Soda Bay has hot bubbles on the south side of Clear Lake
On the south side of Clear Lake, there's an area with bubbling hot water known as the Soda Bay hot springs. It's a spot where volcanic gases percolate from the lakebed. "It’s a quiet, quaint lakeside community, at the base of Mount Konocti,” says Shelly Reed, a top-producing Realtor with W Real Estate who has lived in Lake County for 25 years.
A version of the origin story of Soda Bay passed on by native peoples says it was formed from a distraught maiden's tears. In the early 1900s, a resort was connected to the hot springs baths. These days, there are still some resorts on the lake, but the Soda Bay hot springs are off-limits due to danger from carbon dioxide emissions. At least a few people have died from using the hot springs, but the actual number is unknown.
The name Soda Bay is also used for the community adjacent to the lake. It's a census-designated place (CDP) with a population of about 970, according to U.S. Census estimates. Mailing addresses are assigned to Kelseyville, which has a downtown area about 7 miles to the south.
Home styles and panoramic lake views in Soda Bay
Among the options in Soda Bay are ranch-style homes, A-frames and bi-levels with multicar garages on the first floor. Elevated porches and decks provide panoramic lake views. Some properties have large lots, docks and space for boats or RVs. “You’ll find charming stick-built homes on paved, forested streets,” Reed says. Prices typically range from about $140,000 to $490,000, though some of the largest or newest homes cost more. Developments in the area include Rivera Heights, which has a homeowners association, clubhouse and pool. “Riviera Heights is a community with deeded beach right, a members-only pier, boat launch and picnic area,” Reed says.
Other home options in Soda Bay are mobile and manufactured homes, which are typically $60,000 to $150,000. The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. One concern in the area is occasional flooding. There's also a risk of wildfires, which may make traditional home insurance difficult to obtain.
Lots of things to do, like water activities and mountain hiking
Fishing, swimming, boating, and other water sports are popular on Clear Lake. The water has been affected at times by odors and algae overgrowth, and many in the community work to keep the lake clean, control algae and restore wetland areas.
Several miles northwest of Soda Bay, Clear Lake State Park has hiking trails, camping facilities and a visitor's center with an aquarium. “The park beach shares the Soda Bay inlet. It has a beautiful, quiet cove where boaters relax,” Reed says.
Kids may enroll with Kelseyville Unified School District
The Kelseyville Unified School District serves the area. Most addresses are zoned to Riviera Elementary, which earns a C grade from Niche. Some addresses to the west correspond to Kelseyville Elementary School, which has a C-minus and offers a dual language immersion program in Spanish and English. Mountain Vista Middle School has a C-minus, and Kelseyville High School is rated B-minus. The high school offers a program in agriculture mechanics and dual enrollment classes with Mendocino College.
Golfing at the country club and a nearby resort's revamp
A few miles east of Soda Bay, Buckingham Golf & Country Club has daily rates and memberships available. The club's restaurant, The Tee Room, specializes in traditional American cuisine with European influences. It's open from mid-May to September.
Also nearby is the Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, which was revamped and reopened in 2025. The resort has two waterfront restaurants, a marina with docking facilities and a pool open to the public via day passes.
Most of the closest stores and restaurants are in downtown Kelseyville
Besides the country club and resort restaurants, one of the only other businesses close to home is Soda Bay Market Deli, which has some of the essentials, plus prepared foods and organic products. “We hope that one day more restaurants and shopping will return to this area, as it could greatly benefit the community,” Reed says.
For more places to shop and dine, many people go to downtown Kelseyville, where Main Street focuses on locally owned and operated businesses. For groceries, there's Kelseyville Food Center and John's Market, which is also a taqueria. Kelseyville has several medical facilities, and there are more in nearby cities. The Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill is a stop on the way back to Soda Bay from downtown Kelseyville. Events at the winery include bingo nights, catered dinners and a Mexican festival with live music.
Kelseyville's Pear Festival and a summertime music series
One of the biggest area events is the Kelseyville Pear Festival in September. Kelseyville also has the Lake County Beer, Wine & Swine Baconfest in June and the summer music series Kickin' in the Country.
Soda Bay is car dependent, and a highway goes through Kelseyville
Most people drive, and the main thoroughfare, Soda Bay Road, links Kelseyville to the city of Lakeport, about 12 miles away. It's about a 7-mile drive from Soda Bay to reach state Route 29, which passes through Kelseyville as Highway 175. Lake County Transit has a bus route that stops in Soda Bay on the way from Lakeport to Kit’s Corner Store.
Clearlake, a city of about 16,000 on the east side of the lake, is approximately a 20-mile drive from Soda Bay. The trip to Santa Rosa is about 63 miles, and from there, people can fly from the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, which has Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Avelo Airlines. The drive from Soda Bay to San Francisco or Sacramento is roughly 120 miles.
Written By
Robin Silberman
