With pine-covered mountain forests, California's largest natural freshwater lake teeming with fish and fowl, spring wildflower-covered fields. Lake County is a wonderland of natural and rural beauty.
Get the inside scoop on where the fish are biting by reading these two local outdoor columns. In the Lake County Record-Bee, read Terry Knight's column at www.record-bee.com or The Rider Report in Lake County News by Bob Rider at www.lakeconews.com.
Because the use of power boats is limited to 5 mph on Blue Lakes, the pair of lakes offers a quiet environment for relaxation. Sitting at an elevation of 1,357 feet, the two lakes known as Upper Blue Lake and Lower Blue Lake cover 73 acres and 52 acres, respectively. Day use access and fees can be found at www.lakecounty.com/Accommodations/Area/BlueLakes
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This secluded, hilly expanse of oak woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral is a combination of over 70,000 acres of BLM managed lands and 4,700 acres of State and County lands. The Natural Area is traversed by Cache Creek, with its year-round water flow. Elevation ranges from 3200 feet atop Brushy Sky High, down to 600 feet in the eastern end of Cache Creek along State Route 16. Showcasing the area is about 35 miles of the main fork of Cache Creek and 2.5 miles of the north fork. Also present are several tributary creeks that contain permanent water.
The Cache Creek Natural Area is a primitive area, closed to motorized vehicles. There are no developed campgrounds or facilities. Non-hunting (target) shooting is not allowed. Instead, the area is managed to improve habitat for wildlife and rare plants, to protect cultural resource values, and to offer primitive recreation opportunities, including wildlife viewing, river running, hiking, equestrian use, hunting and fishing.
Known as the "Bass Capital of the West," with more than 43,000 surface acres and 100 miles of shoreline, Clear Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake completely within California. Ample space for fishing, swimming, sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and other water sports.
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5300 Soda Bay Road Kelseyville, CA 95451 (707) 279-4293 (800) 444-7275 www.parks.ca.gov |
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147 RV and camp sites and rustic cabins. Open all year. A check list of the birds of Clear Lake State Park is available at the entrance gate or the Park's Visitor Center. Well-marked hiking paths throughout the park also afford good birdwatching. Day use fee if not camping. |
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Along Highway 20 on the east shore. | ||
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3600 E Highland Springs Road
Lakeport, CA 95453
(707) 263-2341
www.co.lake.ca.us
Warm water fishing, swimming, and non-powered boating are enjoyed at Highland Springs Reservoir, a small lake south of Lakeport. The reservoir covers 146 acres of land and is fed by Highland Creek. Catfish, bass, crappie, and bluegill are found in the lake. A large grassy area, picnic facilities, and restrooms are located next to the reservoir. There are horseshoe pits and a basketball court. A disc golf course just off Highland Springs Road is available for public use.
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Soda Bay Road, between Soda Bay and Buckingham Park outside Kelseyville. | ||
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Access is via Walker Ridge Road off Highway 20. The reservoir is under the jurisdiction of the Yolo County Flood Control District. It sits at an elevation of 1,475 feet. Six miles long and a mile wide, the reservoir has approximately 39 miles of shoreline. The 3,700-acre reservoir is open to all boating, with a 10 mph speed limit. Two launch ramps are available to the public. An office and store is located at the south end of the reservoir. Visitors enjoy camping at tent and RV sties, picnicking, swimming, hiking, birding, other nature study, and hunting for waterfowl, quail, dove, turkey, pigs, and bear.
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At the mouth of Kelsey Creek, where it empties into Clear Lake off of Soda Bay Road; near Clear Lake State Park.
Lake Pillsbury, at an elevation of 1,832 feet in the north Lake County area, is open to all boating. Boat camping is allowed in designated areas. The lake's 2,280 surface acres and 31 miles of shoreline provide plenty of room for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors to the area can also enjoy picnicking, hiking, backpacking, riding along U.S. Forest Service trails including the Back Country Discovery Trail, and hang gliding from Hull Mountain (elevation 6,873 feet) near the lake.
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1985 Park Drive, Lakeport, CA 95453
(707) 262-1618
www.co.lake.ca.us
Located west of Clear Lake State Park (towards Lakeport) and also off of Soda Bay Road, the County Park is the place to visit in early and middle spring. Park is 53 acres.
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222 Park Street, Lakeport, CA 95453 (707) 263-5615 |
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Off Sulphur Bank Point, east of Clearlake Oaks. | ||
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14655 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake, CA 95422
(707) 994-8201
www.clearlake.ca.us
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Nice/Lucerne Cutoff
Lakeport, CA 95453
(707) 262-1618
www.co.lake.ca.us
40-acre park on the shore of Clear Lake at the mouth of Rodman Slough. |
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Lake County produce just tastes better. Maybe it's the clean air and abundant sunshine, or maybe it's the long history of agricultural production. Maybe it's because you can visit many of the farms and meet the farmer who produces the food. Take the time and savor the flavor of Lake County – stop by a farm stand or farmers' market today!
Lake County Quilt Trail |
(707) 279- 9022 |
Adobe Creek Packing Co. |
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4825 Loasa Drive/PO Box 335, Kelseyville, CA 95451 (707) 279-4204 www.adobecreekpacking.com Open July 15 to August 31, Monday through Saturday |
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Pears: direct sales, packing shed tours by appointment only. Boxed pears available. Directions: Hwy 29 east on Merritt Rd, north on Loasa Drive. |
Barrett Farms |
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PO Box 151, Finley, CA 95435 (707) 263-4211 www.barrettfarms.com Organic |
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Certified Organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), home of Walnut Central, By Cracky It's Jackies Farm Fresh Eggs, and Clucky Plucky Poultry. Certified organic walnuts, chicken eggs, Guinea fowl eggs (seasonal), meat chickens, Guinea fowl, and pheasant. Online orders. |
Benmore Valley Ranch |
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Highway 175, Midway between Lakeport and Hopland (707) 897-5046 www.benmorevalleyranch.com |
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The Benmore Valley Ranch is a pristine 800-acre mountain valley located between Lakeport and Hopland with four reservoirs for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing; trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian activities (with equestrian facilities available); and adjacent to BLM land for dirt biking. Stunning views in every direction with the eastern ridge overlooking Clear Lake and the western ridge overlooking the Russian River Valley. Lodging includes three private houses with high speed wireless internet access and phones. Abundant wildlife and spring wildflower blooms, also a working ranch. | |||
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Ceago Vinegarden5115 E. Highway 20 |
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Situated along two miles of lakeshore, the agricultural resort-style winery, Ceago Vinegarden, owned and operated by Jim Fetzer of the prominent winemaking family, promotes a holistic farming environment for plant and animal life. A showcase of biodynamic winemaking and agriculture, the development surrounds a Hacienda-style compound of buildings with herb gardens, grapes, kiwis, olives, walnuts, figs, lavender, a variety of seasonal plantings and winegrapes — the primary production crop — including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. Domestic and wild animals wander the property, demonstrating how both animal and plant kingdoms work together in an agricultural environment. | |||
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Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill |
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5625 Gaddy Lane, Kelseyville, CA 95451 (707) 279-2995 www.chacewaterwinecompany.com Tasting room open Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Daily by appointment. |
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Chacewater. A small village on the Southern tip of England, the origin of the Manuel family tree. The symbol. The mark of a Chacewater church craftsman. |
Cow Mountain Kiko Goats: Home of the Brush BustersPO Box 51, Lakeport, CA 95451 |
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The Brush Buster Goats can be rented for fuel-load reduction, habitat enhancement, and weed abatement. USDA meats also are available, as well as fresh flowers, assorted herbs, and berries. Please call for sales, goat rentals, or visits. |
Dancing Tree People Organic Orchard and Garden |
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1445 Pitney Lane, Upper Lake, CA 95485 (707) 275-8892 www.dancingtreepeople.com Organic |
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Organic orchard and garden that embraces the ethics and principles of permaculture and organic growing. The 11-acre orchard is certified organic and has been producing walnuts for more than 50 years; organically since 2000. Organic vegetable and herb garden, greenhouse and organic starts, honey bees, solar energy, and permaculture design elements. Pygmy goats and chickens help with soil fertility, mowing, and weed control. Natural and green buildings are being constructed, including a straw and cob cottage. Workshops are offered on natural building, solar energy and permaculture techniques. |
Jaguar Garden Nursery |
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12921 Murphy Springs Road, Lower Lake, CA 95457 (707) 995-5218 www.lakecountyfarmersfinest.org |
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Nursery plants, including vegetable starts, landscape shrubs, perennials, stevia and certified wine grape root stock. Grower participates in the Kelseyville Certified Farmers' Market. Open by appointment only, 3 miles south of Lower Lake. |
Kelseyville Certified Farmers' Market |
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Lake County Farmers' Finest hosts the Kelseyville Certified Farmers' Market, rain or shine. Enjoy the freshest produce, artisan breads, honey, olive oils, crafts, and more. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – noon (May thru October) Steele Wines, 4350 Thomas Drive, Kelseyville, CA 95451 Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. - noon (June thru September) |
Leonardis Organics |
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1010 Argonaut Road, Lakeport, CA 95451 (707) 263-4245 Organic |
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Certified organic (CCOF) 40-acre farm. The property boasts a 100-year old dairy barn and 60-year old walnut trees, in addition to the vegetables, flowers, and other produce such as figs and pomegranates. Call for custom-picked produce year round. Directions: From Hwy. 29, turn south onto Highland Springs Road (towards Lampson Airport), then left onto Argonaut Road. First drive on the left; at the "T" turn left. |
Rancho De La Fuente2290 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport, CA 95453 |
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Restored 1896 Victorian farmhouse B&B (conference/meeting room); package deal offered for overnight and special events. Bird watching, nature walks, photography; tours of farm and garden available by appointment. 5,000 sq. ft. barn event center. Reasonable rates. Horses, dogs, and cats welcome. Directions: Hwy 29 to Soda Bay Road, 8/10 mile east of turnoff to Konocti Vista Casino. |
One First Street, Lakeport, CA 95453
(707) 262-5896
www.willowpointcampground.com
62 RV/tents sites located in downtown Lakeport. View pelicans, grebes, geese and ducks on the lake. | ||
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5020 Lakeshore Blvd., Lakeport, CA 95453
(707) 263-6311
North of Lakeport on the lake. 20 RV sites, no tent camping. Open all year. | ||
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1060 N. Main Street, Lakeport, CA 95453
(707) 263-4210
Located in Lakeport on the lake. 5 RV sites. Within walking distance to shops and restaurants in downtown Lakeport. Open all year. | ||
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401 Martin Street, Lakeport, CA 95453 (707) 263-6181 www.lakecountyfair.com |
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Welcome to Lake County's local event center! Whether your activity includes ten people or ten thousand, the Lake County Fairgrounds is the one venue that can accommodate it all. Indoors, outdoors, meeting rooms, exhibit halls, commercial kitchens, various barns, and a quarter mile asphalt speedway, with tables, chairs, and stages to produce an event of any size. Located only a few blocks from downtown Lakeport and the Library Park waterfront, the Lake County Fairgrounds is a great place to stay a few days and see all that Lake County has to offer. |
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Highway 175, Cobb, CA 95426 (707) 928-4378 www.boggsmountain.org |
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The Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest off Hwy. 175 in the Cobb Mountain area is a good example of Lake County's mountainous terrain. The birding is sometimes sparse here but is a great place to hike. Fee for camping, no reservations. 20 campsites. Entrance to the forest is 1.2 miles past the town of Cobb as you head north on Hwy. 175. There is no sign right at the entrance, but a few yards before the turn-off is a blue sign that reads "State Fire Station". Turn right just past this sign and head into the forest. Stop at the main office if you would like a map of all the hiking trails and campgrounds. | ||
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6035 Old Highway 53, Clearlake, CA 95433
(707) 994-6267
www.clearlakeresortrv.com
This family friendly campground situated next to Anderson Marsh State Park has plenty to offer. Spend your time hiking, kayaking either Clear Lake or Cache Creek and wildlife viewing. Located within easy access to towns on the southern end of the lake for shopping, restaurants, wine tasting and other services. | ||
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5300 Soda Bay Road
Kelseyville, CA 95451
(707) 279-4293
(800) 444-7275
www.parks.ca.gov
47 RV and camp sites and rustic cabins. Open all year. A check list of the birds of Clear Lake State Park is available at the entrance gate or the Park's Visitor Center. Well-marked hiking paths throughout the park also afford good birdwatching. Day use fee if not camping. | ||
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18424 Harbin Springs Road, Middletown, CA 95461 (800) 622-2477 (In California) (707) 987-2477 www.harbin.org |
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Rated one of the top ten most outstanding places to receive a massage in the U.S.A, Harbin Hot Springs offers Swedish, deep tissue, foot reflexology, cranio-sacral, chiropractic, Shiatsu, Watsu® — Harbin's own creation that combines Shiatsu with the element of water — as well as a variety of other spa treatments. Set amid 2,000+ private acres, Harbin Hot Springs is a non-profit retreat center where guests are invited to soak in the natural hot, warm, and cool spring pools, sun on the clothing-optional decks, hike through the hills, or guest events and workshops. Choose from camping, tent cabins, dorms, private rooms, or cottages. Day visits also available. | ||
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19234 Hidden Valley Road, Middletown, CA 95461
(707) 987-9079
www.hvla.com
70 RV and campsites. Full hookups.
Anderson Marsh Historic State Park8825 Hwy 53 |
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Teaming with wildlife. The 470 acres of meadow, oak and manzanita contain historic and prehistoric evidence of human habitation dating back about 10,000 years. As a new and undeveloped state park, Anderson Marsh is the perfect place to get away from the bustle and noise of the city. | |||
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Highway 175, Cobb, CA 95426 (707) 928-4378 www.boggsmountain.org |
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The Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest off Hwy. 175 in the Cobb Mountain area is a good example of Lake County's mountainous terrain. The birding is sometimes sparse here but is a great place to hike. Fee for camping, no reservations. 20 campsites. Entrance to the forest is 1.2 miles past the town of Cobb as you head north on Hwy. 175. There is no sign right at the entrance, but a few yards before the turn-off is a blue sign that reads "State Fire Station". Turn right just past this sign and head into the forest. Stop at the main office if you would like a map of all the hiking trails and campgrounds. | ||
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KonoctiTrails.com |
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Lake County, CA | |||
A team of volunteers are developing a series of water trails in Lake County, as well as participating in the formation of the Konocti Regional Trails Plan. Many links and downloadable pdf maps in draft form. www.konoctitrails.com |
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Middletown Trailside Nature Preserve County Park |
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21435 Dry Creek Cutoff Middletown, CA 95461 (707) 262-1618 www.co.lake.ca.us |
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The park is a 107-acre preserve and home to the EcoArts of Lake County annual Sculpture Walk, June - October. | |||
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Rodman Slough County Park |
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Nice/Lucerne Cutoff Lakeport, CA 95453 (707) 262-1618 www.co.lake.ca.us |
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40-acre park on the shore of Clear Lake at the mouth of Rodman Slough. | |||
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Wildflower Hikes |
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Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423 (707) 468-4000 www.ca.blm/ukiah |
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Free guided hikes to view wildflowers in Cache Creek Canyon. |
Ancient eruptions of the Clear Lake Volcanic Field resulted in a wealth of minerals in the hills of Lake County. Unique to the area are glistening “Lake County diamonds,” semi- precious stones capable of cutting glass with a hardness rating of 7.5 to 8; actual diamonds rate a 10. After faceting and polishing, the brilliance of Lake County diamonds is very close to that of actual diamonds. Other minerals include black, glass-like obsidian that was used by Pomo Indians for hunting instruments and tools and for trade with other tribes, as well as onyx, agate, quartz, travertine, and jasper. Note: Avoid collecting in areas marked as protected and always get permission if an area is privately owned.
Where to Find Minerals
• Bottle Rock Road, Kelseyville: LC diamonds, obsidian
• Old Hobergs Airport Area and Snows Lake: LC diamonds
• Cobb Mountain: LC diamonds
• Hwy 29 from Hwy 281 to Lower Lake: obsidian
• Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville: obsidian
• Middle Creek, Upper Lake: jasper
• St. Helena Creek, Middletown: agate, jasper
Lake County Rockhounds
Meet first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at Redbud Library.
14785 Burns Valley Road
Clearlake, CA 95422
(707) 995-1189
The following shops offer an array of rough and faceted Lake County Diamonds, rough and polished rocks, minerals and crystals, lapidary and other equipment. Most offer jewelry: custom, pewter, sterling-silver, stonebeaded. Some offer body jewelry, ear piercing, pewter, and metaphysical supplies, or oil paintings, or art classes. Call ahead for more information.
Ed & Linda's Place |
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14118 Lakeshore Drive Clearlake, CA 95422 (707) 994-2905 |
Magoon's North Custom Jewelry & Art Gallery |
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360 N. Main Street Lakeport, CA 95453 (707) 263-1140 |
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, weekends by appointment Pastel, oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings. Stone, clay, wood, bronze, and mixed-media sculptures. Custom-designed jewelry and pottery. |
Nature's Finest |
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2740 Reeves Lane Lakeport, CA 95453 (707) 263-8856 |
Lake County Diamonds - Legendary Beauty from Natures Timeless Source. One ancient legend says that the fiery gems are tears shed by Moon over the forbidden love of her handsome young chieftain. Another legend says that they are crystallized tears shed by chieftain Kah-Bel while he climbed the slopes of Mount Konocti to visit the graveside of his beloved daughter, Princess Lupiyoma. Science has its own explanation for these wonders of nature. Lake County has been the scene of incredible volcanic activity throughout its ancient past. Mount Konocti, the area's defining landmark, is a dormant volcano where past lava flows of magma and basalt were contained under enormous pressure with high temperatures. |
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