This lake view is from the opposite side of the marsh area.

Redwing blackbird on the shore

Loveland Dam, also known as Sweetwater Falls Dam, is a thin arch design of concrete built in 1945. Loveland Reservoir is one of the two manmade lakes made by dams along the Sweetwater River. It has a capacity of 25,387 acre feet of water and is used for flood control and drinking water for Chula Vista, National City, and Bonita residents. Loveland is the younger of the two dams. Until 1966 the reservoir was used solely for water storage. A land exchange between the Sweetwater Authority and the U.S. Forest Service gave the authority control over land adjacent to the reservoir. The authority constructed a parking lot and trail and opened the reservoir to the public for fishing on January 14, 1997. It is open only to shoreline fishing — no boats, swimming, or use of live bait is allowed. Largemouth bass, channel and bullhead catfish, bluegill, red-eared sunfish, and crappie can all be caught at Loveland, with the proper fishing license and in the posted fishing areas only. Trails offer little to no shade, so it is best to hike in the early mornings before the heat of the day sets in.

Loveland shoreline

The trail starts at the parking-lot trailhead and quickly descends to the reservoir by way of a flight of wooden steps. Drought conditions have greatly reduced the size of this reservoir. Depending on the current water level, which fluctuates throughout the year, the easternmost, shallow arm can turn into a soggy meadow that is difficult to traverse. Trails are found to the left and right along the lakeshore but aren’t always obvious and may be difficult to follow. Trails are also found at different levels, as the water has fluctuated and can be uneven, rocky, and brush-covered.

Kingfisher on a rock

The trails to the east or left can be explored for a short distance but are not recommended with low-water conditions that have left most of the area dry or with patches of marshy areas thick with riparian growth such as cattails and willows. If exploring this area, look down and note the many clam shells scattered about, left high and dry as the water has receded.

The trail to the west or right from the staircase and bridge leads down to the metal fishing pier that is totally surrounded by cattails and other thick vegetation. Red-winged blackbirds flit around the cattails. A fisherman’s trail leads through a thicket of plants, past the pier, to the shoreline of the reservoir where waterfowl such as belted kingfishers, herons, and pelicans may be seen. Also look for migratory birds that may be in the area.

Loveland Reservoir hiking trails

The chaparral terrain above the lake is dominated by chamise, a native chaparral plant that has tiny, cream-colored flowers that extend from the ends of stems in cone shapes and blooms in spring and early summer. Also found is California buckwheat, scrub oaks, coast live oaks, laurel sumacs, broom baccharis, black sage, and other common chaparral and oak woodland plants. Keep an eye out for any lizards or birds that can be seen along the trail.

For those who might want to explore more in this area, a portion of the California Riding & Hiking Trail (CR&HT) is accessible from the west side of the parking area. About 12 miles of the CR&HT, established statewide in 1945, winds through Alpine between Crest and Dehesa.