01
Iconic summit climb
Mount Konocti – Wright Peak Summit Trail
South Of Kelseyville Above Clear Lake • Steep Volcanic Summit Hike With Big Views • Must-Do Local Classic
A sustained climb to the top of Mount Konocti with sweeping views over Clear Lake and the Coast Range.
Starting from the county park trailhead, this route winds steadily uphill through oak woodland and old homestead sites before breaking out onto open slopes. The grade is consistent but never technical, making it approachable for fit beginners and satisfying for seasoned hikers. On a clear day, expect panoramic views that easily justify planning your visit around the weather.
02
Most versatile network
Highland Springs Recreation Area
Between Kelseyville And Lakeport • Lakeside Oak Woodland And Meadow Loops • Best Mix Of Options In One Spot
A tangle of interconnecting trails and ranch roads around a small reservoir, ideal for customizing anything from a quick stroll to a half-day loop.
Highland Springs is where locals go when they want choices—gentle shoreline paths, rolling singletrack, and hillier routes all start from the same general area. Spring brings wildflowers and green hillsides, while summer mornings offer cooler temperatures before the day heats up. Bring a map or track your route; with so many junctions, it is easy to turn a short outing into a longer exploration.
03
Coolest summer retreat
Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest
Near Cobb, South Of Kelseyville • Shaded Conifer Forest Singletrack And Roads • Best Escape On Hot Days
A web of mostly shaded trails and forest roads that stay noticeably cooler than the valley and offer a mix of mellow and moderate routes.
Set on a broad, forested ridge, Boggs feels worlds away from the lakefront, with tall pines and filtered light defining most of the hiking. The signed trail network lets you link together loops that suit your time and fitness, from shorter circuits to longer rambles that use old logging roads. It is a solid choice when lower elevation trails are baking in the sun or when you want a quieter, more meditative walk in the woods.
04
Best family-friendly mix
Clear Lake State Park – Dorn Nature Trail and Ridges
North Of Kelseyville On Clear Lake • State Park Shoreline And Low Ridge Trails • Great For Families And Casual Hikers
Easy-to-moderate lakeside and hillside paths with interpretive signs, picnic spots, and plenty of places to stop and enjoy the water.
The Dorn Nature Trail offers a short but engaging loop through oak woodland above the lake, with informational signs that make it a good choice for kids or visitors new to the area. More energetic hikers can tack on nearby ridge and backcountry-style paths for extra mileage and slightly steeper climbs. With campgrounds, swim access, and day-use areas close by, it is simple to turn a hike here into a full day at the lake.
05
Most rugged adventure
Cache Creek Ridge via Judge Davis Trailhead
East Of Kelseyville In The Cache Creek Area • Remote Ridge And Canyon Hiking • Best For Experienced Hikers Seeking Solitude
A longer, more rugged outing that climbs from creek bottom to open ridges with expansive views and a wilder feel than closer-in options.
From the Judge Davis trailhead, the route works up through chaparral and scattered oaks before gaining a high ridge with broad views across the Cache Creek country. The terrain is exposed and can be hot, and the tread can feel rough in spots, so it rewards hikers who are comfortable with backcountry conditions. In return, you get a sense of real escape and a landscape that feels far more remote than the drive time from Kelseyville would suggest.