Located within the beautiful landscape of Bear River in northwestern California’s Gold Country is Lake Combie. This serene reservoir, known also as Combie Lake, Van Giesen, and Combie Reservoir, is a treasured gem owned by the Nevada Irrigation District (NID). Settled among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada range, access to this glistening body of water is a privilege granted to fortunate landowners and their esteemed guests. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of public lakes, Lake Combie beckons visitors to bask in its tranquility and partake in various recreational activities such as boating, canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, swimming, and fishing. Shielded by two mighty dams, Lake Combie is a reservoir of precious winter precipitation and Sierra snowmelt, serving various essential purposes such as irrigation, drinking water supply, hydropower generation, and recreational enjoyment. The historical Van Giesen Dam, which also goes by the moniker Lake Combie Dam, stands as a testament to human engineering, erected back in 1928 along the Bear River in Placer County. Subsequently, the construction of Combie Dam, situated north of its counterpart, added to the reservoir’s capacity to store water from the Bear River and Wooley Creek, albeit having faced challenges from erosion and sediment deposition over the years.
Measures like dredging maintain Lake Combie’s dimensions at around 276 acres with a maximum depth of approximately 50 feet, extending across 2.5 miles in length and 0.3 miles in width. Beyond its recreational allure, Lake Combie is crucial in supplying water to nearby treatment plants serving the communities of Lake of the Pines and Auburn. Additionally, it feeds into the interconnected lakes within the Lake of the Pines community, replenishing their waters through a canal at the reservoir’s northern terminus. The Nevada Irrigation District, owners of Lake Combie, extend their stewardship beyond the water’s edge, encompassing a significant stretch of the shoreline across Nevada and Placer Counties. Here, nestled amidst rolling hills, one discovers a mix of residential, industrial, and recreational zones, creating a harmonious environment for lakeside living. Amidst the warm summer air, residents and visitors revel in the waters of Lake Combie, engaging in various water-based activities like power boating, fishing, and jet skiing. The tranquil expanse of the Lake provides an ideal setting for sailing, canoeing, and kayaking, with its maze of inlets beckoning exploration. Nature enthusiasts can delight in the sightings of local wildlife, from majestic birds to elusive mammals, amidst the backdrop of mixed conifers and native vegetation that carpet the landscape. Though shallow waters limit the growth of aquatic plants, Lake Combie remains a haven for an array of fish species, thanks to the cool waters flowing in from the Bear River. As the region surrounding Lake Combie continues to evolve, with development encroaching upon its tranquil shores, the camaraderie found in communities like Meadow Vista and the Lake Combie Association underscores a shared commitment to preserving this natural sanctuary.
Furthermore, the proximity of the Auburn State Recreation Area offers a gateway to a myriad of outdoor adventures, from whitewater rafting to hiking, biking, and camping in the picturesque Sierra Nevada terrain. Amid this picturesque setting, the community of Auburn, steeped in mining history and adorned with quaint architecture, offers a charming respite for visitors to explore. With its array of antique stores, eateries, and cultural events, Auburn is a testament to a bygone era while embracing the spirit of modern leisure and recreation. For those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the beauty of nature and the allure of outdoor pursuits, Lake Combie presents an inviting escape. Whether one seeks a vacation rental or a permanent residence in the surrounding developments, the promise of rest awaits near the tranquil waters of Lake Combie, a sanctuary far removed from the urban pace.