How do I access Black Butte Lake (Buttes)?

Black Butte Lake (Buttes) is a public boat ramp in California. There is no entrance fee.

What activities are available at Black Butte Lake (Buttes)?

Black Butte Lake (Buttes) supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at Black Butte Lake (Buttes)?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit Black Butte Lake (Buttes)?

The best time to paddle at Black Butte Lake (Buttes) is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round

What are the water conditions at Black Butte Lake (Buttes)?

Water conditions at Black Butte Lake (Buttes) include calm, sheltered.

Is Black Butte Lake (Buttes) good for beginners?

Yes, Black Butte Lake (Buttes) is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

A couple of people on water skis in the water

Photo by Timmy Jarrell on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

LakeCalmSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Black Butte Lake (Buttes)

Orland, CA · Boat Ramp · Public

Black Butte Lake (Buttes) is a public boat ramp on Black Butte Lake near Orland, California. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in spring and summer and fall and winter.

At a Glance

Water Body

Lake

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, Kayak Fishing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Limited

Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Public launch on Black Butte Lake in California. Beginner-friendly lake paddling near Orland.

Paddlers visiting Black Butte Lake in California can launch from Black Butte Lake (Buttes), a well-positioned access point on the lake.

Kayakers will find the waters here well-suited to touring and exploration. The waters here are approachable for canoes, making it a good option for family outings.

You can expect calm and sheltered water when paddling here. The recommended season runs Year-round. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

Located about 15 min from Orland, Black Butte Lake (Buttes) is a convenient option for Orland-area paddlers.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm lake waters make Black Butte Lake (Buttes) ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Kayaks →Life Jackets →Paddles →

Paddling Tips

•Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot submerged obstacles.
•If fishing, try the coves and points where fish tend to congregate.
•Morning hours offer the calmest water and best wildlife viewing on the lake.
•Keep an eye on the weather — afternoon winds can pick up quickly on open water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Black Butte Lake (Buttes)?: Black Butte Lake (Buttes) is a public boat ramp in California. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Black Butte Lake (Buttes)?: Black Butte Lake (Buttes) supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Black Butte Lake (Buttes)?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Black Butte Lake (Buttes)?: The best time to paddle at Black Butte Lake (Buttes) is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round
What are the water conditions at Black Butte Lake (Buttes)?: Water conditions at Black Butte Lake (Buttes) include calm, sheltered.
Is Black Butte Lake (Buttes) good for beginners?: Yes, Black Butte Lake (Buttes) is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 39.7750, -122.3544