Photo credit: Kathleen Scavone
Do you recall the series of Konocti Trails maps that were available online and in hardcopy form through local museums and other fine establishments? I used to practically drool over those maps while daydreaming of the possibilities found in the innumerable trails around Clear Lake! The trail guides are back online once again!
When you visit konoctitrails.com you will be delightfully reminded of all of the adventures that can be found both on and around our ancient lake. Whether you like to hike, bike, view wildlife, take Fido for a walk, horseback ride, etc. you will find a special place or three to visit.
If kayaking or stand up paddle boarding is your thing you have almost one hundred miles of magnificent shoreline to explore. The maps found on the Konocti Trails website lay out a series of water trails for novices, visitors and seasoned kayakers to observe the beauty of Lake County from a different perspective. A one-on-one view of the many landscapes, wildlife and cultural history found only in Lake County await!
Birdwatchers go crazy for the amazing tule maze at Anderson Marsh outlined on one of the Water Trails maps. Species such as great blue herons, cormorants, American white pelicans, grebes and more abound. The water loop trailhead begins at 15 acre Redbud Park at 14655 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake and it is considered an easy, 6 miles, taking most folks around 3 hours. As always on such a large lake, when the wind whips up it’s safer to stay close to shore or wait it out, as the waves can overtake you. This paddle will provide you with rich memories and keep your summer cool!
The map for this water loop is accessed on the main website, above or here.
Other water trails of note that are fully detailed on the Konocti Trails website include the Cache Creek loop that takes you down to Cache Creek Dam, or past the Anderson Flats tule reeds. There’s a great map detailing some adventuresome island hopping in the Narrows that will provide panoramic views near the base of our famous volcano, Mount Konocti. Note: some of the access points mentioned on this map include fee-based launch points at various resorts. Along the serene waterways it’s easy to picture the mode of transportation often utilized by the Pomo people as they made use of their sturdy tule boats.
Start ‘unfolding’ your treasure maps so that they can lead you to wildlife wonders or the serenity that a day on a water body provides. Wherever your Konocti Trails adventure takes you, it’s all designed by nature to illuminate the abundance that Lake County offers on a daily basis.
