About Lake County, California
Lake County is a county located in the north-central region of the U.S. state of California. As of the 2010 census, the population was 64,665. The county seat is Lakeport. The county takes its name from Clear Lake, the dominant geographic feature in the county and the largest natural freshwater lake wholly within California.
Clear Lake was formed over two million years ago by volcanic activity and is fed by springs and runoff from nearby mountains. The native Pomo people were the first to settle around the lake, which they called “Yokayo,” meaning “big river.” The lake supported a large population of fish and other wildlife, making it an important food source for the Pomo.
The first non-native settlers arrived in the early 1850s, when gold was discovered in the area. This led to a wave of immigration, and by 1858 there were enough people to form a county. Lake County was officially established in 1861.
Since then, the county has been home to ranchers, farmers, loggers, and fishermen. Today, tourism is also an important part of the economy. Lake County is known for its scenic beauty, with numerous lakes, forests, and mountains. It is also home to several wineries, as well as Clear Lake State Park.