7 minute read
Lake County - The Great Outdoors
Lake County - The Great Outdoors
Story by Kathleen Scavone
Lake County is a land of plenty and has been for thousands of years with its lakes, mountains, wildlife and an abundance of classic outdoor activities available for all. History tells us that this land was home to several bands of Pomo People spanning 14,000 years, as well as the Miwok, Patwin, Wappo and Yuki Indigenous People. With thousands of acres of Public Lands in which to recreate, there is sure to be something for everyone. If your thing is hiking, bird watching, fishing, camping or boating Lake County is for you!
FISHING
Beautiful Blue Lakes is a popular destination for bass, bluegill and rainbow trout fishing. It’s also acknowledged for its relaxing electric boating, paddle boarding and kayaking its quiet waters. Lake Pillsbury, set in the Mendocino National Forest, boasts over thirty miles of shoreline. It’s a popular playground for fishing, boating, hiking, swimming and camping. Our ancient and storied lake, Clear Lake is a half-million years old, making it the oldest lake in North America. At over seventy square miles, Clear Lake is a destination recognized across the country for its bass fishing with myriad bass clubs offering prizes nearly every month of the year. Another event, the annual Catfish Derby takes place each May in Clearlake Oaks, creating a tradition for fun, family and fishing, too! For a list of Clear Lake Fishing Contests visit the CA.GOV California Department of Fish and Wildlife at: https://nrm.dfg. ca.gov/
HIKING
Lake County offers an abundance of hiking opportunities within its various parks and Public Lands. Mt. Konocti County Park is a steep but rewarding hike up an ancient, sacred, dormant volcano. Breathtaking views await you on Mt. Konocti! Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is comprised of over 1,000 acres of oak woodlands, wetlands and grasslands with mostly level trails. Guided hikes are offered by the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association. Clear Lake State Park invites you to camp, hike, fish or bird watch. Watch for Western Pond turtles along the boardwalk trail, or enjoy the moss-covered boulders and native buckeye trees that lead you up to a breathtaking view of Big Valley. Highland Springs Recreation Area is a multi-use park with Disc Golf, boat ramp, hiking trails, and horse and bike trails for use after the wet season. The North Cow Mountain Recreation Area boasts 26,000 acres of public land, 30 miles of which are hiking, equestrian and biking trails. Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument’s Cache Creek Wilderness Area includes hiking trails in Lake County, such as the 7.2 mile Redbud Trail. Note: If you are short on time, be sure to visit one of the dozens of smaller Lake County parks found on this map:https://lakecountyca.gov/1610/Parks
Bird Watching
Lake County is a renowned bird watcher’s paradise located on the Pacific Flyway. Visit any number of parks and wild lands to catch sight of any of the hundreds of species that migrate, or live here year round. Magnificent bald eagles, osprey, golden eagles, several species of herons, American white pelicans, many duck species and more, abound! Bring your binoculars and visit Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, Blue Lakes, Borax Lake, Clear Lake State Park, Austin Park Beach and Middletown Trailside Park, or attend a Redbud Audubon field trip.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Six Sigma Ranch and Winery in Lower Lake offers mountain biking and hiking on their country trails and hosts the Nor-cal High School Mountain Bike championships each year. Downloadable guides are available on their website https://sixsigmaranch.comPhone: 707-994-4068
Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest is a jewel in Lake County! The trails are open year round, with light use encouraged after inclement weather. For more information: boggsmountain.org
GEOTHERMAL OPPORTUNITIES
Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center & Harbin Hot Springs
The wonders of the phenomenal Geysers Geothermal Field come to life at Calpine’s Geothermal Visitor Center in Middletown. The surrounding Mayacamas Mountains have been home to Pomo, Miwok and Wappo Indigenous People for over 12,000 years. Today, the Geysers is home to the largest complex of geothermal power plants on Earth, generating up to 725 megawatts of energy 24/7. Calpines’ Geothermal Visitor Center is a great educational destination since it provides the public with engaging interactive exhibits on the geology and history of The Geysers, complete with real-time seismic data and a topographical model that portrays their wells, power plants and steam injection pipelines. Visit their website for the Center’s hours, or call to learn about tours up the Geothermal Fields. 15500 Central Park Rd., Middletown 1-866-GEYSERS https://geysers.com
Harbin Hot Springs’ healing waters are the result of the flowing springs from Harbin Mountain in the Mayacamas Mountain range. The rustic hot springs retreat, owned by Heart Consciousness Church, is set on 1700 acres of woods and meadows. Harbin offers various mineral water soaking pools and other health services including swimming, massage, sauna, meditation and yoga classes. You may choose a day visit, or take advantage of some of their lodging choices for a longer stay in this natural retreat setting. 18424 Harbin Springs Rd., Middletown https://harbin.org/ 1-707-987-2477
CAMPING AND GLAMPING
Six Sigma Ranch and Winery in Lower Lake recommend glamping! Visit their Huttopia Wine Country Campgrounds and stay in their signature wood and canvas tents. Not your ordinary campsite, Huttopia offers a central lodge, pool, camp store, wine tasting, hiking and more. Six Sigma offers Club members a Ranch-Stay for RVs and Trailers too. Huttopia13444 Spruce Grove Rd., Lower Lake 1-707-461-0740https://canada-usa.huttopia.com
Clear Lake Campground, located on Cache Creek (Clear Lake’s only outlet) offers vintage waterfront camping, along with kayaking, fishing and boating from their docks. Book a memorable stay in their RV and tent campgrounds. Accommodations are recommended for smaller trailers.Clear Lake Campground7805 Cache Creek Way, Clearlake https://campclearlake.com/
Harvest Hosts is a unique way to book an RV stay in a number of participating wineries, farms and attractions. Visit their website for in-depth information! https://harvesthosts.com
Clear Lake State Park offers four campgrounds and eight cozy cabins. Enjoy boating, bird watching, picnicking and walking the beautiful trails along the oldest lake in California, Clear Lake. Clear Lake State Park5300 Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville 1-707-279-4293https://parks.ca.gov
Hidden Valley Lake Campground offers 50 tent camp sites and 18 full hook up sites. Register online only, and restful nights are yours at a click!Hidden Valley Lake Campground 19234 Hidden Valley Rd., Hidden Valley Lake 1-707-987-3138https://hvla.com
Dog Parks
Dog lovers know that their pets thrive on the outdoors as much as their owners. Leashed dogs are welcome in most County of Lake Parks, City Parks and State Parks. Please watch for posted signs as some parks have designated areas that are off-limits to pooches, such as ball fields, beaches and playgrounds. Dogs are not allowed on trails in State Parks.
View a list of Lake County Parks: https:// lakecountyca. gov/1610/Parks
SPRING WILDFLOWERS
Lake County’s living landscape is painted with beautiful bouquets along its hills and valleys in spring and summer months. Both native and nonnative species abound, and flowering fruit trees are a sight to behold! Watch for poppies, lupine, wild roses, clover and more! Educational guided walks that include information on local flowers: http://lakecountylandtrust.org/ https://sanhedrin.cnps.org/ https://facebook.com/AMIA.org
Wildflower Tours at Eleven Roses Ranch occur annually with reservations, beginning on April 13th.You may choose to visit during one of their Historic Ranch Days Trips when you will explore the gardens and ranch on an old-fashioned wagon, enjoy a chuck-wagon BB-Q, with local music, wine and more! Reserve your spot: Eleven Roses Ranch 5456 New Long Valley Road, Clearlake Oaks 1-707-998-4471https://elevenrosesranch.com/
