Hiking Near Clear Lake Campground

What Are Some Hiking Ideas for Lake County?
Hiking or walking is a favorite activity of campers at Clear Lake Campground. Lake County has hiking trails to satisfy everyone, ranging from easy to strenuous.  We recommend that you always carry water, use sunscreen, and wear a hat. During summer, it's best to hike in the morning. Be sure to check regulations too as each place has their own set of rules for hikers to follow. Here are 5 Great Places to Hike in Lake County:

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
Right across the creek from Clear Lake Campground, the entrance to Anderson Marsh is just a 2 minute drive. At the park you'll find a parking area (fee), a large picnic area, the historic ranch house (closed except for special events) and a network of hiking trails shown on the map posted at the parking area. An easy nature trail (shown in the photo below) leads to the creek where there's a bridge and a platform for bird watching or just enjoying the scenery. McVicar, the longest trail, is a 3.5 mile walk along the western boundary of the marsh leading to Clear Lake. The park includes several habitats including oak woodlands, freshwater marsh, riparian, and grasslands. In addition to birds, you may see deer or even rattlesnakes, so take care especially when it's sunny and hot. Dogs, horses, and bicycles are not permitted.
Address: 8400 Hwy 53, Lower Lake
See Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association for more information

Clear Lake State Park
Clear Lake State Park, on the lake shore, has several hiking trails ranging from an easy 1/2 mile self-guided nature trail to moderately strenuous trails in the hills. In the park are picnic areas, boat launch, fishing areas, and a beach from where you can swim. You may see a variety of birds and water fowl as well as turtles, squirrels, muskrats, and minks. There's a fee for day use.  Dogs are allowed on a leash but not on the beach.
Address: 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, 20 miles from Camp
Web site: Clear Lake State Park

Six Sigma Ranch and Winery
Six Sigma has 7 free hiking and biking trails ranging from an easy 2 mile hike to a very hard 3.1 mile trail with steep hills. Visitors should sign in at the tasting room and sign a liability form before starting. Also available are picnic tables and the winery shop where you can buy wine and picnic items such as local cheeses and crackers.
Address: 13372 Spruce Grove Road, Lower Lake, about a 20 minute drive from Camp
More information on the Six Sigma web site

Highlands Springs Recreation Area:
Highlands Springs, at an elevation of 1483 feet, is about half an hour from camp. Visitors can use hiking and biking trails and there are picnic areas with BBQs, a large grassy area, horseshoe pits, a beach area with swimming, fishing spots, and water access for non-motorized boats. It's a great choice for families and favorite place for kayaking and swimming in summer. Most of the hiking trails are fairly hilly and rugged, providing good views. Bring water as there's no potable water available.
Address: 3600 E. Highland Springs Rd., Lakeport, off Hwy 29 (left turn coming from Camp)
More information: Highland Springs

Mt Konocti County Park
For a strenuous hike, head to Mt Konocti County Park in Kelseyville. From the upper parking lot, the steep Wright Peak Summit Trail heads to the top of the dormant volcano for fantastic views. It's a little over 6 miles round trip with a 1600 foot elevation gain. The park is open for hiking only and smoking is not permitted due to fire danger.
Address: 5413-5553 Konocti Rd, Kelseyville, about 20 miles from Camp
Wright Peak Summit Trail Map and Description
Directions and information: Mt Konocti County Park

Bird Watching
Lake County is a bird watchers paradise. You are likely to see birds at any of these hiking spots. These are the most common birds to look for around Clear Lake.

Book Your Camp Site at Clear Lake Campground

Rent a Canoe or Kayak

Anderson Marsh photo credit: Anderson Marsh Interpretive Society, used by permission

Explore More Activities at Clear Lake Campground:

• Fishing on Cache Creek and Clear Lake
• Bird Watching from a Kayak
  
• Historical Places to Visit
  
• Beaches and Places to Swim
  

Author:
Martha Bakerjian is a travel writer who divides her time between Clearlake and northern Tuscany.
She writes about Italy on her site, Martha's Italy.