Hidden in the redwood hills is a beautiful, serene, 175 acre reservoir that supplies water to Santa Cruz and the surrounding area. With all of this winter’s rains, the lake is brimming full and the gorgeous surrounding recreation area is now open for the 2017 season.

Home to rainbow trout, while bluegill, green sunfish, catfish, and carp, Loch Lomond’s many shady coves provide the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon of fishing or just cruising in one of the electric motor boats, row boats, a two-seater pedal-paddle boats or nucanoes—a cross between a kayak and a canoe.available for rent. Or you can store your own canoe or kayak on site for a seasonal fee. Privately owned boats are required to be decontaminated to protect the lake from invasive species.

There’s even a tiny island in the middle of the lake with a picnic table and several other large picnic areas. Note the lake supplies drinking water so there’s no swimming.

Join an expert-led tour

You can also join one of the series of watershed tours hosted by the City of Santa Cruz and led by rangers or local experts on Saturdays from 11am-1pm. Reserve your spot at least 5 days in advance by calling (831) 335-7424

Saturday, April 29: Native Plants and Tree Identification
Saturday, July 29: The Great American Secchi Dip-in
Saturday, October 28: Fall Birding
Park opens at 7am and closes at dusk until early October.

100 Loch Lomond Way, Felton. From Santa Cruz: Take Graham Hill Road towards Felton. Just after you cross the railroad tracks, turn right onto East Zayante Road. Go about 2.5 miles to Lompico Road. Turn left. Go about 1.5 miles to West Drive. Turn left. Go about 3/4 of a mile to Sequoia Drive. Turn right. Follow Sequoia Drive to the entrance.

For more information visit http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/departments/water/watershed/recreation