Castle Lake
Map SatelliteCastle Lake is a clear mountain lake which drains into the upper Sacramento River.
On the slopes above the lake there is a mixed conifer forest dominated by the red fir, Abies magnifica. Portions of the slopes are covered by a mountain maple, Acer glabrum, and manzanita, Arctostaphylos sp., association.
Among the species found here are Dicentra pauciflora, Erythronium purpurascens, Fritillaria atropurpurea, and Cardamine pachystigma. Several rare plants occur in the vicinity, including Calochortus greenei and Campanula shetleri.
There is a variety of animal life in the area. Several species of fish are found in the lake, among them the introduced brown trout, Salmo trutta.
Integrity: There is a road into the area but there is virtually no other disturbance.
Limnological studies have been conducted here for many years.
Use: Research, educational.
May 1981
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
