Annual Bash at Huntington Lake
Updated: Jul 15
We started the trip up at Huntington Lake in the Sierra Nevada on our annual trip with a group of friends. We usually spend 10 to 14 days there and really enjoy the kayaking and the company. We stayed at the Rancheria Campground and enjoyed days of kayaking on the lake and visiting with friends. It's planned where you cook dinner for everyone with another couple one night so you only have to cook dinner once while you are there.
For more to see and do while at Huntington Lake like hiking to Rancheria Falls, Hiking Indian Pools, driving to Mushroom Rock, and visiting China Peak see our “West to the Rockies Again” trip report.
Camping at Huntington Lake in the Sierra Nevada during summertime is a great experience. Nestled amidst the towering pine trees and pristine alpine beauty, the lake offers a picturesque haven for nature enthusiasts. The crystal-clear lake stretches out like a glistening gem, inviting campers to indulge in a variety of water activities, such as swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. The surrounding mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for hiking and exploring the wilderness trails, revealing hidden gems like waterfalls and panoramic vistas. As the sun sets, the campsite transforms into a tranquil oasis, perfect for stargazing by the campfire, sharing stories, and forging lasting memories with friends and family.
When camping for long periods with no hook-ups this is the battery-solar panel system we use
Battery solar panel and if it's overcast we use this generator
The next stop on the road trip was a 4-day 1,200 drive to Laramie WY. with overnight stops in Bakersfield CA, Las Vegas NV, and Provo UT.
Go to On to Laramie Wyoming
Lorna's Tips and Lessons
After borrowing a friend's inflatable kayak at Huntington Lake, I decided to purchase one for year-round use at my local lake and bay. While there are pros and cons to inflatable kayaks, I find them easy to pack and fill, and prefer it to the difficulty of loading a hard kayak onto a vehicle. I did thorough research and ultimately chose the Airhead Montana 1-person kayak, which I have been very satisfied with and use whenever the weather allows. It is reasonably priced, especially when on sale. Our experience with a cheaper inflatable kayak, purchased during COVID, for my Mick ended poorly. It frequently needed patching and eventually burst while on the lake, resulting in a difficult paddle, while continually pumping, back to the dock and eventual disposal. Overall, I believe that spending a little more on a quality kayak is worth it in the long run.
We play a lot of games when traveling. Even when you don’t have much room, you can pack a deck of cards. At Huntington Lake, one of our favorite things to do is gather with friends and play games like Corn Hole and Triple Yahtzee. Every year, we try to learn a new game and share our favorites with each other. For example, my granddaughter recently taught me Nertz, and I plan to bring it on our 2023 trip. On this trip the new game I learned was Tenzi.
When in bear country, it is important to keep all food items locked up and secure, as even small food crumbs can attract bears. We have used bear-proof ice chests in the past but
learned during this trip that they also need to be kept off the ground. Our friends' bear-proof ice chest was not breached by a bear, but it was damaged from being knocked around. Similarly, a brand-new screened room was destroyed, likely because the bear was searching for crumbs left behind from lunch earlier.