Lake County, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Lake County, California offer a fantastic mix of scenic beauty and outdoor adventures. One of the top must-visit trails is the Clear Lake State Park Hiking Trail. This trail offers stunning views of Clear Lake and Mount Konocti. It's a moderate difficulty trail, making it perfect for casual hikers. Another popular trail is the Wright Peak Summit Trail, which leads to the top of the highest point in Lake County. Along the way, you'll see unique rock formations and a variety of local flora. If you're looking for water activities, Clear Lake is ideal for kayaking and fishing. For a unique attraction, visit the historic Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum. Whether you're hiking, kayaking, or exploring local history, Lake County has a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Top Spots in and near Lake County

  • Monte Rio, California

    Monte Rio Redwoods Loop

    5.0
    4.1 mi / 1375 ft gain
    Monte Rio Redwoods Loop is a hike located off of Bodega Highway in Monte Rio, California. 
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  • Napa, California

    Alston Park Loop Trail

    5.0
    2.76 mi / 184 ft gain
    Alston Park Loop Trail, located in Napa, California, is a 2.76-mile loop trail that offers a moderate level of difficulty for hikers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is accessible year-round. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it suitable for ...
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  • Sonoma, California

    Grape Stomp and You-Walk Miwok Loop

    5.0
    2.17 mi / 463 ft gain
    Explore the beauty of Sonoma, California, on the Grape Stomp and You-Walk Miwok Loop, a breathtaking hiking trail offering a mix of rolling vineyards, oak woodlands, and stunning valley views. This moderate loop is perfect for nature lovers, trail runners, and photographers seeking an immersive o...
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  • Lakeport, California

    Camp at Red Mountain Campground

    Red Mountain has 10 units, toilets, barbecue grates, and picnic tables. There is no potable water at this time.To get there, from Ukiah, exit U.S. 101 South at Talmage Road, then 1.5 miles east to Eastside Road. Turn right and proceed 0.3 mile to Mill Creek Road. Follow Mill Creek Road 5 miles to...
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  • Monte Rio, California

    Islands in the Sky Vista Loop

    4.0
    3.83 mi / 883 ft gain
    The Islands in the Sky Vista Loop in Monte Rio, California, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 3.83 miles, the loop offers a variety of terrain, including forested areas, open meadows, and rocky outcrops. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it suitable fo...
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  • Occidental, California

    LandPaths Grove of Old Trees

    5.0
    0.7 mi / 92 ft gain
    The Grove of Old trees is a privately-owned preserve in Western Sonoma County that is open to the public year round. It is not large, only about 33 acres, but it makes a wonderful spot to go on a walk and to soak in the beauty of the redwoods. To get there from downtown Occidental, drive West up...
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  • Sonoma, California

    Sonoma Valley Wine Tour Bike Ride

    This 12 mile bike path starts at a rental shop in Sonoma Country called Sonoma Valley Bike Tours and Rentals. Follow the trail through the quaint residential area and into the back country vineyards and dirt trails. This ride can be anything between a hardcore 2 hour cycling workout with a few in...
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  • Occidental, California

    Watershed View Trail

    4.0
    1.54 mi / 174 ft gain
    The Watershed View Trail is located off of Coleman Valley Road and shares a trailhead with the Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop. This trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back, which makes for a great trail to get the family out on to get some energy out. Be prepared for a muddy trail if there has been rec...
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  • Occidental, California

    Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop

    5.0
    5.36 mi / 853 ft gain
    Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop is an almost 6-mile loop off of Coleman Valley Road in Occidental, California. This trail can get pretty muddy during the rainy season, but as an added bonus, it makes the waterfall along the Creekside Trail that much better.  Dogs are not permitted on this trail. 
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  • Napa, California

    Westwood Hills Park Loop

    3.8
    2.12 mi / 476 ft gain
    This park can get a little crowded on weekends, so best to go early if possible. In terms of parking, there's a lot at the trailhead, but also plenty of available street parking.  The loop can be broken up in a various ways as there are several offshoots from the main trailhead/trail leaving fro...
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  • Napa, California

    Kayak the Napa River

    4.0
    The Napa River is one of the largest California Central Coast Range rivers, draining approximately 426 sq. miles on its 50 mile journey beginning just south of the summit of Mt. St. Helena to the San Pablo Bay, passing through many of the landmark towns of Napa Valley including an incredible 6 mi...
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  • Jenner, California

    Bouldering at Sunset Boulders

    5.0
    0.6 mi
    You can see the boulders off the left side of the road. Couple of different pullouts you can park at to start your approach. It’s about half a mile from the road all downhill. It’s easy going when you’re on your way, but kind of a pain after you’re whooped from climbing.  Bouldering, high balls, ...
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  • Jenner, California

    Red Hill and Pomo Canyon Loop

    4.9
    3.91 mi / 937.66 ft gain
    Park in the Shell Beach parking lot, north of Bodega Bay proper but just south of Goat Rock State Beach on Highway 1. Cross the road to pick up the Dr. David C. Joseph Memorial Trail heading up away from the ocean. Follow the trail, staying right toward Red Hill. (The trail forks off down Pomo Ca...
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  • Jenner, California

    Bouldering at Lamb's Rock, Sunset Boulders

    5.0
    Lamb Boulder, located within the "Sunset Boulders" collection, contains four fun and challenging V2 - V6 bouldering routes. They are: Calambity: V6Rock Scar: V3+Skullcracker: V2 RThe Specialist: V4 Lamb Boulder is located directly across from the Sunset Boulder itself and its trad routes. To get ...
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  • Jenner, California

    Shell Beach

    0.18 mi / 62 ft gain
    Shell Beach is a hidden gem along the rugged Sonoma Coast in Northern California, offering visitors a breathtaking coastal experience just minutes from the charming town of Jenner. Nestled within the Sonoma Coast State Park, this secluded beach features dramatic rocky shorelines, tide pools teemi...
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  • Sonoma County, California

    Kortum Trail

    5.0
    9.27 mi / 968 ft gain
    The Kortum Trail in the Sonoma Coast State Park connects Goat Rock with Wrights Beach, winding along the top of the sea cliffs and affording incredible views of the California Coast and its numerous sea rocks and arches.  To get there take the Pacific Coast Highway / Highway 1 to either Wright's...
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