Clear Lake State Park Day Trip Kelseyville, CA

In the mountains of Northern California, Clear Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the state. Believed to be one of the oldest freshwater lakes in North America, it dates back at least 480,000 years. The lake’s remarkable longevity is due to a unique geological formation beneath it, which tilts at just the right angle to counterbalance any water loss from runoff and other sources.

Visiting Clear Lake State Park, California

Clear Lake State Park, with over 500 acres set apart for users to enjoy the natural setting, fishing, hiking, or boating. For the naturalist, Clear Lake State Park provides several different ecosystems for observation – the water and marsh areas close to the rivers and streams, a mid-level woodlands ecosystem, and the ancient volcanic flow ecosystem at the top elevations of the park.

Clear Lake SP Campgrounds

Clear Lake State Park offers a variety of camping options across four campgrounds: Cole Creek, Kelsey Creek, Lower Bayview, and Upper Bayview. Kelsey Creek Campground is the only campground with lakeside sites. Lower Bayview Campground features sites with a view of the lake. All campgrounds have fire rings, tables, food storage boxes, nearby restrooms, pay showers, and flush toilets. Clear Lake SP reservations.

Climb Mount Konocti

One of the most exciting features around Clear Lake is Mount Konocti, part of the Clear Lake Volcanic Field. It last erupted over 10,000 years ago, but the U.S. Geological Survey has assessed its risk of exploding again at some point in the future as having high threat potential. The summit of Mount Konocti can be reached with a rigorous 6 ½ mile hiking trail, which rewards you with a spectacular view of the lake below and the surrounding mountains.

Where Wildlife and Water Meet

If you are quiet and careful as you trek through the various systems, you can see animals such as black-tail deer, squirrels, skunks, the ever-playful river otters, and muskrats. Occasionally, even mountain lions have been spotted in the woods.

Thrilling Hikes and Jaw-Dropping Views

Clear Lake State Park has three different hiking trails – the Indian Nature Trail, a ½ mile self-guided tour explaining how Native Americans used the plants around them in everyday life; the Dorn Trail, a 2.5-mile trail; and the Kelsey Creek Trail, a boardwalk trail along the wetlands of the park.

Reel in the Fun: Clear Lake’s Legendary Fishing

Whether you go to the State Park or put in at one of the 11 free boat launches surrounding Clear Lake, the fishing in Clear Lake is legendary. Professional fishermen have labeled Clear Lake as the top-rated bass lake in the nation. The biggest largemouth bass captured to date weighed 17 ½ pounds! Other fish in the lake include bluegill and crappie.

Boating Opportunities for Visitors

Clear Lake also provides ample water. Motorboats for waterskiing and pontoon boats for enjoying the lake are available for rent at several locations surrounding the park. Personal watercraft, such as jet skis, canoes, and kayaks, are available for rental. The state park will also have guided kayak tours depending on the time of year.

Nearby Wineries

For those interested in activities that do not involve much of the great outdoors, the Clear Lake area also boasts about 30 wineries. Many of these vineyards offer tasting rooms, and some even provide tours of their facilities.

Featherbed Railroad B&B Cozy Cabooses

If camping is not your thing, you may want to check out  Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast Resort. Guests can stay in nine themed railroad cabooses.  This unique B&B is adjacent to the lake and has its private boat launch, beach, and pier. The breakfast here is fantastic. They use locally sourced ingredients, and they even make their sausage. Address: 2870 Lakeshore Blvd, Upper Lake, California. Website.

Nearby Dining Options

Playing or relaxing on or around a lake usually makes people hungry. Each of the communities surrounding Clear Lake, including Clear Lake, Hidden Valley Lake, Kelseyville, and Upper Lake, has a variety of restaurants. Irish, Mexican, Italian, American, and Thai food are all represented in the area at prices that range from inexpensive to gourmet.

Where is Clear Lake, California

Clear Lake is located in Lake County, Northern California, approximately 2.5 hours northeast of Sacramento and 3 hours northeast of San Francisco. Mountains surround it, and it is the largest freshwater lake in California.

Northern California Day Trip Ideas