Top Things to do in California
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Things to do in California, United States: The Best Dams
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
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1. Eastside Reservoir Project
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A giant recently built dam.
2. Calaveras Reservoir
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We took a nice mid afternoon drive in August to see again Calaveras Reservoir. The road at times is only one lane so be ware of other traffic. The views of the reservoir are very beautiful. One can often see wildlife such as eagles. deer, wild boar, and more.
3. Nimbus Dam and Fish Hatchery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By dennisy339 - Citrus Heights, United States
A terrific place to watch fish being raised, good view of the dam, the river, fish being released at certain times, just a nise stop if you are out driving or bicycling along the American River Trail. The inside is not always open and available but you can walk around the area.
4. Shasta Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By ChicagoHiker2 - Naperville, United States
I visited the Shasta Dam Visitor's Center, and watched an informative and free, twenty minute video, on the history of the Shasta Dam's construction. The Visitor Center is located in a position that allows a wide and unobstructed view of Shasta Lake and Dam, so this is a great starting point for you visit. After viewing the video, there are some interesting on-site pictures, and engineering pieces, that you can view, next to the theater. When you exit the visitor center you can take a walk out to the dam, and actually walk across it, if you wish. This allows for an excellent view of the lake, and as you look down the face of the dam to the Sacramento River below, you begin to feel the immensity of the entire project. Although we arrived to late in the day, a person can take a tour of the power house, if you time it correctly. This is a great side trip on your way to Oregon! Recommended!
5. Box Canyon Dam
6. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Reviewed By KaimukiGirl24 - Columbia, United States
What an amazingly beautiful area! If only we had known, we would have gotten here earlier in the day. The Hetch Hetchy reservoir...easily seen why John Muir and others like him fought for this land to be protected. Due to the population needs of the time, this huge dam became quite a man made work of engineering. We happened upon a Tuesday talk from an enthusiastic Park ranger who gave us a brief history of the area and showed us before and after pictures of what the area looked like before the construction of the O’Shaughnessy dam. As others have mentioned, you need to be prepared when you visit this area but it is so worth it! 1. Allow at least half a day if you want to go exploring or take one of the several hikes in this area. 2. There are no close amenities in the park so have gas in the car, food and water for the day. 3. The road to this area runs many miles and must be traveled carefully and not in the dark! It is paved but there are many narrow twisty turns and no guardrails in some sections. We were told this road use to be used by the railroad to bring materials in when the dam was being built. 4. Bring your park pass if you are coming from another area of Yosemite National Park, you are leaving one section and entering another. It took us about 1 1/2 hrs. one way from Yosemite Valley to get here. Once you enter this section you drive for several miles. Drive carefully pass some roaming cattle who sometimes wander into the street, pass the Evergreen Lodge, campsites and then eventually come to a small park entrance gate where a ranger will give you a day pass to put on your dash board that allows you to park close to the dam. You still need to go several more miles to reach the final destination! 5. You will have several vistas as you descend down to the reservoir, such incredible views of granite walls and rock formations but do not take your eyes off the road!! A few miles before you reach your destination there will be an awe inspiring first peak at the size of this dam. 6. Restroom is available in the over flow parking area. 7. You can walk all across the top of this dam. Read information placards placed along this rim and peak over the bridge to see the powerful release of water as it travels down the Tuolumne river on one side and the Sapphire blue color of the reservoir on the other side. All surrounded by large granite formations that remind you of similar famous ones in Yosemite valley! 8. You will see a tunnel at one end where you can travel through and hike to Wapama Fall or other trails in the area.(Fall was running low this time of year). 9. This is such a pristine area, quiet and an area you can enjoy in almost complete solitude. Pictures don’t come close to seeing it in person! We happened upon a man leading a mule train through the tunnel. It was explained that he was coming from the higher elevations bringing out supplies for the California Conservation Corp who have been doing trail work for the last month or so... incredible!
7. Sutherland Dam
8. North Thermalito Forebay
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By lov2wonder - Oroville, United States
Great place for water fun. You can rent a kayak, pedal boat, & other types of non motorized devices. I think the boat rentals are only Fri, Sat & Sun, but definitely worth it, on a hot weekend.
9. St. Francis Dam-Ruins of Collapsed Dam
10. Avocado Lake Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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