| Visitation: 100,000 | ||
| Area: 600 Acres | ||
| Lat: 39.015433 | ||
| Lon: 122.81127 | ||
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Parham Pourahmad
Larry Whiting
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| Clear Lake State Park - Site # 56 | |||
| Bordering California's largest natural lake at the foot of 4,200-foot Mount Konocti, this park offers outstanding shoreline views of the state's largest wintering population of Western and Clark's Grebes. | |||
 | Regional - worth visiting if you are already in the area. They may be located farther from populated areas or with more limited wildlife species. | ||
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| Background: | This scenic park borders California's largest natural lake at the foot of 4,200-foot Mount Konocti. With oaks and pines on high ground and willows and other riparian vegetation along watercourses, the area draws heavy concentrations of birds. There are outstanding shoreline views of the state's largest wintering population of western and Clark's grebes. Wood ducks nest in trees and herons hunt shallow lake and creek waters. American White Pelicans frequent the shoreline and osprey nest in the spring. Many varieties of fish flourish; several spawn here. Tree-bordered meadows offer views of black-tailed deer, California quail, and an occasional bobcat, otter or mink. Wooded areas shelter great horned owls, northern flickers,pileated woodpeckers and bushtits. Red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks are frequent visitors. Bald eagles are occasionally seen near the shoreline. | ||
| Hikers enjoy the Indian Nature Trail, a self-guided trail that shows how the Pomo people, who lived in the area for centuries, utilized the area's resources. The trail passes through the site of what was once a Pomo village. The Visitor Center is open in the summer, with displays about the area's natural and cultural history. | |||
| The Habitat: | Several thousand years ago, a landslide blocked natural drainage from a valley into the Russian River. The water rose until it found an outlet through Cache Creek into the Sacramento River to form Clear Lake, the largest natural lake entirely within California. Most of the water comes from runoff. Some comes from springs in Soda Bay. | ||
| The Experience: | Clear Lake State Park is on the shores of California's largest freshwater lake. The area is popular for all kinds of water recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and water-skiing | ||
| Wildlife and Where to Find It: | moderate hiking trails, some with ADA access. Overlooks on trails. Boating offers aquatic wildlife viewing | ||
| Viewing Tips: | More than 150 bird species; many residents. Up to 500,000 wintering birds. Many spring nesting waterfowl and shorebirds. Watch courtship displays and floating nests of western grebes in winter and spring. Pond turtles in sloughs and creeks. Come for fall colors and spring wildflowers. Visitor Center. | ||
| Site Notes: | Several hiking trails offer expansive views of Big Valley and Clear Lake. ADA boardwalk trails are a recent addition to the park. | ||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | unknown | ||
| Festivals & Events: | Heron Festival, April | ||
| Visitor Information: | Lake County Visitor Center - 800-525-3743 - lakecounty.com | ||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | Yes | ||
| Open: | Everday | ||
| Hours: | Day use hours are sunrise to sunset Hours and day | ||
| Year Round: | Yes | ||
| Seasonal: | Cole Creek Campground and the Bayview Campground are closed from October 1 to April 1. Kelsey Creek Campground is open year round. | ||
| Road Information: |  Paved. | ||
| Road Hazards: no See Access/Public Use #3 | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 200 | |||
| Parking Fee: Yes | |||
| Proximity to viewing area:nearby | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: No | |||
| Parking Notes: Day use parking available at swim beach and boat launch area. 147 campsites available, 7 campsites are ADA accessible See Access/Public Use #3 Parking fee subject to change. See park website. | |||
| How to Get There: | From Highway 29, take Main Street Kelseyville exit. In town, turn right on State Street, turn right on Gaddy Lane. At Soda Bay Road, turn right, following signs. Park is 3.5 miles from Kelseyville. | ||
| Contact Information | |||
| Managing Agency: | California State Parks | ||
| Agency Site URL: | http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=473 | ||
| Physical Address: | 5300 Soda Bay Road Kelseyville, CA 95451 |
Agency 2: | 5300 Soda Bay Road Kelseyville, CA 95451 |
| Manager Phone: | 707 279 2267 | ||
| Site Phone: | 707 279 2267 | ||
| County: | Lake | ||
| Addition Website: | |||