A paddleboarder navigates among houseboats on Englebright Lake, Monday, July 27.

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Stand-up paddleboarding may no longer be new, but the sport appears to be experiencing a second wave—and our Northern California waterways are full of them. Approximately 4.4 million Americans participated in stand-up paddleboarding in 2024, up 6.6% from the previous year and nearly 24% since 2019, according to outdoor recreation data.

Part of the appeal is its low cost of entry. Inflatable paddleboard packages can be found through retailers such as Amazon for around $120, including a paddle, pump, leash and carrying bag. They can be stored in a closet, transported in a car trunk and launched without a trailer or roof rack.

Based on personal experience and recommendations from local paddlers, here are destinations within a day-trip distance of Yuba City and Marysville. Distances and fees are approximate.

Upper Lake Clementine

Distance: 50 to 55 miles, or about 1 hour and 15 minutes

Day use: $10 per vehicle

Best for: Clear water, wildlife and swimming

Upper Lake Clementine remains my favorite nearby destination because of its clear turquoise water and lack of motorboat traffic. The upper lake is limited to swimming and hand-launched, nonmotorized watercraft.

Fed by the North Fork American River, the narrow waterway feels more like a lazy river than an open lake. Bring goggles and a snorkel to look for fish, trout and giant tadpoles along the banks. Paddlers can travel downstream toward the wider lake and dam, but afternoon winds can make the return difficult. Reservations are required on summer weekends and open 10 days ahead; booking about a week in advance is recommended.

Englebright Lake

Distance: About 25 miles, or 35 to 45 minutes

Day use: About $10

Best for: Sunset paddles, cliffs and houseboats

Visit Englebright on a weekday after 5 p.m. and you may find you have the place nearly all to yourself. Clear water, dramatic cliffs, wildlife and a stunning collection of houseboats make it scenic.

Construction at the Narrows Day Use Area makes Joe Miller Recreation Area the public day-use launch in 2026. Motorboats are allowed, so watch for wakes.

New Bullards Bar Reservoir

Distance: 40 to 45 miles, or about one hour

Day use: Free at Dark Day

Best for: Coves and all-day exploration

New Bullards Bar has vibrant turquoise water and approximately 55 miles of shoreline. In my experience, the underwater visibility was not as impressive as the color suggested, but its size makes it worth the trip. Paddlers can spend hours exploring coves and still cover only a small portion of the reservoir.

Dark Day Boat Launch offers parking, restrooms and picnic areas. Because motorized boats are common, mornings and sheltered coves offer calmer conditions.

A paddleboarder takes a break along the shoreline near Rattlesnake Bar at Folsom Lake, July 22.

Folsom Lake at Rattlesnake Bar

Distance: 50 to 55 miles, or about 1 hour and 10 minutes

Day use: About $12

Best for: Wooded shorelines and winding inlets

Rattlesnake Bar offers a quieter introduction to Folsom Lake. Paddlers can head into the North Fork arm to explore wooded groves, sheltered coves, marshy inlets and narrow channels. Even on busy days, it is often possible to find calmer water.

The area is open to hand-launched watercraft, although motorboats launched elsewhere may pass through.

Lake Francis

Distance: 32 to 35 miles, or 45 to 50 minutes

Day use: About $10 per person

Best for: Beginners, families and calm water

I have not yet paddled Lake Francis, but local paddlers recommend it as a hidden foothill gem. Smaller than Bullards Bar, Englebright or Folsom, its calmer water may appeal to families and beginners. The resort includes a swimming beach and seasonal rentals. Call ahead because day-use availability may be limited.

Other places to consider

Collins Lake, 20 to 22 miles away, is a family option with a swimming area, food and an on-site ice cream shop. Day use is generally around $15 weekdays and $20 weekends.

Lake Oroville, 35 to 40 miles away, offers multiple launches and plenty of water. Wind and boat traffic make it better suited to experienced paddlers, while the North Forebay offers a calmer, nonmotorized alternative.

Camp Far West Lake, 25 to 30 miles away, is best in the morning before jet skis and wake boats become active. Day use is about $20 per vehicle, plus a paddleboard fee.

Lake Natoma, 50 to 55 miles away, is a choice for beginners. Its 5 mph speed limit means fewer wakes than Folsom Lake, with hand-launch access at Black Miners Bar, Nimbus Flat and Willow Creek.

Scotts Flat Reservoir, 45 to 50 miles away, offers pine shorelines and cooler temperatures near Nevada City. Motorboats are permitted, but jet skis are prohibited.

Wherever you launch, check wind and weather conditions, carry a personal flotation device and remain alert around motorboats. Clean, drain and dry equipment before moving between waterways.