The Global Paddling Community

What's it like

Nestled in a serene wilderness setting, void of the roar of motorboats and jet skis, lies this pristine mountain reservoir. Your first sight of this sparkling turquoise reservoir and the surrounding gorgeous terrain will leave you speechless. Sly Creek Reservoir is a one-in-a-million location in Northern California guaranteed to provide pristine paddling opportunities. The rich raw beauty of the environment, the relaxing atmosphere, and ideal campsites are just a few of the highlights of this reservoir. It is probably one of the best kept paddling destination secrets because there wasn't a soul around besides me when I paddled there. For that reason, I recommend paddling with a companion.

Sly Creek Reservoir is situated at 3560’ feet elevation in the southern region of the Feather River Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest. The reservoir is located in a sparsely populated region in a thickly wooded area about 33 miles east from the town of Oroville, off of Forbestown and La Porte Roads. The reservoir is a premier paddling paradise, and the drive to get there on the newly paved lake access road was almost as exquisite as the reservoir itself. In nearly every inlet along this 10 mile long reservoir, you will encounter exceptional viewing opportunities of stunning reflective images cast upon the placid waters of the scenic coves. Breathtakingly beautiful tall pines hover majestically above the shoreline provide photographic opportunities everywhere you turn.

The ideal time of year to paddle Sly Creek Reservoir is during the springtime when the hillsides come alive with colorful spring blooms and the air temperatures are milder. The daytime high air temperatures range from the 70s to the upper 80s during the summer months and from the upper 50s to the upper 60s in the late spring and early fall. Occasional thundershowers occur in the summer, especially in the months of July and August. The winds are typically light during the summer and gusty during the winter. The weather is cold, wet and windy in the fall and in the winter snow flurries begin around November. The reservoir’s water level drops beginning mid-July. During low water levels the boat launch is not accessible but you can hand launch from along the shore. Boating is allowed daily, year-round, weather permitting. The boat speed limit is 35 m.p.h. except in the 5 m.p.h. zones.

The reservoir facilities consist of a hand launch access for small boats, and swimming, fishing and hiking. Jet and waterskiing are not permitted. The reservoir only allows small boats, which cuts down on the noise and boat congestion. There are two campgrounds positioned on the opposite sides of the reservoir, directly across from each other. Sly Creek Campground located on the northwest shore has 26 tent or RV sites with vault toilets, water and a boat launch. On the southern shore lies Strawberry Campground which has 27 tent or RV with vault toilets, water and hand launch access. Camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The reservoir is open for camping from May to the end of October. There is a fee to camp. The pleasant two-hour paddle and the serene atmosphere provides an ideal paddlers retreat. Whether you enjoy paddling for a few hours or for a few days, don't miss paddling this magnificent reservoir. More information on where to flat water paddle in California can be found in the PADDLE ME guidebooks. www.kayakandcanoeguidebooks.com

Open: The reservoir is open for camping from May to the end of October. Boating is allowed daily, year-round, weather permitting. The boat speed limit is 35 m.p.h. except in the 5 m.p.h. zones.

Fees: There is a fee to camp.

How to get there

From the town of Oroville, take Highway 162 east seven miles, then turn right and drive east on Forbestown Road (174). In the town of Woodleaf, take La Porte Road (120) east for about five-point-two miles. Turn left on Mooreville Road and drive three-and-a-half miles, or continue on La Porte Road two miles to Lewis Ridge Road.

More info

• Campgrounds and Facilities: Reservation #: +1 877 444-6777.
• Sly Creek: There are 26 tent or RV sites with vault toilets, water and a boat launch.
• Strawberry: There are 27 tent or RV with vault toilets, water and hand launch access.
• Reservoir Facilities: Camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The reservoir facilities include a hand launch access for small boats, and swimming, fishing and hiking. Jet and waterskiing are not permitted. Leashed pets are allowed.

Info source

Janice L. Green, Paddle Me Guidebooks