01
Best overall pick
Mount Konocti County Park
Across Clear Lake Near Kelseyville • Volcanic Peak Day Hike • Iconic County High Point
A steady climb to the top of Lake County’s signature peak with sweeping views back toward Lucerne and beyond.
Most hikers tackle the Wright Summit Trail, a well-signed route that winds through oak and manzanita up to wide-open ridgetops. On a clear day, you can see nearly the full sweep of Clear Lake, including the Lucerne shoreline you started from. Go early on hot days—there are stretches with full sun and the views are best before the afternoon haze builds.
02
Best for relaxed lake views
Clear Lake State Park
Southwest Of Lucerne Near Kelseyville • Lakeside State Park Trail Network • Best For Families And Casual Walkers
Easy-to-moderate loops mix shoreline, creekside, and low-hill walking with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the water.
The Dorn Nature Trail is a good starter option, climbing gently through chaparral and oak to viewpoints over the lake before dropping back toward the coves. Shorter paths around the campground and along Kelsey Creek work well for kids, strollers, or stretching your legs after a drive. Pack a picnic—between the beaches and shaded tables, it’s an easy place to turn a short hike into a full outing.
03
Best close-to-town workout
Highland Springs Recreation Area
Between Kelseyville And Lakeport • Oak Woodland Multi-Use Trail Network • Go-To Spot For Loops And Hill Repeats
A web of dirt roads and singletrack wraps around a small reservoir, letting you dial in anything from a mellow stroll to a solid hill workout.
Trails here roll through classic foothill scenery—scattered oaks, seasonal creeks, and open slopes with long views when the air is clear. Because the routes interconnect, you can improvise a loop to match your time and energy instead of committing to one long out-and-back. It’s also a popular area with mountain bikers and equestrians, so be ready to share the path and listen for other users around blind corners.
04
Best for cool, shaded miles
Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest
Cobb Mountain Area South Of Clear Lake • Conifer Forest Hiking And Biking Network • Cooler Summer Escape
Higher-elevation forest roads and singletrack offer long, mostly shaded walks with a very different feel from the lake’s open hills.
Boggs is crisscrossed by numbered roads and signed trails, so it’s easy to build a loop that avoids the steeper grades if you prefer a gentler day. Expect tall pines, firs, and patches of madrone instead of chaparral, with filtered views off the ridges. Snow is rare but possible in winter; in summer, the extra elevation and tree cover make it one of the more comfortable places to hike when the lowlands are baking.
05
Best for a wilder adventure
Redbud Trail, Cache Creek Wilderness
Along Highway 20 East Of Clearlake Oaks • River Canyon Wilderness Trek • Best For Experienced Day Hikers
A rugged, more remote-feeling route that drops into the Cache Creek canyon with big views, seasonal wildflowers, and a real sense of space.
From the trailhead off Highway 20, the path climbs to open ridges before descending toward Cache Creek, with far-reaching views over oak-dotted hills. In spring, the grasses green up and wildflowers can be excellent; in summer, heat and exposure make an early start and plenty of water essential. It’s less manicured than park trails near the lake, so expect uneven footing, a few steep pitches, and a quieter, more backcountry vibe.