Hume Lake Recreation Area

Located just outside of Kings Canyon National Park in the stunning Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake was originally created in 1909 as a reservoir to facilitate the storage and extraction of timber in the area. The Hume-Bennett Lumber Company floated raw timber to a mill located near the dam, and lumber was transported out of the forest via a 73-mile-long flume that was charged with water from the reservoir. While the construction of the dam, the creation of the reservoir, and the logging operations in the area were all robust operations, the endeavor wasn't lucrative enough to support itself. The operation folded following a fire in 1917, and the entire area was incorporated into the Sequoia National Forest by 1935.

Today Hume Lake is known for its camping and recreation opportunities in addition to the Hume Lake Christian Camps. This 87-acre lake is a great choice for water-based recreation, whether you come for the trout fishing or you just want to tour around in small watercraft such as stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. Because only electric motors are allowed on the lake and there is a 5 mph speed limit, there are no issues with wakes. The lake is accessible from nearly every section of the shore, though the major points of access include the beach and swimming area off of Sandy Cove Road and the boat launch slightly northwest of there. A 2.6-mile hiking trail encircles the lake as well. While Hume Lake Christian Camps are on a privately owned tract at the southwest tip, you can find a gas station, a store, and boat rentals there. This lake is a very popular destination in the summer for obvious reasons; if you come to enjoy the beautiful scenery and a little time on the water in the summer months, expect to share your experience with a few others. That said, the shoulder seasons can be beautiful, mild, and less crowded, so keep Hume Lake in mind outside of the peak months as well. The roads and trails around Hume Lake make for beautiful cross-country ski and snowshoe treks in the winter.