Northern California’s Lake Berryessa has seen many changes over the years since its construction in the 1950s, not all of them positive. While the reservoir provides flood control and drinking water for a number of communities along the west side of the Sacramento Valley, it’s also been a prime location for recreation facilities, administered by the California Bureau of Reclamation via contracts with private vendors who ran campgrounds, resorts, and launch facilities in spots like Spanish Flat, Steele Canyon, and Pleasure Cove. The course has not always been smooth; locals and visitors alike have bemoaned cancelled contracts and dismantling of recreational facilities, bringing disappointment for those wishing to see more access to the lakeshore. In 2020 and 2021 the area was devastated by wildfires — and the most recent blow to boating at the lake has come in the form of invasive golden mussel.

With all that said, a springtime visit to any of the day use areas around the lake provides a wonderful escape for a few hours. Picnic grounds that might be crowded during the summer months are still deserted, and wildflowers are abundant. These images are from our visit to the former Steele Canyon Resort in early April 2024.

Salvia

Yellow iris

Underwater colors

I haven’t been able to id these round yellow flowers

Purple lupine