make the most of your winter. And if you haven’t snowmobiled ever, well, it’s time for you to make the most while you’re in Shaver Lake. The basin offers a perfect setting for first-timers or seasoned experts.

The lake area owns several well-maintained routes for snowmobiling. Huntington Lake Trailhead

Kaiser Pass Trailhead, Tamarack Ridge Trailhead, and Whiskey Trail are renowned snowmobile trails. Local snowmobile clubs also initiate such activities in groups, and that’s pretty fun to do, too.

13. Museum Tours

Remember to visit the famous Museum of the Sierra whether you live in the area or just visiting Shaver Lake. The Mission is to provide cultural and educational experiences to deepen the understanding of the human and natural history of the Sierra region. The specialty of this museum is that it is a museum without walls. It sets examples for future generations to nurture a healthy and resilient forest and community.

It is a must-visit if you are a history buff or an art enthusiast.

14. Arranging a Picnic

This one is for the calm and Pinterest-themed people. You can arrange the most scenic and healing picnics at Shaver Lake during summer and fall. So, get ready with your basket full of picnic aesthetics and be right in Shaver Lake, your most scenic backdrop provider, while planning a picnic.

15. Geocaching

Geocaching is a new sport in the Shaver Lake area. It is a live treasure hunt. The whole family can play this. It works as a real-world treasure-hunting using GPS-enabled devices. You have to navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache hidden at random locations.

16. Relaxing in Hot Springs

Have an ultimate natural spa experience in the hot springs, such as the Mono hot springs of Shaver Lake. When it is freezing outside, and nothing seems fun, go for this activity and feel the joy passing through your spines!

17. Enjoying a Sunset 

Enjoy the most beautiful sunset through the stunning Sierra Nevada landscape. The fall weather, vibrant sunsets, and misty blow of the wind will give you ethereal feelings and picture-perfect scenarios to live in. 

18. Disc Golfing 

Many disc golf courses, such as Fairy Doodle Golf Course, exist in the Shaver Lake area.

This 18-hole disc golf course is at Shaver’s Lake’s sandy shore. Playing disc golf in such a healing spot can be the ultimate getaway you’ve been planning all along. The courses provide opportunities for both beginners and seasoned disc golfers.

19. SUV/Van Tours

You will find umpteenth opportunities if you are an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) user. Off-highway enjoyment in the Sierra National Forest can be your once-in-a-lifetime experience. But before hopping into one, ensure no harm to private property, wildlife, and other forest visitors is caused, and operate your vehicle safely and responsibly. Go through their guidelines for better acknowledgment.

20. Rock Climbing

You will find many rock climbing options in this area. Make sure you know your capabilities and choose the trails accordingly. The community of Shaver Lake is surrounded by rock climbing and bouldering activities, which can be a perfect activity for solitude.

21. Renting a Local Home

It is for you if you often introduce yourself as an ‘explorer.’ There are options open to rent a local house with a kayak and other facilities. So rent a temporary home, blend in with the locals, and gain hands-on experiences of Shaver Lake! 

22. Backpacking 

You get every kind of backpacking deal here. Starting from well-organized backpacking trails to the ultimate backcountry, you can have it all. Some examples are Maxson Trailhead to Hobler Lake, Cliff Lake Trailhead to Helms Meadow Loop, Musick Mountain Trail, Dinkey Lakes, and Voyager Rock to Hobler Lake. So pack your bag and be right at Shaver Lake if you have plans for backpacking.

23. Stargazing

With the charming weather conditions and being far away from city lights, Shaver Lake stands out as an excellent spot for stargazing. After all the water sports and lakeside fun during the day, a perfect starry night is all it takes to have a silver lining to your trip to Shaver Lake!

24. Wildlife and Bird-watching

Shaver Lake is a famous bird-watching spot. You see warblers, Cassin’s and Purple Finch, Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Green-tailed Towhee, Mountain Quail, woodpeckers, owls (including an occasional Great Gray), and many more.

25. Photography 

Shaver Lake can easily stand out as a picture-perfect spot. Whether you are a professional photographer or a novice, the picture will look promising indeed. So, if you are a professional photographer, you know exactly where to go next. Before you head over to Shaver Lake go through our backpacking photography tips to capture every moment of your adventure.

26. Exploring the Village

Explore the village and learn about the shaver lake more and beyond. Lurk through the farmers market, Sierra Center, and many more to have a peaceful village life experience.

27. Discovering Flower Trails

Shaver Lake can amaze you with its flower charms if you are a floral person. Stevenson Falls. Shaver Lake Trail, Bald Mountain Trail, and Ely Mountain can be your optimum spot. These trails radiate with all the vibrant colors of blooming flowers in spring and fall. So remember to make this activity a top priority on your list. 

28. Participating in Water sports competitions

Shaver Lake is a haven for water sports. If you are up for any water sports competitions, you can organize one here or take part in such activities while those occur. You’ve to check the noticeboard to be aware of the competition.

29. Delving into Festivals

Shaver Lake and its surrounding area host many year-round festivals and events. You can always check there for further notice and dive into the fun of festivals. You can do the number 26 activity on our list which is exploring the village and then join in the local celebrations! 

30. Enjoy Culinary Delights

The last one is for all the foodies visiting Shaver Lake. You can check local vendors and food trucks for mouth-watering foods. Do not forget to visit the ‘Southern Bar and Grill’ and ‘The Sawmill’ for a delicious culinary scene with a nice restaurant ambiance. 

Final Thoughts

So that was our best handpick Shaver Lake things to do for you. Now, The only thing left for you is to gather up all your water sports essentials or winter fun gear and hop right into Shaver Lake, making one of the best memories of your life!