Overview
Clear Lake from High Valley RidgeThis is a ridge that runs northwest for 12 miles between the north fork of Wolf Creek and Bartlett Springs Summit on the northeast side of Clear Lake.
The High Valley Road runs most of the length of the ridge from High Valley to the Bartlett Springs Road. The high point is towards the northwest end of the ridge less than 2 miles from Bartlett Springs Road. The road is well graded and passable to all cars albeit quite dusty in places during the dry season. This makes for a moderate but long walk up the road from High Valley or a short one from Barltlett Springs Rd. to outstanding views out over Clear Lake,
Mt. Konocti and the Mayacamas Mountains beyond.
Getting There
High Valley Road From High Valley From the junction of Hwy 53 and Hwy 20 go west on Hwy. 20 3.3 miles to High Valley Road out of Clearlake Oaks. Turn right on High Valley Road and go over the hill into High Valley making a few turns until you get to the base of High Valley Ridge at about 4 miles.
From Bartlett Springs Road From the junction of Hwy. 53 and Hwy. 20 go west on 20 14.5 miles along the lake to Bartlett Springs Road. Go right on Bartlett Springs Road (passable to all cars) as it winds and switchbacks up to the junction with High Valley Road at 5 miles.
The road could possibly get washed out and unpassable with winter storms.
Route
Mt. Konocti from High Valley Ridge From High Valley: From the base of the ridge in High Valley hike up the road to the left as it gradually gains elevation with a few dips to a forested high point at 7 miles.
This involves about 14 miles round trip and 2,100' foot gain.
From Bartlett Springs Road: From the junction of Bartlett Springs Road and High Valley Road hike 1.5 miles to the forested high point up to the right. This is 3 miles round trip and about 500' gain.
Of course you can drive the whole ridge, get out, enjoy the views, have a picnic and be done with it.
Red Tape
Sunset over High ValleyThe ridge is open to all traffic but it runs through private lands. Please respect no trespassing signs.
When to Climb
South from High Valley RidgeYear round. It can get upwards of 100 degrees in summer. The ridge could get snowed in in winter.
Camping
Long Valley and Wolf Creek Ridge from High Valley RidgeThere is no camping in the immediate area. The nearest area would be Cache Creek Wilderness. The campground page is down as of 3-21-14. Some backpacking suggestions for that area can be found
here.
Current weather and forecast
High Valley Ridge from Pine Mtn.
Cobb Mtn. and Mt. Hannah from High Valley RidgeFor the current weather and 5 days forecast for Clearlake Oaks
click here.