Event Information
The Black Butte Lake Triathlon Series is one of the best weekends for outdoor enthusiasts on all of the West Coast. Situated right in the heart of Tehama County, Black Butte Lake is one of the most scenic lakes scattered around the Northern California. Hosted annually on the second weekend of April (the weekend after the Easter Holiday) it provides a great race for long time tri-geeks or for first-time-newbie to test their legs for the upcoming triathlon season.
The weekend is split into two separate races: a Sprint Distance and an Olympic Distance on Sunday. But the fun does not stop there! There will be a Health and Fitness Expo to see the latest and greatest gadgets as well as local vendors from the surrounding area showcasing their all-natural goods. Tehama County boasts a wide array of produce from fruit to nuts, olives and olive oil to an up and coming wine country.
Travel and Stay
Whether you decide to camp on the lake or stay at one of the many sponsor hotels in the neighboring towns of Chico (25 miles) or Corning (10 miles), there are a number of activities to make it an excellent weekend for participants as well as family and friends. Please also check out the Visitor Information section for ideas on visiting the local farms.
Camping at Black Butte Lake
There are two primary campgrounds at Black Butte Lake. Want to stay directly at the race site? Camp out at Buckhorn Campgrounds and be right in the middle of the action. Additional camping is available at the Orland Buttes campground, adjacent to the southeastern side of the lake and a short drive to and from all race activities. All campground reservations must be placed through the central reservation service: Reserveusa.gov. Please note that race organizers are not responsible for nor coordinate the reservation services for the campgrounds at Black Butte Lake.
Buckhorn Campgrounds: Camp Ground Map / Reservation Link
Orland Buttes Campgrounds: Camp Ground Map / Reservation Link
Sponsor Hotels
Please check out any of the following hotels in the local area. The town of Chico is a quick 25 miles from the event site and provides a great small town atmosphere. The town of Corning is just 10 miles to the north and is known as the Olive Capital of North America.
Chico (additional information to follow)
Corning : Ramada Inn and Vagabond are providing room discounts for all athletes with complimentary breakfasts. Both hotels are situated approximately 18 miles from Black Butte Lake. Please contact them directly for additional details.
The Ramada Inn
2645 Barham Avenue
Liberal Ave and Hwy 5 Exit 628
Corning,CA 96021
Vagabond Inn Executive Suites
2665 Barham Ave.
Corning, CA 96021
Check back for a list of the weekend schedule and activities!
Visitor Information
Tehama County was formed from parts of Butte, Colusa, and Shasta Counties in 1856. The county is named for the City of Tehama. The origin of the name is not known. Suggested possible roots are the Arabic word tehama (”hot low-lands”), the Spanish word tejamanil (shingle), or “high water” in the dialect of local Native Americans. The first permanent settlers in the area that is now Tehama County, were Robert Hasty Thomes, Albert Gallatin Toomes, William George Chard, and Job Francis Dye. The four men were each given land grants by the government of Mexico in 1844. Thomes received Rancho Saucos, Toomes received Rancho Rio de los Molinos, Chard received Rancho Las Flores, and Dye received Rancho Primer Cañon o Rio de Los Berrendos. Later in the same year Josiah Belden received Rancho Barranca Colorado.[1]
Black Butte Lake was formed in 1963 upon the completion of Black Butte Dam. Located on Stony Creek west of Orland, the lake is an inviting and accessible recreation area on the west side of the Sacramento Valley. When full, the lake has a surface area of 4,460 acres, is seven miles long and has a shoreline of 40 miles. The dam provides flood damage protection for local towns and agricultural lands.
