Well east of I-5 out on the tip of a small peninsula in the Pit River Arm, the Silverthorn Resort (16250 Silverthorn Rd., 530/275-1571, www.silverthornresort.com, $1,210–2,200 per week) definitely has the advantage of a location right on the water. The views from the common areas and guest cabins are phenomenal and the resort has its own full-service marina with houseboats for rent. Just don’t expect to blow in and get a cabin for a single night in the midst of high season.

At Silverthorne, cabins rent only by the week in summer and require a three-day minimum for the rest of the year. Each cabin sleeps 4–6 people, except for the large family cabin that can handle eight.

Inside, you’ll find the ubiquitous wood-paneled interior walls and simple but attractive lodge-style decor. All cabins include a full kitchen (thus making the by-the-week rental requirement a bit more attractive) with full-sized refrigerator, plus private bathrooms. Expect bedrooms to be small but cute, and the atmosphere to be woodsy and restful.

Be sure to book your boat rentals with the marina at the same time you book your cabin to ensure that you get what you want, when you want it. A small grocery store and a “pizza pub” offer easy dining and shopping on-site for visitors who don’t feel like driving far away for dinner.