01
Best overall pick
Clear Lake State Park
South Shore Of Clear Lake, Near Kelseyville • Lakeside State Park With Oak Woodland Trails • Best For Classic Clear Lake Scenery
A go-to spot for shaded shoreline hikes, swimming coves, and easy lake views just south of Lakeport.
Most North Lakeport locals start their hiking season here, working the Kelsey Creek and Dorn Nature Trail loops for quick escapes or family walks. Expect well-signed paths, a mix of canyon, creekside, and lake-edge terrain, and the option to add a picnic or paddle after your hike. Parking fills on summer weekends, so aim for an early start if you want quieter trails.
02
Best summit challenge
Mount Konocti County Park
Hills East Of Kelseyville • Steep Volcanic Summit Hike • Best Challenging Climb With Big Views
The Wright Peak route up Mount Konocti delivers the toughest climb on this list and the most expansive panoramas of Clear Lake.
From the lower parking area, the main Wright Peak trail switchbacks steadily through chaparral and mixed forest before breaking out to wide-open ridge views. It is a longer, mostly exposed hike, so locals watch the forecast, pack extra water, and save it for cooler mornings or shoulder seasons. On a clear day you can spot Mount St. Helena, Snow Mountain, and almost the entire shoreline of Clear Lake.
03
Best choose-your-own-distance outing
Highland Springs Recreation Area
Hills Between Lakeport And Kelseyville • Reservoir-Side Trail And Ranch Road Network • Best Flexible Route Options
Highland Springs pairs a scenic reservoir with a web of ranch roads and singletrack, making it easy to tailor the day to your group.
The popular Lake Trail loop rolls around the water with gentle ups and downs, while side routes branch into oak-studded hills if you want more distance or elevation. Surfaces range from smooth dirt to rockier, rutted sections, so good footwear helps, especially in winter mud. It is also a favorite for dogs, trail runners, and mountain bikers, so be ready to share the path.
04
Best easy nature walk
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
South End Of Clear Lake Near Lower Lake • Wetland And Oak Savanna State Park • Best For Birding And Mellow Walks
Flat trails and boardwalk sections through tules and open meadows make Anderson Marsh ideal when you want nature without a big climb.
Short, interconnected paths wind past historic ranch buildings, through blue oak woodlands, and out along marsh edges rich with herons, egrets, and migratory waterfowl. The ground can be damp in winter and early spring, but that is also when the birdlife and green hills are at their best. Many North Lakeport hikers pair an early walk here with breakfast or errands in nearby Clearlake or Lower Lake.
05
Best quiet local trail
Glen Eden Trail
Foothills West Of Lakeport Off Scotts Valley Road • Forest Singletrack In Low Coastal Range Foothills • Best For Close-To-Town Solitude
A lesser-known singletrack that climbs from the edge of Scotts Valley into shady forested slopes with glimpses back toward Clear Lake.
The Glen Eden Trail feels more remote than its short drive from North Lakeport would suggest, with narrow tread, seasonal creek crossings, and stretches of mixed conifer and hardwood forest. Grades are moderate but sustained, so it is a good middle ground between an easy lakeside stroll and the full push up Mount Konocti. Carry a map or downloaded route, since signage is lighter than in the state parks.