There is much to do in Lake County, California. We are conveniently located near the north end of Clear Lake, the oldest lake in North America.

Experience the lakes of Lake County

Guests may borrow our kayaks. Explore the local waters.

Rodman Slough, northwest corner of Clear Lake, California

Rodman Slough is nearby and a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Rodman Slough flows into Clear Lake from the northwest corner. We have gone kayaking, fishing, and hiking here.

  • Kayaking at Rodman Slough
  • Kayaking at Rodman Slough in tranquility
  • Kayaking in a secluded spot on Clear Lake
  • Kayaking to an end of Rodman Slough

Today we saw some grebes do their water dance (but sadly, no pictures).

Clear Lake

You are looking at the oldest lake in North America as well as the the largest natural lake that is entirely within California. It is a popular destination for fishing with many tournaments held throughout the year. It is also popular for watersports (Tim learned to waterski here). There are various spots that are popular for swimming.

The lake has undergone many changes throughout its history. A landslide changed its outlet from northwest end through the Russian River to the south east end through the Cache Creek. Additionally, the formation of Mount Konocti shifted the shoreline substantially.

Blue Lakes

  • Blue Lakes view of houses

Blue Lakes are small lakes that formed in the canyon that once connected Clear Lake with the Russian River. They are a popular spot for various water sports like swimming, fishing, and boating (but limited to 5 miles per hour due to the small size of the lakes). The south shores tend to keep shade for much of the day making a welcome refuge from the summer heat. We have driven around the lakes and done a little photography. The summer of 2021 we tested the waters for ourselves and had a great time both swimming in boating.

Lake Pillsbury

Scott Dam was used to form Lake Pillsbury near the north end of Lake County.

Wine Tasting in Lake County, California

Brassfield Estate Winery

We recently checked out the Brassfield Estate Winery. It is located in Clearlake Oaks in a tranquil valley to the northeast of Clear Lake.

  • Covered Walkway at Brassfield Winery
  • The fountain at Brassfield Winery

Lake County Wine Studio

Sadly, we have heard that this place has now closed. It had been a great place to sample wines from multiple wineries in one location. Hopefully this will re-open or someone will see the opportunity to open a similar enterprise.

Hiking in Lake County, California

Some feel that to truly experience an area you need to hike in its natural environment. This led Tim to hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains while on a business trip. This also led him to explore, by hiking, some of the natural areas in Lake County.

Mount Konocti

Clear Lake is like the centerpiece of Lake County and Mount Konocti is like the centerpiece of the lake. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Angel’s Trumpet Bed and Breakfast. There are some beautiful views of the lake and surrounding countryside. From the valley floor you can see a section of the upper west slope that looks different. This is the location of an old homesteader cabin with an orchard. Learn about the intrepid woman who made this her home.

  • Mount Konocti cabin and orchard
    Mary Downen’s homestead
  • Mary Downen homestead cabin
    The homestead cabin on Mount Konocti
  • Mount Konocti orchard and view of Kelseyville
    The orchard on Mount Konocti and view of Kelseyville
  • Mount Konocti trail
    The trail
  • Mount Konocti view of Kelseyville and Lakeport
    View of Kelseyville and Lakeport from Mount Konocti
  • Mount Konocti rest area panoramic
    One of the rest areas along the trail

Anderson Marsh

At the southeast corner of Clear Lake water flows out of the lake into Cache Creek. In this area is a wetland and the site of the historic Anderson Ranch. You can learn about the history of this site and explore several trails that cross the varied landscape.

  • Windmill at Anderson Marsh
    Windmills were used to pump water from the well.
  • Farmhouse at Anderson Marsh
    The farmhouse grew from the original construction in the 1860s to the 1920s.
  • Barns and yard in between at Anderson Marsh
    There are two barns on the property and a small yard in between. Here you can find one of many picnic tables at the site.
  • Anderson marsh barn and garage
    Here is one of the barns and garage from around 1930.
  • Wooden walkway at Anderson Marsh
    This wooden walkway goes over a marshy area.
  • Oxbow at Anderson Marsh
    This is one of several U-shaped waterways that come off the side of Cache Creek called oxbows.
  • Nature Trail at Anderson Marsh
    The Cache Creek Nature Trail is 1.1 miles long.
  • Cache Creek from trail at Anderson Marsh
    Along this stretch of Cache Creek there is the Anderson Marsh site on one bank and private residences on the other. This is also home to wildlife.

Rodman Slough

There are a couple of hiking areas at Rodman Slough. One is adjacent to the parking area at the mouth of the river. This trail allows you to walk near the shore and on the hill directly above it. The other trail is located in Rodman Preserve and is accessed near the intersection of Lakeshore Boulevard and the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff at the Rodman Preserve Nature Education Center. As of September 2021 it is currently only open on Saturday mornings. We first tried this one in autumn of 2021. If you want a more detailed description, follow this link to learn more about Rodman Preserve.

  • Trail through oak woodland
    Trail through oak woodland at Rodman Preserve

Other Trails

View of trail looking back at Clear Lake
There are also many trails in the mountains surrounding the lake. Check out what is in the area and explore. Immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of nature.