Formed several thousand years ago by a landslide that blocked drainage from a valley into the Russian River, Clear Lake is the largest freshwater lake situated entirely in California.

Perhaps due to this fact and its proximity to the Sacramento region (a mere two-hour drive from Granite Bay), Clear Lake is a vacation destination. So much so, in fact, that it is hard to see the north shore of the lake while driving along Highway 20, which runs parallel.

So busy and overrun with resorts, the north shore does not conduce a feeling of relaxation. Still, there are sights to be had. A brief stop at the friendly Visitor Information Center, located at 6110 East Hwy. 20 in Lucerne, provides plenty of information, including maps and brochures of the many resorts.

Taking Interstate 5 north to Williams and then west on Highway 20 takes visitors to Clear Lake's north shore, including Clearlake Keys, Glenhaven, Kono Tayee, Lucerne and Nice, ending in Upper Lake. Although these towns each have merit, the drive is surprisingly unappealing to visitors despite the proximity to the lake. Many of the areas seemed run down, though a nice little park and dock across from the visitor's center offers a quiet respite from the drive.

Upper Lake was billed as a quaint historic old town, but a brief stop is no Grass Valley, Placerville or Amador. Treasure Cove Pizza, just off Highway 20 in Upper Lake, offered fantastic pizza, but the environment was a little crass. Buckets in the dining room caught drops from a leaky roof and some of the guests in the otherwise quiet dining room did not add to an atmosphere fit for family-friendly ears.

Heading down Highway 29 from Upper Lake provides access to the south shore. Although the highway does not run as close to the lake's shore, this side of the lake was clearly the result of better planning.

Home to vineyards, resorts and Clear Lake State Park, the south shore, consisting of Lakeport, Finley, Kelseyville, Soda Bay, Riviera West, Riviera Heights, Konocti Bay Estates and Clearlake Rivera, the south shore is clearly where the money is.

For campers, hikers and picnickers, Clear Lake State Park, 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, is the place to go. Many of the multiple campsites have lake or creek views, the park is quiet and peaceful. Spanning an area that includes Cole Creek, Old Kelsey Creek and Dorn Cove, Clear Lake State Park has a rocky beach for swimming, plenty of hiking and biking trails, a boat launch and group picnic area. It even sports a little store in case you've forgotten something (including a small boat).

Camping reservations in the summer are recommended and dogs are allowed on leashes at the campgrounds, but not on the trails or swimming area.

Those seeking a less "back to nature" trip might want to seek out the many spas in the area.

Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa not only boasts a top-quality spa, but a full-sized amphitheatre that attracts such acts as Aerosmith, Bob Dylan and Alice Cooper.

Konocti Harbor is just east of Clear Lake State Park and north of 4,200-foot Mt. Konocti. Located on 120 acres of lakeside property, the resort features 250 hotel rooms, suites, apartments and cottages, ranging from $69 for an off season midweek hotel room to $599 a night for the VIP Suite during a special event weekend. They also offer special multi-night packages.

In addition to concerts and spa services, the resort offers restaurants tennis, volleyball and horseshoe courts and a full service marina that offers everything from kayak rentals to lake cruises.

Connecting the north and south shore highways on the east is the city of Clearlake, accessed via Highway 53.

The city is home to Outrageous Waters, three waterfront parks, Borax Lake and more than 13,000 residents. The largest of the cities on the lake, Clearlake's main drag - Lakeshore Drive - connects Austin Park, Redbud Park and Highlands Shopping Center. The largest of the lakeside parks, however, is Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

Anderson Marsh SHP was once home to the prehistoric Pomo people. At more than 10,000 years old, some of the archaeological sites in the park are among the oldest in the state. Miles of trails twist through protected areas, including the historic 19th century Anderson Ranch.

Whatever your interests, you are liable to find something to your fancy just off the beaten path near Clear Lake. Just don't expect it to find you. A little bit of help from the Internet (www.lakecounty.com) or a call to the Visitor Information Center at (800) 525-3743 should be all you need.