01
Best overall climb
Mount Konocti – Wright Peak Trail
South Shore Above Kelseyville • Steep Volcanic Summit Trail • Iconic Lake Panorama Hike
A sustained climb to the top of Clear Lake’s signature volcano with sweeping views in every direction.
Starting from Mount Konocti County Park, this out-and-back route climbs steadily through oak and chaparral to the broad summit of Wright Peak. Expect a workout, but also long views over Clear Lake, the Mayacamas, and on clear days the distant Coast Range. Go early on hot days and bring plenty of water—shade is patchy and the upper slopes can feel exposed.
02
Best lakeside loop
Dorn Nature Trail, Clear Lake State Park
Southwest Shore Near Kelseyville • Lakeside Oak Woodland Loop • Best Relaxed Half-Day Outing
A gently rolling loop that mixes shoreline views, oak forest, and a real sense of Clear Lake’s natural history.
The Dorn Nature Trail makes a satisfying circuit from the campground area, wandering through shady oak woodland before popping out to viewpoints over the water. It is long enough to feel like a real hike yet mellow enough for casual walkers, with benches and interpretive signs that slow the pace in a good way. Pair it with a picnic or short swim at the beach to round out an easy half-day from Nice.
03
Best creek canyon ramble
Glen Eden Trail
Foothills North Of Upper Lake • Shady Creek And Oak Canyon • Coolest Option On Hot Days
A quiet path that follows a small creek up a wooded canyon, offering shade and a tucked-away feel not far from town.
Reached via the backroads above Upper Lake, the Glen Eden Trail slips quickly into a cool little canyon lined with oaks, bays, and seasonal wildflowers. The grade is moderate, with a few short climbs but plenty of level sections where you can slow down and listen to the water. It is a good choice on warm afternoons when you want trees overhead instead of exposed ridges.
04
Best birding walk
Rodman Slough Preserve Trails
Nice–Lucerne Cutoff Wetlands • Wetland And Levee Paths • Top Pick For Wildlife Spotting
Easy paths and levee tops wind through wetlands where pelicans, herons, and migratory waterfowl are regular sights.
Just a short drive west of Nice, Rodman Slough feels like a different side of Clear Lake, with quiet backwaters and wide-open sky. Short trails and informal paths follow levees and shoreline edges, making it simple to tailor the distance to your energy or the weather. Bring binoculars if you have them—this area is known locally for its birdlife, especially in the cooler months.
05
Best full-day trail system
Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest
High Forest Near Cobb • Pine Forest Singletrack Network • Best For Mileage And Variety
A web of signed routes and old roads in the high country offers everything from short loops to big half-day circuits.
Set on a broad, forested plateau south of Clear Lake, Boggs Mountain is where many locals go when they want cooler air, soft dirt, and space to wander. Several trailheads loop together well-marked routes through pine and fir, with options ranging from quick leg-stretchers to multi-hour tours. It is an ideal spot if you like to improvise a route, repeat a favorite loop, or mix hiking with a bit of trail running.