Discover Lake County Hiking Trails: Art, Nature & Forest Resilience for All Abilities

Middletown Trailside Park — A Blend of Hiking, Natural Beauty & Art

Just outside downtown Middletown, Trailside Park offers peaceful meadow and woodland trails ranging from a half mile to two miles. With low elevation, wide paths, and gentle terrain, it’s perfect for families, beginners, casual explorers, and even cyclists learning the basics of mountain biking.

One of the park’s most beloved features is the EcoArts Sculpture Walk — a rotating outdoor exhibit where local artists create installations from natural or reclaimed materials. The pieces appear along the trails and in the meadows, blending seamlessly into the landscape.

Trailside Park was heavily affected by the 2015 Valley Fire, and today it stands as a living example of ecological recovery. Young oaks, wildflowers, and grasslands continue to return year after year, offering visitors a quiet place to witness resilience in motion.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park — A Blend of Hiking, Birdwatching & History

Set along the southeastern edge of Clear Lake, Anderson Marsh State Historic Park invites visitors into a landscape where peaceful trails, abundant birdlife, and deep cultural history come together.

The park’s gentle routes wind through tule marsh, riparian forest, oak woodlands, and open grasslands — habitats that support herons, grebes, egrets, songbirds, raptors, and wintering Bald Eagles. It’s one of the best places in Lake County for birdwatching.

Guided nature walks, led by State Parks interpretive specialists and volunteer docents, offer visitors the chance to learn about local wildlife, geology, and the Indigenous and ranching history that shaped the region. Walks are free and require no reservation, making them an easy addition to any Lake County itinerary.

Boggs Mountain — A Blend of Hiking, Forest Rebirth & Resilience

High in the Cobb Mountain region, Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest tells a powerful story of renewal. After the 2015 Valley Fire, the forest has rebounded with new growth, open vistas, and young pines that let sunlight pour across the ridgelines.

Today, Boggs offers a peaceful, pine‑scented highland with miles of multi‑use trails that wind through forest, meadows, and volcanic terrain. Visitors love Boggs for its cooler temperatures, shaded summer routes, uncrowded pathways, and bird‑rich habitat.

Whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the quiet, Boggs feels like a restorative escape. Maps, trail updates, and information about guided tours are available through Friends of Boggs Mountain, the community group that helps care for this beloved forest.

Lake County offers an abundance of hiking options for every skill level, each with its own blend of scenery, terrain, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring solo, with a group, bringing the family, or looking for dog‑friendly trails, there’s a route here that fits your pace. Popular favorites include Mt. Konocti, Highland Springs, and Clear Lake State Park, each offering its own signature views and experiences. To discover more hikes by region and difficulty, explore the full list of trails at LakeCounty.com.