Cachuma Lake, nestled in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, California, is an expansive reservoir formed by the construction of Bradbury Dam on the Santa Ynez River. Built-in 1953 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the dam’s 201-foot earth-fill structure creates a lake covering 3,100 acres with a maximum design capacity of 205,000 acre-feet, currently limited to 188,000 acre-feet due to sediment accumulation. The lake’s name, “Cachuma,” derives from the Barbareño Chumash word “aqitsu’m,” meaning “sign.”
The lake’s water levels are highly variable, influenced by seasonal rains and droughts. Historically, it has seen significant fluctuations, such as the drop to 7.3% capacity during the 2011-2017 drought and the dramatic rise to 100% capacity in early 2023 following a series of atmospheric river storms.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation built Bradbury Dam in 1953 to control Ohio flooding spurred by the Great Flood 1913. The name “Cachuma” is from a Chumash village originally spelled “Aquitsumu” by the Spanish. The Central Coast Water Authority’s extension of the California Aqueduct, completed in 1997, plays a critical role in water delivery from Vandenberg Space Force Base to Cachuma.
Recreation
Cachuma Lake offers a wide range of recreational activities, including
Fishing: In the winter, rainbow trout are supplied into the lake. Fishing is permitted from both boats and the shore all year long.
Boating: Facilities include boat and kayak rentals, with a bait and tackle shop. Human-powered watercraft like kayaks and canoes are permitted.
Camping: Santa Barbara County Parks manages various camping options, including cabin and yurt rentals, RV sites, tent camping, and group camping.
Hiking: The park features five miles of hiking trails, with additional trails in the nearby Los Padres National Forest.
Wildlife Viewing: Seasonal tour boats offer opportunities to view bald eagles.
Nearby Locations:
Solvang, California: Approximately 10.5 miles west
Santa Ynez, California: Approximately 7.25 miles west of Bradbury Dam
The lake is a drinking water reservoir, so swimming, wading, and water skiing are prohibited. However, accidental physical contact occurs when kayaking, canoeing, and boating with dogs.
