Lake Size: 383 Acres Shoreline Length (Miles): 14.9 miles Latitude: 33.675 Longitude: -117.2734 Lake Level Above Sea Level: 1,385 feet Counties: Riverside County Cities: Canyon Lake Lake Management: US Army Corps of Engineers
Information: The community is named for Canyon Lake, also known as the Railroad Canyon Reservoir, which it surrounds. The reservoir, created in 1928 with the construction of the Railroad Canyon Dam, covers approximately 383 acres (1.55 km2), has 14.9 miles (24.0 km) of shoreline[3], and has a storage capacity of 11,900 acre-feet (14,700,000 m³). It is owned and operated by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.[5]
The reservoir is supplied by storm water runoff from the San Jacinto River and Salt Creek. Water from the reservoir feeds the Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant, which provides approximately 10% of the domestic water supply in the Lake Elsinore/Canyon Lake area.[6]
In 1882 the California Southern Railroad built a line from Perris to Elsinore along the east side of the San Jacinto river. The Santa Fe Railroad bought the line and joined it with their line in San Bernardino. Floods in 1884, 1916, and 1927 washed out the tracks and the Santa Fe Railroad decided to abandon the line. Soon after the last flood the Temescal Water Company bought the railroad right-of-way, as well as 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) from Henry Evans, a rancher, and other land from B.T. Kuert. Those were the two parcels that make up most of Canyon Lake today. Construction started in 1927 to build a dam across the river to store water. It was finished in 1929. Railroad Canyon Reservoir, when built, was one of the largest fresh water lakes for fishing, hunting and camping in Southern California. Railroad Canyon Reservoir and the surrounding area was leased as a concession from Temescal Water Company as a recreational area under the operation of the George D. Evans family from 1937 until after World War II. After the War Ray and Alpha Schekel, along with John and Darleen Kirkland operated the resort until 1949 when the lake was drained for repairs to the floodgates. Elinor and Donald Martin operated the resort from its reopening in 1953 until 1968. In 1968 the Corona Land Development Company developed the new community.[7][8]
Boating
Fishing
Business
Recreation
Miscellaneous Info
All of the homeowners within the Canyon Lake POA have rights and access to the Lake for recreational uses. Personal watercraft (Jet Skis, etc.) are banned for use on the reservoir. However, ski-boats (with a maximum length of 21 feet), fishing boats, row boats, paddle boats, sailboats and kayaks are allowed, as are wake-boarding and water-skiing. There is a 35 mph (56 km/h) speed limit on the main lake, which is patrolled by Canyon Lake's Lake and Marine Patrol, as well the California Department of Fish and Game. The East Bay is limited to a "No Wake" speed. Each year the Association stocks the lake with a generous supply of catfish and bass, which join the crappie and bluegill there, for the enjoyment of fisherman. There are swimming areas, fishing “holes”, beaches, a slalom course and a jump lagoon, gas docks, and rental slips which make the lake a busy place thanks to the Canyon Lakers and the more than 2,000 boats they have registered with the POA. All boats must be registered and have insurance in a homeowner's name. Canyon Lake is home to world class wake-boarders and water-skiers. Canyon Lake clubs train the new water-skier and wake-boarder and also plays host to many tournaments.
Each year the Association stocks the lake with a generous supply of catfish and bass, which join the crappie and bluegill there, for the enjoyment of fisherman. There are swimming areas, fishing “holes”, beaches, a slalom course and a jump lagoon, gas docks, and rental slips which make the lake a busy place thanks to the Canyon Lakers and the more than 2,000 boats they have registered with the POA.
There are 13 parks in the community making up 45.5 acres (184,000 m2), many with sandy beaches as well as docks at which boats can be tie up for short periods. Indian Beach Park has a theatrical stage which is used by the Canyon Lake Community Theatre group for theatrical and other performances which are staged during the year.
Canyon Lake's community newly constructed (2000) 19,000 square feet clubhouse, the Canyon Lake Lodge, always has a variety of activities taking place and is considered the "jewel" of the community. The Lodge offers dining at the Lighthouse Restaurant and banquet facilities, as well as "The Lounge" bar. The community's Olympic-sized, heated pool and tennis courts share the Lodge's grounds. Included in the pool are 3 lap swimming lanes, as well and a separate toddler wading pool. Shower and changing facilities are available. They both have a picturesque view of the main lake, unobscured by visible fencing.
The Canyon Lake Golf Course is an SCGA-rated 18-hole, par-71 5,868-yard (5,366 m) 75-acre (300,000 m2) regulation course with a driving range, putting green, and pro shop, as well as rental carts available. The Clubhouse has dining service at the Country Club Restaurant and bar.
There is a 10-acre (40,000 m2) Equestrian Center with stables. The facility includes a show riding arena, a jump arena, turn out arena, a hot walker and double wash rack. There is a barn with 17 stalls, outside pipe corrals with covered breezeways, and community room where horse owners can gather. There are miles of bridal trails winding throughout the surrounding hills.
There are 6 lighted tennis courts adjacent to the Canyon Lake Lodge. Tournaments are scheduled by the Canyon Lake Tennis Club for each month during the year which includes doubles, mixed doubles, and team tennis. Scheduled weekly are men's and women's tennis. Tennis pro Steve Vorhees provides a Jr. Tennis Program and training lessons for all ages.
There is a 7.5-acre (30,000 m2) private 90 campsite campground for property owners and their guests adjacent to the lake. On 37 of the sites you will find complete hook-ups for water, sewer, electric and television. The remaining 53 sites are equipped with electric and water. There are showers, restrooms, washers, dryers and an ice machine. There is a dump site for all campers. A full time manager lives on the premises. The 5 docks can accommodate up to 45 boats at any given time. The swimming beach is 350 feet (110 m) long. The campground is a great place for fishing, playing horseshoes, volleyball and windsurfing in the protected, 5 miles (8.0 km) an hour zone.
Gault Field is located on the North side of Canyon Lake. The multi-purpose sports complex has lighted regulation softball fields and serves the needs of teams and individuals of all ages. Summer and winter baseball leagues use the field, as do soccer players.
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