Dry Lakes Trail El Dorado County boat launch
Dry Lakes Trail El Dorado County
The boat ramp services Union Valley Reservoir, a beautiful lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water sports activities. The lake covers an area of 1,328 acres and has a maximum depth of 240 feet.
According to the latest information available, the lake permits motorized boats of all sizes, including jet skis, ski boats, fishing boats, and pontoon boats. Additionally, non-motorized boats such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are also allowed on the lake.
It is important to note that rules and regulations may change at any time, so it is always a good idea to check with the local authorities before heading out on the water. Overall, Dry Lakes Trail boat ramp is a great place to launch your boat and enjoy a day out on the water in El Dorado County, California.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Dry Lakes Trail El Dorado County -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot C Ab Stumpy Meadows Res Ca | 3 cfs | → |
| Pilot C Bl Mutton Canyon Nr Georgetown Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| Blackwood C Nr Tahoe City Ca | 87 cfs | → |
| General C Nr Meeks Bay Ca | 16 cfs | → |
| Ward C At Hwy 89 Nr Tahoe Pines Ca | 53 cfs | → |
| Truckee R A Tahoe City Ca | 352 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
🛶 River runs
- Ellicots Bridge To Big Grizzly Canyon
- Hell Hole Dam To Ellicotts Bridge
- Interbay To Oxbow (End Of The World)
- Big Grizzly Canyon To Oxbow Reservoir
- 1/4 Mile North Of State Highway 50 To Avalanche Lake
- State Highway 50 To 1/4 Mile North Of State Highway 50
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Dry Lakes Trail El Dorado County as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Dry Lakes Trail El Dorado County
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Dry Lakes Trail El Dorado County.