Lake Madrone, California, USA

Also known as:  Madrone Lake

Lake Madrone might be small at just 25 acres, but it is anything but scant on looks. The lake is a phenomenal beauty surrounded by a gated mountain community in rural Butte County. In the Shasta Cascade region of California, characterized by vast landscapes and the great outdoors, the lake is a lovely retreat in the respite of nature. Thickly lined by redwoods, dogwoods and other forest…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Lake Madrone! Article topics include:

Looking for Lake Madrone cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.


All About Lake Madrone, CA

Lake Madrone might be small at just 25 acres, but it is anything but scant on looks. The lake is a phenomenal beauty surrounded by a gated mountain community in rural Butte County. In the Shasta Cascade region of California, characterized by vast landscapes and the great outdoors, the lake is a lovely retreat in the respite of nature.

Thickly lined by redwoods, dogwoods and other forest trees, Madrone Lake has fascinating history. Before the arrival of the California Gold Rush, the lake area was home to the hunter-gatherer Maidu people who had spread their villages all across the Sacramento Valley to the Nevada state line. In 1850, a trail was established through the Sierra Mountains from Reno to Marysville, passing through the region where Lake Madrone is currently located. As hotels and other establishments rose up around the pass, gold was discovered in the 1900s near Berry Creek, on which Lake Madrone was eventually impounded. The discovery, which occurred a quarter mile south of today’s Lake Madrone, was the beginning of many in that area and the Berry Creek Mine became one of the richest mines in Butte County.

The success of the mine attracted some development to the area and the Berry Creek Hotel, close to where the Lake Madrone Dam is now, was built to accommodate miners. It was eventually destroyed by fire but in the 1920s a small mill was built and a dam, the Apple Tree Dam, was established creating Lake Madrone. The dam washed out in 1929 and was replaced by a second dam in 1931 which is still standing strong today. The Lake Madrone Trading Post was established not long after the second dam. It had a store, bar and shell gas. The “Post” changed its name to Lake Madrone Inn in 1975 before shutting down in 1988. The abandoned inn can still be seen on the lake.

Lake Madrone is a private escape for those looking to get away for the weekend, a week or two, or for a whole season. Vacation rentals are available among the houses established on the forested land around the lake. Real estate options are viable too. You can make Lake Madrone your year-round retreat. A ski beach serves the Lake Madrone community where various community events such as picnics are held. Residents swim, boat and fish on the lake. Though recreation is the lake’s primary purpose, it is also used as a resource for fire protection.

Just north of Lake Madrone is the Plumas National Forest. Its vast and diverse acreage of mountains, lakes, streams, valleys, meadows and canyons will provide phenomenal experiences to any nature enthusiast. You will love the many adventures in the wild. Activities include cycling, climbing, hunting, caving, horse riding, mineral prospecting, and nature viewing. Also not too far from Lake Madrone is Lake Oroville, a manmade lake sprawling about 16,000 surface acres. A 47-foot viewing tower gives visitors an amazing panoramic view. The lake is great for sailing or windsurfing, and is also known for bass fishing. With the Chico-Paradise metropolitan area so close by, you have endless opportunities for a mix of beautiful scenery, delectable dining, rich history, dynamic culture, and great entertainment.

Come to Lake Madrone in any season. The native dogwoods are lovely in the fall; the winters’ snowfalls are majestic; spring is alive with nature’s love; and the summers are simply sublime. The lake is always beautiful. Enjoy a romantic holiday in seclusion at Lake Madrone or live in perpetual bliss as you watch the seasons change in the reflection of the water.

Things to Do at Lake Madrone

These are some activities in the Lake Madrone, CA area visitors can enjoy:

  • Vacation Rentals
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Sailing
  • Swimming
  • Beach
  • Picnicking
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting
  • National Forest

What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Madrone?

Lake Madrone has been known to have the following fish species:

  • Bass
divider

Find Places to Stay at Lake Madrone

If you’re considering a Lake Madrone lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

More Sites to Book a Lake Madrone Vacation

Our interactive Lake Madrone lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

Check TripAdvisor
Check Expedia
Find a Campspot
All Travel Resources

Lake Madrone Statistics & Helpful Links

divider

Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

Water Level Control: Lake Madrone Water District

Surface Area: 25 acres

Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,984 feet

Maximum Depth: 25 feet

Water Volume: 200 acre-feet

Completion Year: 1931

Drainage Area: 15 sq. miles

We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

Shop Lake Madrone Gifts

Custom Lake Tumblers

Captain / First Mate Custom 20 oz Tumbler

SHOP NOW
Custom Lake T Shirt

Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

SHOP NOW
Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

On Lake Time Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

SHOP NOW
VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

More Lake Madrone news from LakeLubbers.com

  • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
  • The Lake Madrone forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
  • New Lake Madrone photos coming soon!
  • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
  • Share this Lake Madrone article with your fellow LakeLubbers: