Blue Lake (Warner Mountains)
- Season
- Dock removed for winter (Oct 15, 2026)
- Launch
- Free; paved trailer parking
- Fish
- Stocked by CDFW
- Campground
- 48 sites, $15/night
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Fishing
- Camping
- Restrooms
About this lake
Blue Lake is a Modoc National Forest lake in the southern Warner Mountains, east of Likely, and a favorite of local anglers. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks it.
On the water
Both motorized and non-motorized boating are listed. The boat launch is free and has paved parking for trailers. A boat dock is available in summer only; it was removed for the winter on October 15, 2026. Don't clean fish in the lake, at the faucets or in the restrooms. The Forest Service asks boaters to clean, drain and dry.
Camping and trails
Blue Lake Campground has 48 large, shaded sites above the lake for $15 a night, plus a group site for $70 reserved on Recreation.gov. A three-mile trail circles the lake, with a paved section between the campground and the ramp. Facilities usually open mid-May or early June to late October.
Getting there & access
Getting there
From Alturas go south on Highway 395 to Likely, turn east on County Road 64 (Jess Valley Road), then right on Blue Lake Road and follow the signs to the ramp.
Golden mussels
The Forest Service asks every boater to clean, drain and dry boats, trailers and gear, never drain bilge or ballast into the lake, and check the lake's launching rules before visiting. California also requires a Mussel Fee Sticker on motorized boats used in fresh water.
- Trail
- 3 miles around the lake
- Warner Mountain RD
- (530) 279-6116
What's here
Launch
Free boat ramp; summer dock
Fishing
Stocked trout fishing
Kayaking
Non-motorized boating
Camping
Blue Lake Campground, 48 sites
Trails
3-mile trail around the lake
Restrooms
Vault toilets
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- No fee for the boat launch; boat dock available in summer only; do not clean fish in the lake, at faucets or in restrooms; dogs on leashfs.usda.gov ↗
- Campground: $15 single site, $70 group site, 14-day limit, 2 vehicles per sitefs.usda.gov ↗
- The Forest Service asks boaters to clean, drain and dry boats and gear and to contact each lake's managing agency for its launching and inspection rules before visiting; it lists no inspection station for this lakefs.usda.gov ↗
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