Clear Lake in Lake County is about 75 miles north of Santa Rosa. For DogTrekkers, it and nearby Blue Lakes offer a diverse range of getaway options, from luxury resorts to funky cabins and many campgrounds. A natural freshwater body of water tucked into a hilly, forested landscape, Clear Lake is known to anglers as one of the best bass fisheries in the state.
Whether you want to cast a line or just putter around, Disney’s Water Sports (in Lakeport) will fix you up with a dog-friendly pontoon boat or fishing boat. On nearby Blue Lakes (Upper and Lower), a pair of clear, spring-fed lakes ideal for swimming and fishing, you can rent an electric “yacht” or pontoon boat from the Lodge at Blue Lakes and pile the family (dogs included) on board for a great day of cruising about. Lodge visitors also can purchase a day-use pass and enjoy waterfront privileges with a minimum two-hour boat, kayak or sports tube rental.
Elsewhere around the lake, pet-friendly Indian Beach Resort also has waterfront cabins, as do Clear Lake Cottages & Marina and the Narrows Lodge Resort
For camping, day-tripping and hiking, Clear Lake State Park makes a great base camp, although be forewarned that the only place it’s legal to go for a doggie-dip is between Campsites 57 and 58.
Another lure in Lake County: wineries are sprouting up like wildflowers within a tennis-ball throw of Clear Lake. You and your dog will get a warm welcome at Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, Laujor Estate Winery, Chasewater (check out the olive oil, too) and Thorn Hill Vineyards, to name just a few of many places where you can wine taste with your dog by your side.
