Boggs Lake Preserve
​Boggs Lake Preserve is open dawn to dusk
Boggs Lake Preserve is located at 6902 Harrington Flat Rd., in Kelseyville CA. Click for map below.
Boggs Lake Preserve protects over 200 acres and contains two vernal pools: one main pool which exhibits the characteristic ecosystem traits for a vernal pool, and one smaller, often dry vernal pool which drains into the larger one. Unlike a lake a vernal pool is a depression, lined with a layer of volcanic material, which has created a water-impermeable liner. During the rainy season it collects water. There is no drainage so the water slowly evaporates during the dry season. The volume of Boggs Lake changes dramatically in response to different weather patterns.
Cole Euken
Boggs Lake Preserve was formerly owned by the Fibreboard Corporation until the early 1970s when an insightful group of California Native Plant Society (CNPS) members, botanists from the University of California and local residents asked the company to consider setting aside the vernal pool and some of the adjacent forest. Fibreboard donated the land for the Boggs Lake Preserve in 1972 and the Nature Conservancy agreed to manage it. Since 2011 the Lake County Land Trust has co managed Boggs Lake Preserve with the Nature Conservancy. In that time a self-guided nature trail and educational kiosk have been created and the viewing platform for the lake has been replaced.
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Over 139 species of birds have been spotted here so don’t forget your binoculars if you decide to explore the ¾ mile self-guided trail and vernal pool viewing platform. Please tread lightly as you enjoy the beauty of this truly unique preserve. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Come on out and find out what a vernal pool is all about!
The USGS studies Boggs Lake to research the geological history and volcanic activity of the Clear Lake Volcanic Field. Its location over a volcanic depression allows scientists to analyze ancient lava flows and gather sediment cores that reveal the area's climate and geography over hundreds of thousands of years.
Learn more about the interesting geology of Boggs Lake and Lake County with these USGS Fact Sheets:
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Photograph of Dr. Seth Burgess from USGS during a geology walk at Boggs Lake in April 2026. Make sure to check out our Event Calendar for any upcoming events at Boggs Lake.
