Clear Lake

Locations

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Clear Lake: Description

Clear Lake's spectacular 43,785 acres earn it the superlative of largest freshwater lake and the largest natural lake located within the state of California. In addition, this natural reservoir is thought to be one of the oldest lakes in North America, at least 480,000 years old and populated by several underwater volcanoes. Clear Lake's large surface acreage, 127 miles of shoreline, and diverse natural beauty have made it a very popular California vacation spot. Clear Lake should not be confused with Clear Lake Reservoir, located near the Oregon border in Modoc County, California.

Waters of Clear Lake flow into Cache Creek, whose narrow channel has limited discharge capacity during periods of heavy rain. Clear Lake Dam, which became operational in 1914, regulates the level of the lake to control downstream flooding.

Water lovers will be in seventh heaven at the Clear Lake. Swimming, sailing, waterskiing, jet skiing, boating, fishing, and virtually anything you can dream of are popular here. Rent a boat or bring your own and take advantage of the 11 free boat launches around the lake. From your waterfront location, you'll see the best of the lake and explore all the coves, shoreline, and hidden spots you can find.

Anglers flock to the lake, hoping to make good on its nickname, "Bass Capital of the West." In addition to the bluegill, catfish, crappie, and rainbow trout that make their home in the lake's blue depths, the California Department of Fish and Game keeps the Clear Lake largemouth bass population bountiful by farming and planting them into the lake. When you're here, you won't want to miss a day out on the water, waiting for the best bass catch of your life. As always, make sure to get a California fishing license before you get here, as you can't fish without it.

Clear Lake State Park is the perfect appetizer course to your vacation, offering samples of the best that the lake has to offer. Begin your day with a trip to the visitor's center to learn a bit about the park and lake. Next, take a hike to get acquainted with the park, walking along the several miles of hiking trails that the park keeps well groomed. Follow your hike with a cool dip in the lake, relaxing on the park's beach in between swims. And when you've tuckered yourself out, enjoy a picnic under the cottonwoods and oaks, drinking in the gentle lap of the water and the singsong chirps of birds in the trees.

You may notice the sight and smell of algae when visiting Clear Lake, particularly during spring and late summer. An increase in the chemical nutrients in the ecosystem, known as eutrophication, produces blooms of blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria). Many authorities believe that cyanobacteria are a natural part of the ecosystem and the lake's food chain. Although swimming in algae blooms may not be pleasant, ongoing water quality monitoring demonstrates that Clear Lake is safe for swimming and fishing.

Bird watchers will be delighted by the sheer variety of birds that make Clear Lake and Laky County their home, so keep your eyes and ears open. Set some time aside to rent a kayak, take your binoculars along, and head out into the clear, still waters of Clear Lake's coves to catch a glimpse of Belted Kingfishers, Black-crowned Night Herons, Clark's Grebes, Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, Killdeer, Osprey, and Western Grebes. Back on land, search the skies and trees for Acorn Woodpeckers, Brown Towhees, California Quails, California Thrashers, Common Flickers, Oak Titmice, Red-tailed Hawks, Scrub Jays, and White-breasted Nuthatches.

After a great day out on and around the water, there is no way more perfect to end your evening than with dinner on the Clear Lake Queen, a three story riverboat. Elegant dining combined with stunning sunsets will help you wind down your day and appreciate the beauty of the lake at nighttime, with only the moon as its illumination.

Located in the heart of Lake County, just two hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, this northern California region is becoming increasingly popular as a wine tasting destination. More than fifteen wineries dot the rolling countryside, flanked by green Mt. Konocti and offering delicious opportunities to sip wine, indulge in fine dining, tour vineyards, and learn about the process of making the wine that you will enjoy throughout your vacation.

Clear Lake offers a plethora of activities for lake lovers and landlubbers alike, promising to give everyone the vacation they've been hoping for. Gorgeous sunsets, water-filled days, and peaceful nights await you, so get your bags packed and head out to Clear Lake.