[ Home ][ Attractions ][ Calendar ][ Communities ][ Feedback ][ Links ][ Other ] [ Natural Wonders ][ Recreation ][ Outdoor Recreation ][ Wineries ][ Map ] An Introduction to Lake County

Clear Lake Clear Lake is the major recreation attraction in Lake county. The lake is more than 19 miles long and 9 miles wide at it's widest point and is the largest natural lake in the state of California and the oldest lake in North America. Average depth is 28 feet with water temperatures varying from the low 40's in winter to the mid 70's in summer. It has 100 miles of shoreline and is circled by 60 miles of scenic roads. Water sports abound around the lake. There are several public beaches, parks and launch ramps which are free to the public. Many private resorts line the lake and some will allow use of their facillities free or for a small fee. Fishing is permitted 24 hours a day but water skiing is not allowed between sunset and sunrise. Water skiers and swimmers alike enjoy the early morning as the lake is smooth as a billiard table at this time. Afternoon breezes can become quite strong and white caps can form any time of the year so small sailing craft should beware at this time of day. Check the Map for information on getting to Clear Lake. Blue Lakes Located in Northwest Lake County, the two lakes of Lower Blue Lake and Upper Blue Lake are Lake County's "other lakes". They offer boating and fishing along with four resorts and are restricted to small craft with a 5 MPH limit. Upper Blue Lake hosts an annual Trout Derby which is hosted by the Narrows Lodge. (800) 476-2776 The Geysers Lake County is part of one of the world's foremost geothermal resource areas. Geothermal development has grown dramatically since the late 1950's in the area known as "The Geysers" in the Mayacmas Mountains near the Cobb Mountain Area. There are more than 300 wells, 80 of which serve Lake County power plants. The magma body responsible for the steam fields is associated with volcanic activity which began in the Clear Lake area a million years agao. The Geysers were known as an area of hissing fumaroles and boiling springs in the late 1840's and by the end of the century had become nationaly known for it's hot springs resorts and health spas. Lake County 'Diamonds' (Moon Tears) Lake County "diamonds", also called "Moon Tears", are semi-precious stones of volcanic orign found nowhere else in the world. While not equal in hardness to real diamonds (7.5 - 8 compared to a diamonds 10) Lake County diamonds have been used commercially and are capable of cutting glass. They are highly prized for collectors and can be faceted and polished to make beautiful jewelery which are almost as brilliant as real diamonds. According to one Indian legend a Pomo Indian Chieftain and the Moon fell in love. The Moon could not stay with the Chieftain because she was needed by the people to light the night sky and mark the seasons. She was so sad to leave the Chieftain that she wept "Moon Tears" which became Lake County diamonds. Mt. Konocti From the Fire Tower atop 4200 foot Mt. Konocti you can see the entire lake. It is a sacred place to local indian tribes and can be seen from almost any place on Clear Lake. At the base of Mt. Konocti, along Soda Bay Road, you'll find 2 golf courses, numerous small resorts, old lava quarries, Clear Lake State Park, the town of Kelseyville, the Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, and many other attactions. Tule Elk Tule Elk have returned to their native range here in Lake County after an absence of over 100 years. A herd was recently released near the Cache Creek Basin Recreational Area east of Clear Lake on Highway 20. These magnificent animals were bred in Bakersfield and are being relased here to try and bring back the natural population. Tule Elk are native to California (and Lake County) and are not seen anywhere else in the world. LinkExchange Member Free Home Pages at GeoCities The Natural California WebRing [ Prev | Random | Next ] This site is owned and operated by Peter Conrad Cumminsky. Want to join the ring? Here's how. Northern California Home Pages [ Join Now | Ring Hub | Random | << Prev | Next >> ]

[ Natural Wonders ][ Recreation ][ Outdoor Recreation ][ Wineries ][ Map] [ Home ][ Attractions ][ Calendar ][ Communities ][ Feedback ][ Links ][ Other ] Contact: peterconrad@oocities.com or visit my Personal Home Page at Planet Tripod. Created: Friday, 23-May-97 13:53:06 Last Updated: Wednesday, July 22, 1998 - 8:12:43 PM Copyright © 1997, 1998 Peter Conrad Cumminsky. All rights reserved. URL: http://www.oocities.org/TheTropics/1051/intro.html