Meet the Man Behind Lake Almanor’s Outdoor Adventures: Bobby Smith of High Elevation Rentals
If you’ve ever dreamed of trading the crowds of Tahoe for a quieter alpine escape—where bald eagles glide overhead, glassy waters stretch for miles, and trails feel like they were built just for your family—Lake Almanor might just be your next favorite destination.
In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now podcast, I sit down with Bobby Smith, the owner of High Elevation Kayak and Bike Rentals in Chester, California, to talk all things Lake Almanor. From secret shoreline spots to the 22-mile Lake Almanor Recreation Trail, Bobby has turned his passion for outdoor adventure into a business that’s helping both locals and travelers experience Plumas County in the most hands-on way possible.
🎥 [Watch the full episode on YouTube]
🎧 [Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts]
🚲 Kayaks, Water Bikes & Mountain Fun
What makes High Elevation Rentals different? Bobby’s lineup includes not just kayaks, but water bikes, “row yaks,” and mountain bikes—perfect for families, first-timers, and experienced explorers alike. His goal? Make it easy to get outside.
He’s located just off the main highway in Chester, with flexible rentals designed for spontaneous adventure. Whether you’re staying in town or visiting for the day, his setup allows you to launch right into a day of paddling or pedaling.
🦅 The Wild Side of Lake Almanor
Bobby and I dig into what makes Lake Almanor such a unique place:
- Regular sightings of bald eagles and osprey
- Early morning paddles with mirror-like lake conditions
- The peace and solitude that can be hard to find in better-known Sierra destinations
He shares his favorite places to explore on the water and some off-the-map shoreline gems you’ll want to jot down.
🍕 Chester Charm: Food, Community, and Raising Kids in the Mountains
One of my favorite parts of this episode is hearing Bobby talk about raising his kids in Plumas County. There’s a deep sense of community here—and it shows in the way Bobby does business. We talk about:
- His favorite local dining spots (hint: there’s good pizza and Chinese food in town)
- The relaxed pace of life in Chester
- Why Lake Almanor is the kind of place that grabs your heart and keeps you coming back
💬 A Personal Note
A couple weeks after recording this episode, I returned to Lake Almanor and had the chance to test ride a bike from Bobby for a family ride along the Recreation Trail. It was everything he promised—scenic, peaceful, and perfect for families. I’ll be writing more about that ride soon in our Trail-Tested series, but let’s just say: this guy walks the walk.
👇 Ready to Plan Your Own Lake Almanor Adventure?
📍 Visit High Elevation Rentals in Chester, CA
🌐 https://www.highelevationkayakrentals.com/
🎧 Listen to the full episode: [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [YouTube]
🚴♀️ Coming soon: Our Trail-Tested ride on the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail
#DiscoverMoreSierra | #LakeAlmanor | #TrailTested | #SierraRecNow
Let me know if you’d like a square or vertical promo graphic to share on social or want to embed the podcast player directly in your blog layout — I can also prep a “Coming Soon” teaser for the Trail-Tested article if you want to create interlinking momentum now.
