Reprinting this story from today’s Press Democrat on an interesting series of hikes in Lake County. See below:

By MARY CALLAHAN  |  THE PRESS DEMOCRAT  |  January 18

The Bureau of Land Management launches its annual series of guided hikes to view bald eagles along Cache Creek in Lake County on Saturday, though the forecast suggests rain could cancel the first outing.

There are five additional hikes on the calendar, scheduled at 10 a.m. each Saturday from now through Feb. 25. All hikes are free.

The Cache Creek Natural Area hosts wintering bald eagles from about mid-October to mid-April each year. Tule elk from a free-roaming herd in the area, as well as golden eagles, osprey, herons, red-tailed hawks and egrets are sometimes seen.

Hikers meet at the Redbud Trailhead parking lot on Highway 20, eight miles east of Clearlake Oaks.

The BLM recommends participants be in good physical condition because of a steep, 600-foot climb over the first of four miles of the trail. Sturdy boots and clothing suitable for cold, wet conditions also are recommended. Participants should bring water, lunch and binoculars.

Space is limited to 25 people per hike. Interested participants should call the BLM Ukiah Field Office at 707-468-4000 to reserve spots on specific dates.

Participants should call the BLM on Friday before each scheduled hike to check for possible cancellations.