Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area is a picturesque outdoor destination located in California. It features a stunning reservoir surrounded by rolling hills and offers activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and picnicking for visitors to enjoy amidst its natural beauty.
This SRA has over 40 miles of shoreline so that visitors can swim, fish, and boat. Hiking options abound in the hills around the lake. In addition to bald and golden eagles, other birds of prey found Animals found in the park range from ground squirrels and cottontails to mule deer and badgers.
The park offers winter boat tours so visitors can watch the bald eagles. The dam was constructed over the San Joaquin River in 1944, creating the lake. Boat camping is an option at the park’s campgrounds. The park houses the historic Millerton County Courthouse, which opened in 1867.
Things To Do At Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Those who enjoy being outside can participate in many different things to do at the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. Visitors can witness majestic bald eagles, go fishing for various fish species, enjoy boating on the picturesque lake, and spot wild animals in their natural habitat. The park is home to a network of magnificent hiking paths, which offer visitors the chance to get out and appreciate the area’s natural beauty.
Boating At Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Get out on the water and spend the day adventuring around the lake. Three parking lots are close to the boat ramps at Millerton Lake SRA. You won’t have to leave the lake to refuel your boat or your stomach; the Millerton Lake Marina includes boat slips, rentals, snacks, and gas.
The marina rents out water sports equipment like kayaks, paddleboards, pontoon boats, jet skis, and ski boats to guests who still need their boats but want to enjoy the water.
Fishing At Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Find quiet along the lake’s edge, and throw your line away from the crowds. Catfish and bass can be caught in the lake by anglers 16 and older with a valid California fishing license.
During the summer months, the lake conducts several fishing tournaments, which are a lot of fun to watch if you enjoy fishing but would rather watch others. Bring your boat or rent one from the park’s marina to fish the lake from the water.
Observing Wild Animals At Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Visitors to Millerton Lake won’t just witness bald eagles but a wide variety of other wildlife. Waterfowl, migratory birds, and other species of birds use the lake as either a stopover or a permanent home.
Both huge predators like mountain lions and coyotes and smaller prey like badgers, possums, skunks, and foxes call this area home. Keep your eyes peeled whether you want to see a snake or avoid one, as rattlesnakes are frequent.
Observing Bald Eagles
Since many bald eagles spend the winter at Millerton Lake, it is one of the greatest places to see these magnificent birds in the San Joaquin Valley. Although eagles can be seen at any time of year, the ideal time to observe one is during the colder winter months.
Eagles travel almost 1,600 miles each winter to nest at the lake’s edge and rest. Contact the park during the colder months to schedule a boat trip to see bald eagles. The park offers winter cruises that take visitors to the lake’s dense eagle populations.
Trails At Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
The park’s multi-use pathways suit various users and activities, from strolling to mountain biking to equestrian use. Families looking for a pleasant stroll with educational value can consider spending some time on the park’s 1/4 mile interpretive walkway, which provides information on the park’s natural and cultural elements.
Some pathways are open only to hikers, while others welcome bicyclists and equestrians. Get a park map at the front gate and choose your difficulty level for the day.
Phone number: (559) 822-2332
Email: millertonlake.eagletours@parks.ca.gov
Area: 19.83 km²
Surface elevation: 171 m
Catchment area: 4,338 km²
