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Lake Hodges is situated within a peaceful
coastal canyon along the San Dieguito River,
about 31 miles north of downtown San Diego.
The lake is nestled between unique,
mound-shaped foothills blanketed in lush
vegetation, oak trees, and chaparral. The
surrounding topography transitions from a
scenic backdrop of low, rolling hills to oak
forests interspersed with wetlands and
partially submerged trees.
This picturesque lake offers a diverse array
of plants, trees, and recreational
activities. It is a popular destination for
paddlers of all skill levels, hosting a
range of water sports like boating,
kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. The
lake and adjacent park also provide
opportunities for hiking, birding, and
horseback riding. Unfortunately, swimming is
prohibited.
Canoeing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are
only permitted during the regular recreation
schedule on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and
Sundays. The hiking and biking trails wind
through oak forests, streams, river valleys,
rocky terrain, and open fields, with the
landscape shifting from elevated vistas to
marsh-like wetlands.
The lake's water level was previously
lowered by 280 feet due to emergency repairs
on the 106-year-old dam. Now that the
repairs are complete, it may take one to two
wet winters to fully restore the wa ter
level. When the lake is at maximum capacity,
it has approximately 27 miles of shoreline,
though the fluctuating water level affects
the actual shoreline distance, which is
largely composed of dense vegetation.
Map of Lake Hodges
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