Bag the Wright Peak

Hiking to Wright Peak on Mount Konocti in Clear Lake California

Perched proudly over the largest freshwater lake located wholly within California’s borders, and visible for miles in all directions, Wright Peak on Mount Konocti is the tallest point overlooking Clear Lake and offers a stunning summit panorama. Vistas span well to the Sierra Nevada! Reaching the peak requires a steady 1,649-foot climb on Mount Konocti, a long-dormant volcano that’s part of the Ring of Fire. All in, this is a 6.6-mile out-and-back adventure. Follow Wright Peak Trail, ascending through thick growths of California laurel, mountain mahogany, and foothill pine, stopping to take in some teasing peek-a-boo views of Clear Lake and the valley below. Spring flowers like baby blue eyes paint the landscape. Hang a sharp right at the rest area and make your way uphill into the dense, towering canopy of a cool maul-oak grove (some of these behemoths are over 500 years old!). Muscle through this last steep climb, past the wreckage of a private plane, and take a seat on one of the boulders at the peak to absorb the epic 360-degree views of the lake and the Sacramento Valley, stretching as far as the Sutter Buttes and Mount Lassen. All the Wright stuff!

ALTERNATE HIKE: Not seeking a steady climb to a peak? Head to Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, about 30 minutes away. This 6.5-mile (round-trip) hikes traverses the riparian wetlands of Anderson Marsh in lush meadows of valley oak, finally leading to a trail alongside the lakeshore.

wrightpeak2-image-jpeg

STAY: For the easiest access to Mount Konocti and Wright Peak Summit Trail, reserve a cabin or pitch a tent on the shore at Clear Lake State Park (pictured), a good home base.

To reach Mount Konocti and the Wright Peak Trail from downtown Kelseyville: Drive east until you enter Mount Konocti County Park. Continue for a mile, park at the paved lot a mile down the road, and walk through the gate to start your hike. A dirt road gently meanders into a blooming walnut orchard that marks the trailhead. Wright Peak is dog-friendly! (No dogs at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, the alternate hike option.)

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View