Sierra Marina & Shaver Lake Launch Ramp

Sierra Marina and the Shaver Lake Launch Ramp share a site at 45795 Tollhouse Road (Highway 168) at the north end of Shaver Lake, about 55 miles east of Fresno at roughly 5,370 ft in the Sierra National Forest. It's the main trailer launch on the lake and the bigger of Shaver's two marinas.

The launch ramp

Fresno County runs the launch ramp and parking on land it leases from Southern California Edison, which owns the reservoir. The ramp is open April through October, seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The County charges no fees for the ramp or parking. Because the land is leased, the County doesn't control access to the ramp or lots, so conditions can change with Edison's operations.

The marina

Sierra Marina, Inc. is a seasonal, full-service marina open from late April to mid-October. The state boating directory lists about 350 slips and tie-ups and 125 dry storage spaces. The marina sells fuel, fishing licenses, tackle, food, snacks, apparel and marine supplies, and rents boats and personal watercraft. It also offers wet and dry storage and oil disposal.

Boating at altitude

Shaver is a summer lake with a reputation for good water skiing. Engines lose power at this altitude, so it's worth having carburetion and propping checked if you usually boat in the valley. Plan around the short season: the ramp and marina both close by mid-to-late October.