The best paddling trips in California are no longer a well-kept secret. The awe-inspiring vistas of the striking terrain are simply overwhelming. It's no wonder the Gold Lakes Basin Area has become a popular paddling destination. The gorgeous landscape surrounding Upper Salmon Lake instills a profound sense of inner peace. Ringed by a rocky shoreline, this enchanting alpine lake is an ideal spot for a leisurely fifteen-minute paddle.

Upper Salmon Lake is the perfect place to kick back, relax, and feel grateful for all that one has. The lack of camping facilities helps limit crowds, though the lake's beauty still draws hordes of tourists, picnickers, and paddlers. Those seeking to fully enjoy the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains and forests would do best to visit early in the morning.

Upper Salmon Lake's outstanding scenery makes it a summer hotspot, drawing visitors like bees to honey. Though the lake's shoreline spans just three-quarters of a mile, it sees heavy use for picnicking, swimming, and floating on inner tubes. A few kayak anglers also frequent the waters, hoping to land a rare large brown trout or one of the 3,000 fingerling rainbow trout stocked annually by the Department of Fish and Game.

Map of Upper Salmon Lake