Blue Lakes - Lake County, California

Visited on 4/1/2018, Jeff and I loaded up our two pups, Summer and Skye and went on a weekend camping trip in Northern California.  We visited the Blue Lakes located along Highway 20 west of Clear Lake.  And although Blue Lakes is comprised of two separate lakes (Upper and Lower), locals refer to both lakes as simply “Blue Lakes”—perhaps to honor its one-of-a-kind, limnological nature.

While many lakes all across California and western Canada are experiencing an uptick in algae bloom, the uniquely positioned Blue Lakes remains unspoiled. Blue Lakes is spring-fed, leaving it unaffected by larger climatological factors that many are experiencing across western North America. That means the waters are clean, ideal for swimming and fishing, pretty much year-round.

Lake County’s best-known lake is Clear Lake, whose unique geological factors make it the oldest lake in North America. Years ago, a giant landslide caused the water at Clear Lake to spill over, forming Blue Lakes, which benefits from an entirely different set of unique geological factors that render its waters uniquely clear and cool.  The Blue Lakes are at an elevation of 1,400 feet above sea level and located between Clear Lake and Lake Mendocino.  These small spring-fed Lakes, which have been in existence for 10,000 years, rest in a beautiful setting of wooded hills and open fields.  The clear and blue water makes this a delightful retreat relaxing.  There are several Resorts along the north side of these lakes and some shaded campsites.