Clear Lake State Park Day Trip Kelseyville, CA

Tucked between the mountains of Northern California, you will find the watery oasis of Clear Lake, the largest freshwater lake wholly contained in California.

Clear Lake is believed to be one of the oldest freshwater lakes in North America, dating back at least 480,000 years. A unique geological formation underneath the lake which tilts at precisely the right angle to offset any water loss from runoff and other causes is the reason for this longevity.

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/Very High Threat Potential.

Since 2011, the summit of Mount Konocti has been part of a county state park, making hiking to the top of Mount Konocti available to the public for the first time. A rigorous 6 ½ mile hiking trail rewards you with a spectacular view of the lake below and the surrounding mountains.

Clear Lake State Park

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.

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.

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 Trial, a 2.5-mile trail; and the Kelsey Creek Trail, a boardwalk trail along the wetlands of the park.

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. Clear Lake SP reservations.

Visitors less interested in sylvan beauty and fishing, Clear Lake also provides ample opportunities for water play. 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 also can be rented. While the state park does not rent motorized vehicles, it does have canoes and kayaks available for rental. In addition, depending on the time of year, the state park also will have guided kayak tours.

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

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, CA 95485. website.

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.

Clear Lake is about 2.5 hours from Sacramento and 3 hours from San Francisco.

Northern California Day Trip Ideas

Whitewater Preserve Palm Springs

California High Sierra Fishing Spots