Ways to Spend a Summer Day (and Night) in Lake County

Home to California's largest lake, two mountain ranges, hills, forests, and spectacular vistas, Lake County comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors. The rugged, nearly untouched landscape, crystal blue skies, and crisp fresh air make one want to mutter, “Toto, I don’t think we’re in California anymore.” Its vineyards are planted in porous soils containing volcanic glass. Cabernet Sauvignon thrives on these slopes, and Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc flourish in the soils, too. Temperatures shift dramatically from day to night, which explains the intensity of the fruit. Big wines grow in Lake County—wines you simply must try.

Vineyards are anything but new to Lake County, but wineries with tasting rooms are. You’ll find them in to the north, east, south, and west—around the 60-mile circumference of Clear Lake. Choose a few you want to visit and chart your day, with one or two of these things to do in between.

Bird-watching
One of the fastest growing recreational activities in Lake County is bird-watching. In fact, it is ranked first in the state and eighth in the nation for the highest number of bird species counted. What that means to the summer visitor is, if you grab a set of binoculars (A7 X 35 magnification is recommended) and head out early in the morning, you’re likely to see something worthwhile. Nearly 300 different kinds of birds live in Lake County including great blue herons, great egrets, Clark’s and Western grebes, red-tailed hawks, double-crested cormorants, and bald eagles. Clear Lake’s Anderson Marsh is one great spot to find some.  You can hike along a marked trail or rent a boat to see even more. The Highlands Springs Reservoir between Lakeport and Kelseyville is a man-made lake, but the waterfowl don’t mind, and neither should you. Besides binoculars, bring a bottle of wine from a nearby winery and set a spell.

Fishing
Each year more than 25 fishing tournaments take place on Clear Lake. Often called the “Bass Capital of the West,” Clear Lake keeps its promise and then some. Beyond largemouth bass, anglers can pursue channel catfish, white catfish, brown bullheads, white crappie, black crappie, and bluegill to name a few. A California fishing license is required for those over 16 years of age, but it’s not hard to come by. Just stop in a local bait and tackle shop or the Kmart in Lakeport and ask about it. Not interested in dealing with the equipment? There are several fishing guides in the area—some who have fished Clear Lake their entire lives who’ll provide everything you need, but the fish. And they’ll help you find those, too.

Boating
Name any boat that floats and it’s probably afloat in Clear Lake. There are 11 public boat launch ramps along its shore. Several places around the lake rent whatever you desire from paddle and row boats to sailboats, jet skis, waverunners, pontoons, and water-ski boats and equipment. There are even two parasail operations—one near Library Park in Lakeport, and the other at Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa near Kelseyville. Landlubbers can enjoy boating, too, since Clear Lake is home to the NorCal Boat & Ski races in the summer and a seaplane fly-in in late September.

Hiking
The hiking trails of Lake County offer mountain peaks, waterfalls, babbling streams, and quiet marshes, for all levels of trekkers. Whether you choose a gentle trail in Clear Lake State Park or a challenging climb on Mount Konocti, be sure to breathe deep.  Lake County maintains its reputation for having the best and clearest air in the state of California. This means it has the lowest level of certain pollutants in the air including lead, ozone, and carbon monoxide. So pack up those binoculars, a camera, and a picnic lunch with a bottle of Lake County wine and hit the trails.

Applauding
On a summer day, the sun lingers longer, finally kissing the vineyards goodnight as late as 8 p.m. You may be tempted to shut down, too, after a fun day of wine tasting and enjoying the refreshing outdoors. Okay, grab a blanket, but don’t say goodnight. Instead, head for the outdoor Konocti Field Amphitheatre for a headline musical act. Or, if you’re visiting on a Friday, there’s a summer concert series at Library Park. There’s no charge and you can listen to jazz, blues, country, or pop while gazing up at the stars.

No matter how you decide to spend a summer day in Lake County, you won’t be disappointed. The abundant nature, the simple, more relaxed pace will sink in, making you glad you made the trip. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself checking your mental calendar to see if you really do need to leave so soon. Because tomorrow’s another summer day—and there are so many wonderful ways to spend it in beautiful Lake County.

CLICK HERE to read more about wineries in this region!

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