Eagle Lake, Merrill Cmpd, Susanville, CA August 2017

[JudyJB]

I will be here from August 6-19, if anyone is interested in joining me. This is a US Forest Service campground in northeastern California, at an elevation of 5,100 feet so it will not be unbearable even in August, although it may be warm. There are no-hookup sites, electric and water sites, and full-hookup sites, all with a federal senior discount, although discount is not quite 50%. Full hookups are $25. (Son and kids not coming.)

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lassen/ ... ecid=11409

So far we have:
- Judy JB - #108, August 6-19
- Lyn (SoCalGalC0) - #105, Aug 13th, leaving Sun Aug 20th
- Sandi (monik7) - #145, August 12-15
- Karen (Oregonluvr) - #115. August 12-16
- Diana (mtngl) - Aug 11-15. Site. 164 (if she can get away)

Hoping AVA and Cudedog , plus some others, will join us.

[MandysMom]

I had a college friend who did wild bird research at Eagle Lake! I doubt we could, but will keep it in mind.
Velda

[monik7]

Can you let us know what site you'll be in? I'm checking my schedule to see if this would work.
Sandi

[JudyJB]

I will be in Site 108. I picked it because it had clearance for satellite and also was full hookup in case my son and grandkids came for a couple of days.

[avalen]

I'm gonna look it up and keep this in mind. Since I'm free
as a bird right now,,,,,

[Cudedog]

Everyone should be advised that California weather in August can be blindingly hot, even at the 5,000 ft. elevation. I was at my favorite campground at the Medicine Lake volcano (about 6,000 feet) in September of last year (Medicine Lake volcano is about 75 miles or so north of Eagle Lake).

The temp was 105.

Eagle Lake should be good this year, water-wise.

I have driven by Eagle Lake a few times over the past couple years, on the way to Lassen volcano. Last year the lake had receded so far from the road it looked like little more than a distant mud puddle. With all of the rain we have been having here, and more expected, it should again be lovely.

I'll put it on my calendar. Sounds like fun!





Anne

[JudyJB]

I know that is a possibility, but I am going by weather.com which says the average temperature at Eagle Lake during that period should be in mid-80s. https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/14392:21:US

Also, this site I use often, says nearby Susanville, which is at 4,000 feet has an average temperature for August of 87 degrees. There are lots of big pine trees in that area, so most sites have considerable shade, as well. http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/su ... s/usca1120

The problem is that I need to be somewhere for that time with electric hookups. Do you have any other suggestions? would prefer some place with some open sites so I can get satellite.

[monik7]

I don't think you need to change the location. I would be glad for the electric to make sure my dogs and cat are comfortable in my rig. Many places are warm in August. It sure beats getting rained out or sitting in the wind and fog.
Sandi

[JudyJB]

It looks like a really pretty place, with huge pines that are spread out enough that you can get shade or satellite, depending on what you want and need. I chose a site where the rear of my RV is tucked in the shade of pines but the front where my satellite dish is located is open. Over the years, I have also learned to try to put my refrigerator side away from the south so it stays cool in the heat.

I can dry camp in cool temps, but I definitely need electricity for AC for me in hot weather. Looks like nights are cool here, which is another advantage.

Glad you are enjoying being free, Alice!!! This is a great life because you can go wherever you want whenever you want. And for those people who are amazed that we can do this "all by ourselves," I tell them it is a LOT easier by yourself.

[SoCalGalcas]

I love this area. I have made a reservation for site 135. Arriving Sunday, Aug 13th, leaving Sun Aug 20th. Thanks for setting this up Judy!!! lyn

[Cudedog]

Judy:

In checking out Merrill Campground, and looking at the (satellite?) photos, it appears (although I can't tell for sure) that this particular campground is just below the dam.

Since I am just a tad nervous about dams in general just now [cough] can anyone who has been there verify this? That Merrill is just below the dam?

I am still embroiled in the current Oroville situation, and am having difficulty looking beyond the current. . . er. . . "issues". However, I would LOVE to come. . . if Merrill is directly below the dam, I might not stay there, but there are other campgrounds in the area around Eagle Lake.

Another campground that I have stayed at many times is Hawk's Nest, about two hours north from Eagle Lake +/-:

http://hawksnestrvcabins.com/

This campground is located at the foot of the Medicine Lake volcano (actually - it is on the north-east shoulder of the volcano). Full hookups, CABINS, good WiFi, clean restrooms & showers, picnic area, bar-b-cues at the picnic area (although not at the camp sites), many large pull-through sites for RV's, rates about $28/night for full hookups (check on this, rates may have changed since I was there.

Caveat: It WAS nice the last time - at least by my standards - I was there (in October of 2016) but sometimes things can change (if there is a change in ownership or a change in management, or something like that - the campground is privately owned).

Plus, amazing things to see in the area - Medicine Lake, amazing lave flows, dozens of cinder cones, Glass Mountain, Davis Creek (wonderful place to collect obsidian), Lava Beds National Monument, literally hundreds of lava tube caves to explore.

Plus, it is a long day-trip from Mt. Mazama (Crater Lake National Park) volcano. The Hawks Nest is at about 6,000 feet elevation. Warm - even hot - in August, but cool nights.

I was there twice last year, the photos on the website are actually quite accurate as to what is there (unlike photos for many places). I peeked inside of one of the cabins while I was there, and it was really modern and nice (I don't think the cabins have a bathroom though - one must use the central restroom. I think).

Anyway, looks like a GTG is well on it's way to being formed at Eagle Lake. I offer Hawks Nest as a "backup".

AND - if you are coming to the Eagle Lake GTG, the Medicine Lake volcano area is WELL worth a day trip for exploration!

Any questions, please ask!

Thanks, Judy, for setting this up!

Anne

[monik7]

OK, I'm in! I'll be there August 12 through August 15, site #145. From there I'll be heading toward Idaho via Nevada and SLC for the total solar eclipse. Finally a chance to meet you Judy.

I sent you a PM Lyn.
Sandi

[JudyJB]

I can't see a dam on Google Earth. I think what you are looking at is a beach. The elevation of the site I have chosen, 108, is 5135 feet. The elevation of the beach is 5117, which is lower than the campground. I can't find any place on that beach that is higher than the campground, so I don't think it is a dam. I don't have cell service so can't call anyone from here.

We can keep that other place as a backup, but I am keeping my reservations as they are.

Looking forward to meeting you, Sandi, but I did not get a PM from you.

[monik7]

Looking forward to meeting you, Sandi, but I did not get a PM from you.

If you look closer, I said I sent a PM to Lyn. I hope she sees it.

When I looked on Google Earth at street level from my site looking toward the lake, it was perfectly flat and I could see the lake. A dam would block the view of the lake. I also saw a kayak on the beach along with shade structures. There are boats moored just offshore and I doubt boats would be tied up so close to a dam. It must be a beach.

Sandi

[MandysMom]

Doing some research. Eagle Lake is listed as the second largest NATURAL lake in California. It is an Endoheic alkaline lake..surface area of 24,000 avers and depth of 85 ft.it is home to Osprey and Bald Eagles. And is the only watershed to support the native Eagle Lake Trout. They are a variety of Rainbow Trout which can reach 18 inches long and 10 lbs! Quite a unique and beautiful place. Hope we can get there.
Velda