Clear Lake

Northern California lake town centered on bass fishing, boating, casual wineries, and volcanic foothills.

Clear Lake is California's largest natural freshwater lake, in Lake County about 110 miles north of San Francisco. The lake and the surrounding hills have a relaxed, old-fashioned resort feel that is a world away from the Napa Valley wine corridor to the south — fewer tourists, lower prices, and a genuine outdoors culture.

The lake is known for its bass fishing, which draws serious anglers year-round. Swimming, boating, and water-skiing are popular in summer. The county's six wineries produce decent wines in a more casual atmosphere than Napa — Fetzer Vineyard has its roots here. The area around Kelseyville has old pear and walnut orchards, and the local Bartlett pears are worth seeking out in season.

Lake County also has a volcanic history — Clear Lake sits in a volcanic basin, and the geothermal area around Cobb Mountain to the west produces natural hot springs. The Pomo people have lived around the lake for thousands of years and the Lake County Museum in Lakeport has a good collection of their basketwork.

Guide

Getting There

Clear Lake is about 110 miles north of San Francisco by car — roughly two hours via US-101 north and then east on Highway 20 or Highway 29 through Napa. There is no public transit connection worth considering. Arriving by car is the only practical option.

Highway 29 from Napa is the most scenic approach and passes through Lake County's wine country. Highway 20 from Willits is faster from the north. The town of Clearlake on the eastern shore and Lakeport on the western shore are the main hubs.

Guide

Things to Do

Clear Lake's main draws are the lake itself and the surrounding geothermal and volcanic landscape. Bass fishing is the most organised outdoor activity, with tournaments drawing serious anglers year-round. The Pomo Cultural Center and the Lake County Museum in Lakeport give context to the region's deep Indigenous history. For the geologically curious, the Anderson Marsh State Historic Park preserves wetlands that are among the oldest continuously inhabited places in North America.