Map of Cache Creek Dam

Moderate: 10.0 miles, Full day

Overview: A serene paddling experience down Cache Creek to the dam and back, past the Anderson Flats tule reeds, a few older waterfront neighborhoods, and then through the beautiful oak-studded back hills.

Highlights include

Rich wildlife viewing

Riffle and dam

Beautiful back country

Oxbows and canals

Waterfront neighborhoods

Launch from the North Flats parking lot at the northern portion of Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, carry your boat 500 feet to the soft launch at the end of the creek. Head south (to the left), and after 1/4 mile, you will reach a confluence (1). Take a left (east), turning onto the main Cache Creek waterway, which ultimately will lead you to the dam - five miles down.

Clear Lake’s current form was created thousands of years ago by a series of earthquakes that elevated the northwestern lake basin, cutting off drainage into the Russian River. The water rose until it found a new outlet - Cache Creek - which drains eastward into the Sacramento River. The name Cache Creek comes from Hudson’s Bay Company trappers who cached their furs along the Sacramento River and smaller tributaries.

Once reaching the dam, re "paddle" your steps to get back to the launch spot.

This is Water Trail #3 - the third in a series created by the Konocti Regional Trails System in Lake County, California.

Tips: This loop is best taken during summer and fall, when water levels are lower and Cache Creek Dam is not releasing huge amounts of water. During winter and spring, if the current is too strong, turn around and take a few side loop trips. In the summer, mornings are best as the midday sun can be intense.