To look at beautiful, blue Shasta Lake is to want to be on it, and there’s no better way to soak up the scenery than on a houseboat. Seven marinas on California’s largest reservoir maintain fleets of houseboats for rent, and Shasta is considered the houseboating capital of the world.
“What makes the lake so ideal for house boating is that, with 365 miles of shoreline, you can tie up in a different cove every night of the year,” says Michael Han, a partner in Jones Valley Resort.
Jones Valley’s rental fleet of about four dozen dog-friendly vessels run the gamut from no-frills models favored by fishermen to the over-the-top, 65-foot, triple-decker Titan, which features satellite tracking television, eight flat-screen monitors, a jetted tube slide and a hot tub big enough for a dozen.
Shasta Marina Resort and Antlers Resort and are among other dog-friendly rental companies at the lake.
Pet policies vary among rental companies, but whichever vendor you choose, be sure to read up on the basics, including how to pet-proof your vessel and keep Fido safe. You’ll pay top dollar to rent in summer, with less expensive September considered an optimal month for houseboat vacations.
Photo: Bandit, Grizzly and Kona Ready to Cruise – Lisa Messuri Fine-Muth
