Is Gallatin Beach good for swimming today?
Gallatin Beach has BeachFinder Score: 77/100. Use this as a planning signal only, then check local flags, lifeguards, closures and current beach conditions.
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US-W - US
Gallatin Beach
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Quick answer
Quick answer: Gallatin Beach today
Gallatin Beach is a BeachFinder spot in US-W, US. Today, compare wind 12 km/h · N, uv 4.0, water quality Check official advisories before leaving. BeachFinder Score: 77/100. Always check official flags, closures and lifeguard advice before swimming.
Water temperature
Check live marine coverage
Wind
12 km/h · N
UV
4.0
Waves
Marine data where available
Water quality
Check official advisories
Last updated: Nov 5, 03:30 PM local forecast timeBeachFinder Score: 77/100
Sources: Open-Meteo weather and marine forecasts, OpenStreetMap place context and BeachFinder spot data.
This is planning information, not a safety clearance. Conditions can change quickly.
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Live conditions on the site
Surfers can check wind, wave height, currents and surf cues here before opening the full BeachFinder app.
Updated: Nov 5, 03:30 PM
Water temp
—
No marine model here
Air temp
13°C
Feels like
8°C
UV index
4.0
Wind
12 km/h · N
Gust 16 km/h
Waves
—
No marine model here
Current
—
No marine model here
Parking
...
Shower
...
Accessible access
...
Toilets
...
Restaurants
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Weather and marine data: Open-Meteo
Gallatin Beach
Gallatin Beach extends along Lake Almanor, in northeastern California, about 320 kilometers from Sacramento and near Lassen Volcanic National Park. This vast mountain lake, nestled at 1,400 meters altitude in the Sierra Nevada, offers a setting of pine forests and wooded cliffs that plunge towards the cold, crystal-clear waters. The lake shore features a succession of alluvial beaches and rocky areas, typical of the region's alpine reservoirs. The beach itself is distinguished by its direct access to the lake and its undeveloped character, contrasting with Halfmoon Beach, located 13.6 kilometers to the south, and Sandy Beach, 14.4 kilometers away. Upon arrival, one measures the relative isolation of the place: no crowds of swimmers, a rural relaxation atmosphere where visitors mainly come for summer swimming and informal water activities. The depth increases gradually, and the waters remain cool even in July-August, reflecting the altitude and the lake's northern exposure. Gallatin Beach is not Blue Flag certified and has no official supervision. Facilities are minimal: no dedicated parking, no toilets, showers, or identified dining areas. Access is via secondary forest roads, which limits crowds and maintains its profile as a destination for informed motorized visitors rather than mass tourism.
About this spot
Gallatin Beach is named after Albert Gallatin, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under Thomas Jefferson and an explorer of the Oregon Territory in the early 19th century. Lake Almanor itself, created in 1913 by the construction of the Great Falls hydroelectric dam, transformed this glacial valley into a 117-square-kilometer reservoir. The beach is part of California's hydroelectric development history, a testament to the tension between energy development and the preservation of mountain landscapes. Local families have frequented it since the 1950s for quiet weekends away from the urban bustle of the Bay Area.
Updated 5/9/2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the water temperature at Gallatin Beach today?
Check live marine coverage. Marine temperature is shown when forecast coverage is available for this location.
How windy is Gallatin Beach today?
12 km/h · N. Wind can change comfort and surface conditions, especially on exposed beaches.
What should I check before swimming at Gallatin Beach?
Check official safety flags, lifeguard advice, closures, water-quality advisories, UV, wind, waves and currents before entering the water.
Before you go
Conditions
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