With school out for the summer many Lake County residents are planning their summer vacations. The poor economy and the high price of gas will curtail many plans for that long trip, however, the good news is that within a two-hour drive or less from Lake County there are some fabulous retreats where you can swim, fish, hike and camp without putting a dent in the pocketbook. In fact, you should be able to get by for less than $50 a day for the entire family.
One of my favorite camping and fishing areas is Lake Pillsbury. The lake is less than an hour”s drive from Clear Lake and is one of most beautiful lakes in Northern California. There are three campgrounds at the lake as well as a boat ramp. The lake offers trout, panfish and excellent bass fishing. An added attraction is the herd of tule elk that can be seen roaming the shoreline. A trip to Lake Pillsbury should also include a drive up to 7,200-foot Hull Mountain. The scenery from the summit is breathtaking. If you don”t want to camp there, pack a lunch and make it a day trip.
Another excellent choice is Indian Valley Reservoir, one of the best-kept secrets in Lake County. The number of local residents who have never been to the lake amazes me. Located just off Highway 20 on Walker Ridge Road, the crystal clear waters holds trout, bass and crappie. Lately the crappie fishing has been excellent. Trout as large as 3 pounds are regularly caught and the bass fishing is second to none. There is a campground and boat ramp at the dam.
Being six miles long and two miles wide, this lake is larger than most people think. What I like about the lake is its isolation. There are no buildings on its shoreline and it is a haven for wildlife. You can expect to see osprey, eagles, western grebes and many other birds. Even though the road going into the lake is gravel, it has been recently graded and is in good condition.
Another one of my favorite lakes is Letts Lake. Located in the Mendocino National Forest, this small lake of 35 acres sits at a 4,500-foot elevation and offers beauty, solitude and good fishing. Only small boats with no motors are allowed and there is good access for shore fishing, including wheelchair access. The lake holds trout and bass. There are two campgrounds at the lake but they are rarely filled. The road going into the lake is well-maintained and can handle travel trailers up to 19 feet in length. The easiest way to reach the lake is to take I-5 north to Maxwell and turn west to Stonyford. From Stonyford, take U.S. Forest Service Road 17N02 to the lake. The lake is approximately 15 miles west of Stonyford.
If you just want to camp and hike, spend a few days or a week at the isolated Bear Creek Campground in the Mendocino National Forest out of Upper Lake. The campground has a stream running through it and it”s only a short drive to the Summit Springs trailhead for the Snow Mountain Wilderness Area. Take the Bear Creek Road off the Elk Mountain Road out of Upper Lake.
Right in our own backyard is one of the finest state parks in California. The Clear Lake State Park offers miles of excellent hiking trails where you can see an abundance of wildlife. There is also a swimming beach and the fishing is outstanding. The day use fee is $8 per vehicle.
For those who like hike, a trip to the summit of Mount Konocti would be the trip of a lifetime. The hike is about three miles each way but it”s on a good road. The view from the top is spectacular. Information about the hike can be obtained from the county”s Visitor Center.
Upper Blue Lake is another gem in Lake County. The lake is located on Highway 20 just west of Upper Lake. Trout and bass draw most of the fishermen to this scenic lake. The lake is stocked with trout on a regular schedule. This is one lake where fishing from shore for trout can often be as productive as fishing from a boat. Both the Pine Acres Resort and the Narrows Resort offer fishing from their docks for a small fee. They also have boat and kayak rentals. This is the ideal lake to take a youngster fishing.
Of course, it goes without saying that the primary attraction of Lake County is Clear Lake. Where else can local residents drive for less than 30 minutes and enjoy some of the finest bass fishing in the nation? There are a number of public parks where you can have a picnic and fish from shore and there”s no charge. Tourists pay hundreds of dollars to visit Lake County and we have it all for free.
