I’ve visited Clear Lake quite a number of times in the past several years, and I find myself gravitating to the familiar spots — especially Anderson Marsh State Historic Park at the south end of the lake and Rodman Slough in the north. So on this trip I tried to discover something new to me; and that led me to the beautiful Boggs Lake Preserve, a fairly short drive southwest of Lakeport, in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. This secluded woodland hides a very impressive vernal pond. Boggs Lake actually has no inlet or outlet and relies completely on rainfall, losing all its water in the dry season. The hiking trail covers only a small loop at the southern end of the lake, but the views are marvelous, and the sounds of nature surrounded me.

Warrior’s plume (Pedicularis densiflora) grows in abundance along the trail

Western fence lizard, a very familiar face

I’ll admit that my enjoyment of the hike was a little dented as I forged my way along a path surrounded by overgrown grass and littered with fallen trees. That was because only a couple of steps into the preserve, I was greeted by the warning rattle of a Western diamondback, who then quickly disappeared into a pile of logs next to the trail. I did get a somewhat blurry shot as he fled; I’ve hidden the image behind the link above. You can make out the tip of the rattler’s tail (at right center) and most of the snake’s lengthas it curves its way over the log and behind the green leaves.

Pacific pea (Lathyrus vestitus)

Remnant of an Acorn woodpecker granary tree

I probably scared away the wildlife as I stomped and beat my way down the trail to discourage any rattlers

After finishing the woodland loop, I explored another short path that led to a dock on the edge of the pond. After trying and failing to capture the Red-wing blackbirds, I settled for a short video to help me remember this beautiful spot with a panorama of the tule-filled lake and the singing of the birds filling the air around me and Mt. Hannah in the background. (Choose the HD setting for the best viewing experience.)