Contact Information:
(530) 862-1196
990 Sardine Lake Road, Sierra City, CA
Our History
In the late 1800’s, a miner’s mule named Sardine tumbled into what was then called “Emerald Lake.” This prompted the miners to rename the lake to “Sardine Lake.”
In 1936, Mr. George Browning came here suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. It was his dream, during the Great Depression, to build a resort at Sardine Lake. With the help of his wife, Audrey, and her father, Tom Taylor, his dream was realized in 1941.
The resort was later owned and operated by their daughter, Dorothy and her husband, Chandler Hunt. It is now run by granddaughter Jan Hunt Boucher and grandson, Thomas Browning Hunt.
As a family and friends run operation, we take pride in continuing George and Audrey’s vision here at Sardine Lake Resort.
Explore Cabins
The resort includes nine, hand-crafted log cabins ranging from one-room to our larger two-bedroom cabins. The décor is warm with comfortably updated furnishings and porch seating. All cabins have fully equipped kitchens which include cookware, stoves, toasters, and microwaves. All cabins also have counter or table dining, private bath with all provided linens and essential paper goods, charcoal grills and outdoor bunk-beds on your personal porch or deck. Our typical cabin reservations are by the week, shorter stays are likely to be available in May and October. Shorter stays require a three night minimum. We welcome inquiries regarding future lodging availability and frequently avail our waiting list to welcome new guests. Please call 530-862-1196 for further information.
Boats & Fishing
Lower Sardine Lake is a designated premium fishing lake by the County of Sierra, therefore there is NO SWIMMING in the lake. The lake is stocked at various times throughout the summer with Rainbow Trout.
Boat Rentals are available with or without an electric trolling motor. You may reserve any boat type in advance by calling the main lodge, 530-862-1196. Boats are available from 8am until dusk, unless otherwise prearranged, and all reservations will be held until 10am, then released. Release of liability must be signed for all persons responsible for renting a boat. Life jackets are required for all ages and provided with your boat rental. Maximum of four persons per boat or 600 pounds. No persons under 16 years of age shall operate the boat and no persons under 16 years of age or younger shall occupy the boat without adult supervision. Speed limit on the lake is 5 mph and all boats must be returned by dusk.
All Life Jackets and Boats will be Cleaned and Sanitized Prior to Use and After Each Guest.
Electric Motor Boat
All Day- $70 • ½ Day- $50 •
Row Boat
All Day- $35 • ½ Day- $25 •
Lakeside Dining
Dinner Reservations Required 530-862-1196
Open Memorial Weekend to October
Closed Monday and Tuesdays
Serving Dinner at 6pm and 8pm in the Main Lodge Dining Rooms.
Lakeside Bar
Open Memorial Weekend to October
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Lakeside full bar service opens to the public at 5pm
Dinner Reservations not required to enjoy a cocktail in our lake gazebo.