So, what is there to do around Shaver Lake in the summertime? Lots!
1. The lake! The water is cool and clear and so nice for swimming or boating! I love just floating around on a cheap air mat! Or you can rent a kayak, power boat, jet ski, canoe or paddle boat.
2.The PCT! The Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail is so close to Shaver Lake, just a drive up to Lake Thomas Edison and take the water taxi (http://www.edisonlake.com/hikers/ferry) to the far end of the lake, then hike up to the trail. Staying in Shaver Lake is a great way to start/end a backpacking trip!
3. A really wonderful backpack trip is over the top of the Sierras from Lake Thomas Edison to Mammoth Lakes on the other side of the Sierras. You will need to get acclimated–consider staying in Shaver Lake for a few days before you go!
4. Don’t want to backpack? There are tons of hikes in the Shaver Lake area. Here is a great hike–take the ferry across Lake Thomas Edison and hike the trail back your parked car! (Of course, you can start the hike at the car and take the ferry back, but remember, the last ferry leaves at 4:45PM and it is a long walk back if you miss it!)
5. Looking for a much shorter, easier hike? Try the Rancheria Falls trail. It is only about 2 miles long and not much up and down hill. It is shady and lovely!
6. Easy hike: more interested in an extremely memorable, easy stroll? Visit the McKinley Grove–it is paved and wheel-chair accessible and winds through the grove of ancient and towering giant sequoia trees, not far from Shaver Lake. (http://www.redwoodhikes.com/McKinley/McKinley.html)
7. Hike on the trail at the back of our property! There are miles and miles to explore and you don’t have to figure out who is driving–just go! If you have toddlers and want to stroll, take the kids out in the strollers (should find them in the handicap bedroom closet) and walk up and down the various streets in the neighborhood. Tip: bring your cell phone with a GPS map, it can be easy to get lost!
8. Horseback riding! You don’t have to be an experienced rider as the stables have gentle horses. See the lake from horseback–they kids will remember this forever! https://www.facebook.com/shaverstable/
9. Yosemite! It is a bit of a drive (59 miles) but well worth seeing if you have never gone before. The drive is spectacular, and the hiking difficult but totally amazing.
10. Shopping: we have several cute gift shops in town, and an art gallery. Support our local economy!
11. Food: we have several pubs, restaurants, coffee shops and food stores in town, you will find them along the main road of the town.
12. Museums: we have one in town, the Central Sierra Museum (3 miles) and two more in the area, the Billy Creek Guard Station Museum (18 miles) by Huntington Lake and Eastern Fresno County Museum in Tollhouse (16 miles).
13. Fishing! There are plenty of places to fish, on the lake or in nearby streams and lakes. For information on fishing regulations make sure to check out the California Department of Fish and Game regulations. You can get permits and fishing bait (as well as tips and tricks for finding the best spots) in our local stores such as the grocery stores. Fishing in the Sierra National Forest is open from the last weekend in April through November 15. For more information about fishing supplies, spots, tours and guides see http://goshaver.org/fishing.php.
14. Some visitors like to pan for gold! There are plenty of instructional videos and supplies you can find by doing an Internet search before your trip if this sounds like a fun activity for your group.
15. Mono Hot Springs is a bit of a drive from the cabin (41 mountain miles) but if you love hot springs, you will enjoy these. There is a resort there where you can get a massage, too. http://www.monohotsprings.com/
16. Boating, kayaking, canoeing and other water sports! There are various places to rent boats including:
Edison Rentals, Florence Rentals, Huntington Marina, Rancheria Marina, Shaver Lake Power Center, Shaver Marina, Sierra Marina, Shaver Watersports and Wishon Boat Rentals.