25 CLEAR AROUND CLEAR LAKE
Starting Point: Lower Lake
Distance: 63.8-mile loop
Total Climb: 2,230 ft.
Average Pavement Quality: 1.8
Did you know that Clear Lake is the largest natural lake completely within California? That helps to explain why this is the longest route in this atlas. The trip takes you through continuously changing terrain and views of the very pretty lake. As with any water attraction in California, however, the summer months can be rather crowded with tourists. One way to avoid the masses would be to ride just to Lakeport and back, skipping busy Highway 20 from Nice to Clearlake Oaks. The fall is the finest time, however, after the crowds have left and the trees are on fire with color. Lake County is a volcanic area, as evidenced by the striking Mount Konocti on the southwestern shore of Clear Lake and the mineral deposits at Sulphur Bank on the eastern shore. Lake County produces red pumice rock, which has been used to pave some of the roads with interesting effect. If you choose to ride in the spring and fall, this route can provide an enjoyable tour of a unique natural wonder.
Start from the little town of Lower Lake and take Highway 29 west toward Kelseyville. A half-mile past Seigler Canyon Road, turn north on Point Lakeview Road. You will notice the pavement is a unique shade of red, having been paved with rock from a quarry just up the road. Past the quarry is a fun little drop and a climb back up to the same elevation, followed by a much longer and steeper drop to near lake level. At the next summit are houses, a golf course, and some of the best panoramic views of the southern lake. Turn north on Soda Bay Road at mile 8.9; there is a small shopping area to the left. Soda Bay Road travels through a beautiful, dense fir forest with ferns and cool moss-covered rocks that have tumbled from the north side of Mount Konocti. Turn west to continue along Soda Bay Road at a poorly marked “T” intersection and head into the quiet village of Soda Bay. McDaniels Market at mile 15.7 is open seven days a week, from 9 am to at least 5 pm. Clear Lake State Park is 1.8 miles ahead, with camping and day use facilities. A half-mile further, turn west to continue on Soda Bay Road. The road is now flat as you travel through some of Lake County’s famous pear orchards, on the way to Lakeport at mile 25.0.
The only place I have ever eaten in Lakeport is the Cottage Coffee Shop, on the right about a mile past the big grocery store. For a good price, they serve a plate full of pancakes, eggs, and sausages on outdoor tables. Lakeport has a park and other food possibilities, if this is you turn-around point. To continue, stay on Main Street through Lakeport another 0.1 miles, then jog west on Clearlake Avenue, go north on High Street, and finally return to the shore of the lake on Lakeshore Boulevard. Take the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff east, across a low bridge, and over to Nice and Highway 20. There is a shoulder from here past Lucerne where the Foster’s Freeze has classic 3-D pictures of a cat and a dog. Beyond Lucerne, the next services are in Clearlake Oaks at mile 49.1. Turn south 1.8 miles past Clearlake Oaks on Sulphur Bank Drive and climb once again.
At the summit it looks as if there are two lakes, one to the north and one to the south, rather than just one lake seen from a peninsula. Drop down past Borax Lake and enter a residential area. Veer southeast on poorly marked Arrowhead Road. Then take the third turn south on Park Street; go about 400 feet, then turn south on Lakeshore. The city of Clearlake has seen brighter days, but things are looking better. There are plenty of services as you roll along the shore. Pass Redbud Park, which can be a nice post-ride picnic spot. At the stoplight, turn south on Old Highway 53, which will take you down to (new) Highway 53. From here it is only 1.5 miles south to Lower Lake where you began.