Obsidian Summer Camp

Transcription

Obsidian Summer Camp
Trinity Alps
Northern California
Obsidian Summer Camp
Fawn Group Campground
Monday, July 8 – Saturday, July 13, 2013
This Camp Guide is available at www.obsidians.org
Adapted from the Chemeketan’s 2012 Outing Guide and edited by Pat Soussan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................... 4
The Place ............................................................................. 4
The Campsite ....................................................................... 4
Driving Directions ................................................................ 4
LOGISTICS ............................................................. 5
Meals ................................................................................... 5
Duties .................................................................................. 6
Bulletin Board ...................................................................... 6
What to Bring....................................................................... 6
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ....................................................... 8
Essential Services ................................................................. 8
The Weather ......................................................................... 8
SAFETY ................................................................... 8
Hand Washing ...................................................................... 8
Hikes.................................................................................... 8
Health Care Services ............................................................ 9
THE AREA............................................................... 9
Geology ............................................................................... 9
Plants ................................................................................. 10
Critters ............................................................................... 11
History ............................................................................... 11
NON-HIKING ACTIVITIES .................................12
Trinity Lake ....................................................................... 12
Rafting and Kayaking ......................................................... 12
Vineyards ........................................................................... 12
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Weaverville ........................................................................ 13
Junction City...................................................................... 13
Trinity Center .................................................................... 13
Redding ............................................................................. 13
Driving Tours..................................................................... 13
Other Activities .................................................................. 14
REFERENCES .......................................................14
Books ................................................................................ 14
Maps .................................................................................. 14
PERMITS AND FEES ............................................15
Day Hiking ........................................................................ 15
Backpacking ...................................................................... 15
Wilderness Information ...................................................... 16
ADDITIONAL CONCERNS ..................................16
Horses ............................................................................... 16
Bears ................................................................................. 16
Ticks .................................................................................. 17
HIKING GUIDE .....................................................17
1. Trail Gulch and Long Gulch Lakes Loop....................... 18
2. Deadman Peak .............................................................. 20
3. Hidden Lake ................................................................. 20
4. South Fork Lakes .......................................................... 22
5. Mavis and Fox Creek Lakes .......................................... 22
6. East Boulder Lake (Mill Creek Lake) ............................ 23
7. Tangle Blue Lake .......................................................... 25
8. Big Bear Lake ............................................................... 26
9. Stoddard Lake ............................................................... 27
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10. Doe Lake ..................................................................... 28
11. Billy's Peak Lookout .................................................... 29
12. Sugar Pine Lake .......................................................... 30
13. Hodges Cabin .............................................................. 31
14. Foster Lake.................................................................. 33
15. Adams Lake ................................................................ 34
16. Dorleska Mine ............................................................. 35
17. Caribou Lakes Trail ..................................................... 36
18. Kidd Creek Divide (Ward Lake) .................................. 38
19. Sawtooth Ridge ........................................................... 39
20. Boulder Lake (Little Boulder Lake) ............................. 40
21. Lily Pad Lake .............................................................. 41
22. Granite Lake (Granite Creek Divide) ........................... 42
23. Swift Creek ................................................................. 43
24. Bee Tree Gap ............................................................... 44
24. Granite Peak ................................................................ 45
25. Stonewall Pass ............................................................. 46
27. Stuart Fork .................................................................. 47
28. Monument Peak (Rush Creek Lakes) ........................... 48
29. Canyon Creek .............................................................. 50
30. North Fork Trinity River .............................................. 51
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INTRODUCTION
The Place
The 2013 Obsidian Summer Camp will be held near the Trinity Alps
in northern California. We will camp at the Fawn Group
Campground located at the southwestern end of Trinity Lake. The
Trinity Alps are about 100 miles south of the California border and 50
miles west of I-5.
The Campsite
The Fawn Group Campground is located in the Shasta-Trinity
National Forest on the Stuart Arm of Trinity Lake (Lat. 40.84444,
Long. 122.84333). This site provides very good access to the Trinity
Alps Wilderness. At an elevation of approximately 2,500 feet, it is
located among a stand of conifer trees which provide great afternoon
shade. Trinity Lake is a reservoir much like Shasta or Billy Chinook
Lake – it has houseboats and powerboats. Its water level varies
seasonally but the reservoir should be full during our visit. It is 1
mile to the marina and 1 mile to the boat ramp. Canoes and kayaks
can be carried down to the water from our site; a small “arm” of the
huge reservoir is near the camp. There is a designated swimming
beach a few miles away.
There are 3 loops in the campground. We are in “C” which can
accommodate about 50 persons. After entering the campground, pass
Loop “A” on your right and turn left in front of the restroom to Loop
“C” which has room for tents, RV’s, and trailers. There are 19
numbered sites, each of which will accommodate two tents or an RV
and tent, plus there is an open area for tents. There are no hookups or
dump station. The loop road is paved but the spurs are not.
The loop is equipped with a group gathering/eating area, bear-proof
lockers, several tables and a group fire grill. The site has drinking
water and flush toilets. We will set up our four-stall camp shower;
bring your own solar shower to hang in it.
Driving Directions
From Eugene the shortest route is I-5 to Yreka (exit 773) onto CA-3
and follow it to Camp – the locals take this route. A couple of miles
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before Fawn Group campground, you will pass a sign for Trinity Lake
Resort and a boat ramp. If you get to Stoney Creek Campground and
Stoney Point, you’ve gone too far.
An alternative (fewer curves) is by way of I-5 to Redding, California,
on to Weaverville, and then to the Fawn Group Camp. At Redding,
take Exit 678 to California Highway 299 and drive 48 miles west to
Weaverville. At Weaverville, turn north (right) onto California
Highway 3. Drive 14.5 miles to the Fawn Group Camp on the right
next to Trinity Lake.
The total driving distance is about 320-350 miles.
A nice route, if you would like some ocean sight-seeing and have
extra time, would be to travel the coast highway to Arcata, California.
Take California Highway 299 east to Weaverville and then north on
California Highway 3 to the camp.
Campers should not arrive at camp before 1:00 pm on Monday,
July 8th.
Carpooling: In the interests of conserving gas and costs, we
encourage campers to share rides to camp. To find rides or riders,
check the Camp Lana online registration. The carpooling fee to/from
camp and while driving to trailheads at camp is $.09/mile.
LOGISTICS
Meals
We are not hiring a cook this year. Breakfasts will be continental -hard boiled eggs, cold cereal, fruit, coffee and tea. They will start at
6:30 am (1 hour earlier than usual) to allow folks the flexibility to
start hiking before the heat and will end at 7:15 am.
Lunch makings will be set out each morning from 6:30 to 7:15.
Hands must be washed prior to making lunch at the communal
tables.
Dinners will be catered by a Weaverville business and will start at 6:30
pm.
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The first meal will be dinner served the evening of Monday, July 8th.
The last will be a breakfast on Saturday, July 13 th. Vegetarian options
will be available.
Campers are responsible for washing their own dishes, which can be
stored in their ditty bag and hung on a line in the dining area. Tubs
with warm water are provided for washing dishes.
Please wear your nametag at dinner.
Duties
Campers are encouraged to meet at the Obsidian Lodge:

Saturday, July 6th, at 9:00 a.m. to help load the truck

Monday, July 15th, at 9:00 a.m. to help unload the truck.
Each camper will be randomly assigned 3-4 duties during camp.
Work schedules will be posted on the bulletin board. Mark the day
and time of your duties on the back of your nametag. A “Responsible
Person” (lead) will supervise and provide written instructions for
table set-up, serving, table clearing, dishwashing, lunch prep, lunch
clean-up, and camp clean-up. Campers are responsible for finding
replacements if unable to perform at their assigned times.
Campers are asked to help dismantle camp and load the truck on the
last day.
Bulletin Board
Campers should check the bulletin board to:

Post and/or sign up for hikes

Get work schedule and job descriptions

Post any changes to work schedule

Read notices
What to Bring

Camping and hiking gear, including tent, sleeping bag, etc.

Binoculars and spotting scopes
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
Clothes for warm, cold, and wet weather, including swimsuit

Clothesline and pins

Solar shower

Towel

Water bottle

Ditty bag and carabineer

Unbreakable plate, cereal bowl, mug, utensils

2 hard-plastic containers suitable to pack lunches

Cloth lunch sack and napkin

Camp chair

Mosquito repellent

Biodegradable soap

Playing cards, and board games

Hiking poles

Ten Essentials to carry when away from camp:

First-aid kit

Compass (and know how to use it)

Map(s) of the area where you will be

Small functional pocket knife

Flashlight with good batteries (extras & bulb)

Rain gear: parka and pants

Sunscreen

Extra food and water

Fire kit: waterproof container of matches, candle,

Whistle
Pets, firearms and illegal drugs are not allowed on trips or in camp.
Alcohol is not permitted on official Obsidian outings, but is allowed
in camp.
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
We try to be eco-friendly at camp. You can help by bringing two
hard-plastic containers in which to pack your lunches -- one for a
sandwich or dinner leftovers, the other for veggies, fruit, or cookies –
as well as a cloth lunch sack and napkin. Please take your personal
beverage containers home.
Essential Services
Fuel, groceries, shopping and other services are available in
Weaverville, a community of about 3,000 people which is 15 miles
south of camp. It is a 20-25 minute drive. Its zip code is 96093.
The Weather
The closest location with comprehensive weather data is Weaverville.
The average daily temperature in July is about 70° with an average
low of 52° and an average high of 94°. Please note, however, that
high temperatures over 100° are possible. The camp may be slightly
cooler, and the mountains cooler still. About 75 percent of days are
clear, and 16 percent are partially cloudy. The remaining days bring a
July average rainfall of 0.26 inches. So we can expect warm summer
days, with only a minor chance of rain, and cool nights - good for
sleeping. Since most of the hikes are at 4,000-6,000’, they will be
much cooler than camp.
SAFETY
Hand Washing
Green buckets of water along with liquid soap will be placed
strategically near the dining area. Frequent hand washing is our best
defense against illness. You must wash your hands prior to making
lunch at communal tables!
Hikes
Anyone planning, or likely to, lead a hike at Summer Camp should be
familiar with the Obsidian Safety Manual, and specifically, the
section related to Summer Trips Guide, as this will be the standard
procedure to be followed for day hikes while at Summer Camp.
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Disclaimer: do not rely solely on the driving and hiking descriptions
in this booklet. They may be outdated and certainly do not provide
enough information.
Health Care Services
Mountain Community Medical Services
410 N. Taylor St.
Weaverville, CA
530-623-5541
THE AREA
The unique recreational and scenic values of the Trinity Alps were
identified early on as worthy of preservation for future generations. A
portion of the area was set aside as a recreation area in 1926 and then
established as a Primitive Area in 1932. The Trinity Alps Wilderness
was created in 1984.
At 517,000 acres, the Trinity Alps Wilderness is the second largest
wilderness in California and takes in portions of three national
forests: the Shasta-Trinity, Klamath, and Six Rivers. The Alps
include high, rough ridges with peaks ranging from 7,000 to 9,000
feet in elevation, deep glacial canyons, and spectacular mountain
meadows. Elevations range from 1,360 feet at Big Bar along the
Trinity River to 9,002 feet at the summit of Thompson Peak. The Alps
are the headwaters of the Trinity and Salmon Rivers, both tributaries
of the Klamath River. The area is noted for scenic views and alpine
environments. The hikes are varied, many with lake destinations.
Geology
The Trinity Alps are part of the Klamath Mountains and are
geologically distinct from and much older than the nearby Cascades,
the Sierra Nevada, and the Pacific Coastal Range. The Alps are a
complex and varied mix of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous
rock. The metamorphic rock, including quartzite, gneiss, schist and
slate, is derived from offshore sediments, mostly of volcanic origin.
These sediments were uplifted and folded repeatedly and mixed with
the granitic base rock. The sedimentary rock is rarer, of more recent
origin and includes limestones, mudstones and sandstones. The
eastern mountains are known as the Red Trinities due to the presence
of reddish peridotite rock, the central mountains are the White
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Trinities because they are mostly granite, and the western mountains
are the Green Trinities due to the extensive forest cover.
Of particular interest is the widespread occurrence of serpentine, a
metamorphic rock that originated in the oceanic crust. This often
toxic rock has had a profound effect on the biology of these
mountains helping to make them one of the most botanically diverse
places in the world. More serpentine occurs in the Klamath
Mountains than in any other place in the United States.
A defining geologic process in the Alps was glaciation. Glacial
cirques abound in the Trinities and are often filled with small lakes.
Below the cirques are U-shaped valleys sometimes adorned with
hanging valleys. These glacial valleys are often separated by sharp,
narrow ridges eroded into spires of rock. Glacial moraines dammed
some of the larger valleys, and as the glaciers receded, formed large
lakes that eventually became what are now flower filled meadows.
Morris Meadow on the Stuart Fork is a good example.
Plants
The plants of the Klamath Mountains are amazingly diverse. The
mountains are at the intersection of five major biotic zones: the Coast
Range, the Cascades, the Great Central Valley, the Sierra Nevada, and
the Great Basin. Add to this the area's unusual geology, and the result
is one of the most unique botanical areas in the world – some 3,500
species. There are 130 endemic species and the greatest diversity of
conifers in the world. At higher elevations, look for two unusual
conifers: Brewers, or weeping spruce, (Picea breweriana) and foxtail
pine (Pinus balfouriana), one of the bristlecone pines. At lower
elevations, look for digger pine (Pinus sabiniana). In seeps and bogs,
look for pitcher plant (Darlingtonia californica), a carnivorous plant.
The various plant communities are elevation dependent. Up to about
3,000 feet, the forest is dominated by Douglas-fir with a few
ponderosa and Jeffery pines mixed in. In riparian areas look for
alders, oaks and maples, and on drier sites, madrone, chinquapin, tan
oaks and live oaks. Poison oak is common. From 3,000 to 6,000 feet
is a mixed conifer community comprised of sugar, Jeffery and
ponderosa pines, Douglas-fir, white firs and incense cedar. Also to be
found are mountain ash, vine maple, black oaks, and alders. Most of
the hiking is in this type of forest. Between 5,000 and 7,000 feet, the
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forest is mostly red firs with some western white pine. Look for
mountain hemlock and Brewer's spruce on north facing slopes and in
cirques near 7,000 feet. A subalpine forest community occurs
between 6,500 and 8,000 feet. Here are foxtail and white bark pines
and the occasional stunted and contorted Jeffery and western white
pines and incense cedar.
Scattered through the mixed conifer and subalpine communities are
mountain meadows composed of grasses, sedges and wildflowers.
The best of these is on a northeast facing slope in upper Long Canyon
where more than 100 acres of wildflowers of dozens of species bloom
in late July and early August. See Bee Tree Gap, hike no. 24. Finally,
at elevations near 9,000 feet are a handful of alpine areas. They have
no trees and only a few shrubs, but expect a remarkable array of
wildflowers.
Critters
Unfortunately, the animal you are most likely to see in the Trinity
Alps is the beef cow. One or many might turn up anywhere there is
an open meadow. Of native mammals, deer and bear are common
residents. Although you are unlikely to see a bear, if backpacking,
you should hang your food or use bear canisters. Less common, but
present, are mountain lions, coyotes, pine martins, fishers, long-tailed
weasels, elk, opossums, squirrels, beaver, and a multitude of small
rodents. If you keep food in your tent, you may become intimately
acquainted with some of the latter.
For you fisher-persons, most of the lakes have rainbow, brown or
brook trout. Bird watching is a good bet as hundreds of bird species
call the Klamath Mountains home. Vireos, warblers, finches, jays,
kinglets, hummingbirds, raptors and many more are likely to be seen.
A variety of snakes, frogs, and salamanders live in the Trinities. At
lower elevations be on the lookout for rattlesnakes.
Finally, expect some insect pests. Wet areas at higher elevations will
no doubt have mosquitos. Horseflies and deer flies may be common
in places. Ticks are also a possibility, especially at lower elevations.
History
Settlers first came to the Trinities in numbers with the California gold
rush during the 1850’s. In the years since, the area has been subjected
to extensive placer and hard rock mining. Today, mining activity is
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minimal with approximately 76 placer claims and 24 lode claims in
the wilderness (as of 1997). The remainder of claims in the
wilderness have been withdrawn. Of historical significance, remains
and relics of these activities are much in evidence and include old
cabins and mining machinery. The scars on the landscape resulting
from these mining activities still exist, although nature has begun to
heal many of these intrusions.
NON-HIKING ACTIVITIES
Trinity Lake
Trinity Lake was created by damming the Trinity River as a part of
the Central Valley water project. It is a large reservoir – 17 miles
long and one to four miles wide covering 23 square miles. It and
nearby rivers provide for a large range of water activities including
rafting, water skiing, kayaking and swimming. The summer water
temperature is warm which makes it great for swimming. House
boats and other water craft are available for rental through the Trinity
Lake Resort and Marina. Swimming beaches are located at Clark
Springs Campground 2.5 miles north of camp on Highway 3 and
Stoney Creek Campground Day Use Area a half mile south of camp
on Highway 3. If you like to mix your hiking with some water
activities, this is the place.
Rafting and Kayaking
Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the nearby Trinity River is
offered by at least two companies: the Trinity River Rafting Company
at 1-800-307-4837 www.trinityriverrafting.com; and Wilderness
Adventures at 1-800-323-7238, www.wildrivertrips.com.
Vineyards
The US government designated part of the local area as an ISA
viticulture area and there are a number of small vineyards in the area.
Here is a sample:
 Alpen Cellars The tasting room is open 7 days a week
from 10 am to 4 pm during the summer. They can be
contacted at 530-266-9513
 Butter Creek Vineyard and Ranch They are open by
appointment. The phone number is 530-628-4890
 Meredith Family Vineyard Visitors are welcome but
must call first. The phone number is 530-623-2885.
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 One Maple Winery They are open daily 10 am to 6 pm
during the summer. The phone number is 530-778-0716.
Weaverville
This old mining town has a number of points of interest including the
Trinity County Courthouse, the Joss House State Historical Park and
the J.J. Jackson Memorial Museum. Wi-Fi, excellent coffee and air
conditioning are available at Mama Llama.
Junction City
Rigdzin Ling, a Buddist retreat center, with beautiful grounds and
stupas is 8 miles west of Weaverville in a small community called
Junction City.
Trinity Center
The only town on the reservoir, Trinity Center features the Scott
Museum and the Odd Fellows Hall which was moved from the old
townsite, now at the bottom of the reservoir.
Redding
Redding offers a number of activities, both indoors and outdoors. A
highlight is the Turtle Bay Exploration Park which includes the
Sundial Bridge, aviary, a museum, and acres of botanical gardens.
There are also miles of walking and bikes paths. Shasta Historic Park,
6 miles west of Redding, features vestiges of the gold rush, including
a restored Courthouse Museum.
Driving Tours
There are several auto tours which are fairly close to camp. You may
wish to extend your trip and see the sights on the way to/from camp.
Listed below are four of them.


Mt. Shasta This trip features a drive to the flank of Mt. Shasta
and an exploration of the old logging town of McCloud.
From camp go to Redding, and then drive 59 miles north on
I-5 to the community of Mt. Shasta. In Mt. Shasta, take Hwy
10A for a short and pleasant drive to the end of the road and
some great views. To go to McCloud, take Hwy 89 from Mt.
Shasta and drive 11 miles east.
Mt. Lassen National Park To get to Mt. Lassen National
Volcanic Park, first drive to Redding and then head east on
California Highway 44 for 48 miles. The free map you
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

receive when entering the park locates the various volcanic
features. There are enough easy access features to occupy
you for the day. There is also an interesting lava tube you can
explore if you have a flashlight.
Pacific Coast From camp drive to Weaverville, take a right
onto Highway 299 and drive 96 miles to Arcata. Turn left on
US 101 and travel a short distance to Eureka. Or turn right
on US 101 and drive north along the coast for 30 miles to
Redwood National Park. Enjoy lunch along the coast or
under the shade of the redwoods.
Weaver Bally Lookout The lookout is northeast of
Weaverville and has outstanding views of the southern
Trinities. Refer to Monument Peak, hike no. 28 for directions
Other Activities
The area has many more recreational opportunities. Listed above are
only a sampling of things to do. For more information, visit the
websites for Trinity County, Weaverville, Redding and other
communities, and for the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management. Take a look before you arrive for Summer Camp.
REFERENCES
Books
The Chemeketans used the following books extensively in
preparation of this guide. REI, Amazon and local sporting goods
stores may be sources for these or other books.


Bernstein, A. 1993. Best Hikes of the Trinity Alps. Mountain
N'Air. La Crescents, CA
White, M. 2010. A Hiking and Backpacking Guide: Trinity
Alps and Vicinity. Wilderness Press. Berkley, CA
Maps
The following map was used in preparation of this guide. All trails
mentioned in this guide appear on this map. It is available from the
National Forest Store and may be purchased online at
www.nationalforeststore.com or from the Ranger Station in
Weaverville.
 US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region. 2004. A
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Guide to the Trinity Alps Wilderness. US Department of
Agriculture. Washington, DC
Also used extensively in preparing this guide was the computer
software TOPO! California. This software includes all USGS 7.5'
topographic maps for the Trinity Alps Wilderness in a seamless
format. This software is available from many retailers, including
REI.
 National Geographic, 2010, TOPO! California. National
Geographic Maps, Evergreen, CO
The following maps also may be of use. The USGS topographic
maps are available from a variety of sources online. The National
Forest maps are available from the National Forest Store or from the
Ranger Station in Weaverville.
 The various USGS 7.5' Topographic Maps for the part of the
Trinity Alps Wilderness area covered by this hiking guide.
These include Billys Peak, Caribou Lake, Carrville,
Covington Mill, Deadman Peak, Mt. Hilton, Rush Creek
Lakes, Siligo Peak, Tangle Blue Lake, Thompson Peak,
Thurston Peaks, and Ycatapom Peak.
 US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region. 2007.
Klamath National Forest. US Department of Agriculture.
Washington, DC
 US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region. 2010. ShastaTrinity National Forest. US Department of Agriculture.
Washington, DC
 US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region. 2009. Six
Rivers National Forest. US Department of Agriculture.
Washington, DC
PERMITS AND FEES
Day Hiking
A wilderness permit is NOT required for hiking and a recreation pass
is NOT required for parking at trailheads.
Backpacking
Wilderness permits and campfire permits are required before entering
the wilderness. Campfire permits are needed for the operation of a
backpacking stove or camp stove. Both of these permits are issued at
no cost to the visitor. Permits are NOT available at trailheads.
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Backpacking groups are limited to 10 persons while hiking and while
camping.
Wilderness permits and information about trail conditions can be
obtained at the USFS Ranger Station in Weaverville (manned during
business hours – self-service at other hours) or at the USFS Fire
Station in Coffee Creek (self-serve at all hours). The Coffee Creek
Fire Station is located 22.7 miles north of camp on Highway 3 and the
Weaverville Ranger Station is located 14.7 miles south of camp in
Weaverville.
Wilderness Information
Weaverville Ranger District
PO Box 1190 (360 Main Street)
Weaverville, CA 96093
530-623-2121
ADDITIONAL CONCERNS
Horses
Horses are allowed on most trails in the Trinity Alps Wilderness.
Hikers should yield to horses by stepping off the trail on the downhill
side, if possible.
Bears
When hiking in the Trinity Alps, there is the potential for bear
encounters. Please keep the following in mind.
When you encounter a bear:
 DO NOT get between the bear and its food or a food source.
 Vacate the area.
 If a bear approaches, try to scare it away by shouting or
making noise.
 Report all bear problems to the US Forest Service or the
California Department of Fish and Game.
For more information about black bears visit www.BeBearAware.org,
a website produced by the Center for Wildlife Information.
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Ticks
Please be aware that there are ticks in the area. Do a thorough tick
check after a hike.
HIKING GUIDE
Hikes in this guide are all on the eastern side of the wilderness near
Trinity Lake. The map on the next page shows the locations of trail
destinations relative to the camp and to Trinity Lake.
The description for each hike provides a difficulty rating, the round
trip hiking distance, the total elevation gain, the round trip driving
distance from camp, the USGS 7.5' Topographic map for the area, and
the references used to compile the description. The Chemeketans
ranked the popularity of the hikes during their 1996 outing but not in
2012. Their 1996
ranking is included in
the trip description. A
ranking of 12 means the
hike was the 12th most
popular. Some hikes
included here were not
hiked in 1996.
Difficulty Rating
Easy: up to 5 miles
roundtrip and 1,000 feet
of elevation gain.
Medium: up to 10 miles
roundtrip and 2,000 feet
of elevation gain.
Hard: up to 15 miles
roundtrip and 3,000 feet
of elevation gain.
Strenuous: over 15
miles and over 3,000
feet of elevation gain.
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Note: Hiking distances and elevation gains were determined with the
aid of the computer
software National
Geographic TOPO!
California. The
elevation gains
represent the total of
all ups and downs on
a trail and include
gain in both
directions. It is NOT
simply the difference
between the trailhead
elevation and the
elevation at the
destination. In some
cases, the elevation
gain is substantially
more than the
elevation difference.
See the description of
the North Fork Trinity
River (hike no. 30) for
an extreme example. Hopefully the numbers given here are more
realistic than other sources. They are, however, a function of the
accuracy with which the trails are plotted on the USGS topographic
maps and the accuracy of the digital elevation model used to
determine elevation at any given point.
1. Trail Gulch and Long Gulch Lakes Loop
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
References:
Rank in 1996:
Medium
127 miles
9.4 miles
Deadman Peak
2470 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 2, pg. 43
White, 2010, Hike 26, pg. 210
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Driving Directions: From camp, drive 48 miles north on Highway 3
to the town of Callahan. Just north of town, turn left onto Forest
Road 93 and drive 12.3 miles to Carter Meadows Summit. At 0.7
miles past the summit, turn left onto Forest Road 39N08 signed for
Carter Meadows Trailheads. Drive this gravel road 2.6 miles to the
Long Gulch Trailhead arriving just after crossing Long Gulch
Creek.
Trail Description: Trail Gulch and Long Gulch Lakes are nearly
identical each lying in a spectacular cirque with dramatic headwalls
rising more than 1200 feet above the water. The 'gulches' leading to
these lakes are actually delightful valleys filled with meadows and
forests. There is some uncertainty about the names of the two gulches
and lakes. The inset map is taken from A Guide to the Trinity Alps
Wilderness (US Forest Service, 2004). Recent hiking guides (e.g.,
White, 2010) also follow this naming convention, and according to
the Klamath National Forest, the trails should be signed consistently
with this map.
However, note that
the names for the
gulches and lakes
are reversed on the
USGS Topographic
map for the area and
in earlier hiking
guides (e.g.,
Bernstein, 1993).
The Long Gulch
Trail climbs steadily
through woods and
meadows to a
junction at the head
of the valley,
crossing the creek at
1 mile and reaching
the junction at 2.6
miles. Take the left
fork 0.5 miles to
Long Gulch Lake. From the lake continue on, climbing through a
series of switchbacks, to a divide at 7,400 feet. The trail descends a
19
couple hundred feet on the east side of the divide and then traverses
the ridge descending slightly to the east. The trail re-crosses the
divide at a three-way trail junction. Take the left most fork, north,
descending through a few switchbacks to the spur trail to Trail Gulch
Lake. It is a scant 0.5 miles into the lake. To finish the loop, return to
the main trail and go north to the Trail Gulch Trailhead. From the
trailhead, take the relatively new tie trail 0.9 miles back to the Long
Gulch Trailhead.
2. Deadman Peak
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium
127 miles
7.4 miles
Deadman Peak
2270 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 2, pg. 43
Not hiked
Driving Directions: Refer to Trail Gulch – Long Gulch Loop, hike
no. 1, above.
Trail Description: This hike provides a panoramic view of the
northern Trinity Alps. Thompson Peak to the south west should be
visible. At 9,022 feet, it is the highest point in the Trinity Alps.
As does the previous hike, this one begins at the Long Gulch
Trailhead, ascending Long Gulch to a trail junction at the head of the
valley. Rather than taking the left fork to Long Gulch Lake, go right
and up through a series of switchbacks to the top of the headwall
above the lake. At the divide, head southeast along the ridge line, to
the top of Deadman Peak (7,617 feet). You will have a spectacular
and “dizzying” view of Long Gulch Lake.
3. Hidden Lake
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Easy
121 miles
1.7 miles
Deadman Peak
580 feet
20
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 3, pg. 49
White, 2010, Hike 25, pg. 207
26
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 48 miles north on Highway 3
to the town of Callahan. Just north of Callahan, turn left onto Forest
Road 93 and drive 12.3 miles to Carter Meadows Summit. At the
summit, park on the left, in the parking area for the Pacific Crest Trail
and the Carter Summit Trailhead.
Trail Description: Hidden Lake is a small, clear lake with a solid
bottom and little shoreline brush. The lake is tree lined and shaded
with a cliff rising from the far end. It sounds perfect for swimming.
Just downhill
from the parking
lot is the junction
of the Pacific
Crest and the
Hidden Lake
Trails. Look for
a small oak
plaque indicating
the way to
Hidden Lake.
Head southeast
through a shady
hemlock and fir
forest. Before
long, the trail
opens up onto a
ridge with great
views across the canyon of the South Fork of the Scott River. The
craggy Scott Mountains lie beyond. The trees return before you get to
the lake, but the trail is steep, climbing over 400 feet in about 0.3
miles.
21
4. South Fork Lakes
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium
121 miles
4.4 Miles
Deadman Peak
1700 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 3, pg. 49
23
Driving Directions: Refer to Hidden Lake, hike no. 3, above.
Trail Description: These two small lakes lie in a small cirque above
the headwall of a much larger cirque, and are the headwaters of the
South Fork of the Scott River. The upper lake is the more picturesque
of the two and is reported to have excellent fishing. The brushy
shoreline may hinder access for fishing and swimming.
From the parking lot head south on the Pacific Crest Trail, descending
gradually to the South Fork of the Scott River. Cross the river,
continuing a short distance to the trail junction for South Fork Lake.
Turn right and head uphill entering a large cirque that holds a marshy
meadow surrounded by high cliffs. From here, the trail climbs very
steeply through a series of switchbacks to the top of the headwall,
gaining 700 feet in less than 0.5 miles. From the top, it is an easy 0.5
mile walk to the upper lake.
5. Mavis and Fox Creek Lakes
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium
111 miles
7.9 miles
Billys Peak
1790 feet
White, 2010, Hike 24, pg. 203
Not hiked
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 48 miles north on Highway 3
to the town of Callahan. In Callahan, turn south on Forest Road
40N16, just west of the bridge across East Fork of the Scott River,
22
and before the general store. Follow this road to a junction, turn right
and follow signs for McKeen Divide. Drive 2 miles to another
junction at the top of McKeen Divide. Keep left on Forest Road
40N17, following the most obvious
route. At 3 miles beyond McKeen
Divide come to the junction with
Forest Road 39N10, signed for East
Boulder Lake. Continue on Forest
Road 40N17 toward Mavis Lake,
cross Wolf Creek at 7 miles past
Callahan, then climb steeply another
0.5 miles to the signed Fox Creek
Ridge Trailhead. Park off the road
to the right where the road turns left
toward Fox Creek.
Trail Description: Neither of
these lakes is a classic Trinity Alps
lake nestled in a cirque with a
towering headwall. Instead, each
lies in an open basin and is bordered
by forest and wet meadows.
Wildflowers are a possibility. The
fishing is reported to be good and if
you are looking for some privacy,
these are less visited than many
lakes in the Trinity Alps.
The trail heads due south following Fox Creek Ridge, climbing
through a fir and pine forest. At about 2.0 miles, the trail opens onto
a sloping meadow of wildflowers with two small springs among alder
thickets. Back in the forest, and less than a mile from the meadow, is
the junction with the Wolford Cabin Trail. Continue right for just 300
yards to a second junction. The right fork goes to Fox Creek Lake in
0.8 miles, and the left fork goes to Mavis Lake in 0.2 miles.
6. East Boulder Lake (Mill Creek Lake)
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
Easy to medium
112 miles
3.2 to 7.9 miles
23
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Billys Peak
880 to 2210 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 4, pg. 53
Not hiked
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 48 miles north on Highway 3
to the town of Callahan. In Callahan, turn south on Forest Road
40N16 just west of the bridge across East Fork of the Scott River and
before the general store. Follow this road to a junction, turn right and
follow signs for McKeen Divide. Drive 2 miles to another junction at
the top of McKeen Divide. Keep left on Forest Road 40N17,
following the most obvious route. At 3 miles beyond McKeen
Divide, turn left at the junction with Forest Road 39N10 to East
Boulder Lake driving another mile to the East Boulder Trailhead.
Trail Description: East Boulder
Lake occupies a large cirque in
the picturesque Scott Mountains.
It is one of the largest lakes in the
Trinity Alps. The area is notable
for its variety of trees and high
desert vegetation.
From the trailhead, head south
along East Boulder Creek. The
trail begins in forest, but soon
passes through a number of
grassy openings. Just before
arriving at the lake, the trail
passes a sizable waterfall on the
right. The trail passes through
private lands, so expect to see
livestock along the way.
For a longer hike, continue around the west side of the lake and on to
Upper Boulder Lake. For another option, at the point where you first
come upon the lake, look for the junction with the trail to Mill Creek
Lake. Follow this trail around the east side of East Boulder Lake and
then up a series of switchbacks. After 1.7 miles you arrive at Mill
Creek Lake. Hiking to Upper Boulder Lake adds 1.3 miles and 100
feet to your hike. Mill Creek Lake adds 3.4 miles and 1,220 feet to
24
the hike.
7. Tangle Blue Lake
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium
77 miles
6.4 miles
Tangle Blue Lake
1180 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 5, pg. 61
White, 2010, Hike 22, pg.192
16
Driving Directions: From camp, drive north on Highway 3, crossing
Coffee Creek and passing the junction for Forest Road 17. About a
mile past that junction turn left onto Forest Road 39N20 - 35.5 miles
from camp. Maps of the area and the references disagree as to the
distance to and the exact location of the Tangle Blue Trailhead. The
way to the trailhead should be signed, but the signs are popular and
disappear on a regular basis. In any case, by staying on Forest Road
39N20, and going left at all junctions, you should arrive at the
trailhead. It is marked by a locked gate across the road, at between 3.0
and 3.5 miles from Highway 3.
Trail Description: Tangle Blue Lake lies in a cirque whose headwall
has eroded into rugged pinnacles towering more than 1,000 feet above
the water. It is a
popular destination
for climbers and
scramblers. The
lake is surrounded
by timber and
meadows that may
be full of
wildflowers. The
trail passes the
remains of an old
cabin.
The route follows
old mining roads
25
for the first 1.5 miles or so. To begin, walk past the gate, cross the
bridge, and follow the road along the creek to a second gate.
Beyond the gate the wilderness begins, and the trail enters an open
flat with immense incense cedars. The trail crosses to the north side
of the creek, then passes through a series of rocky gullies where it
may be hard to follow. At about 2.5 miles, you pass the site of the
Messner cabin. Another 0.6 miles and 350 feet of gain brings you to
the lake.
8. Big Bear Lake
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium to Hard
63 miles
7.8 miles
Tangle Blue Lake
2960 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 6, pg. 67
White, 2010, Hike 21, pg. 187
14
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 33 miles north on Highway 3,
crossing Coffee Creek continuing on to Bear Creek Loop Road
(County Road 137) at Sunflower Flat. Turn left onto Bear Creek
Loop Road and drive south 1.7 miles to the Bear Lake Trailhead on
the right. It may also be possible to access Bear Creek Loop further
south on Highway 3 at 30 miles from Camp, but the maps and guides
disagree on this point.
Trail Description: Big Bear Lake may be the most beautiful of the
readily accessible, or “outer” lakes of the Trinity Alps. It lies in a
cirque carved from white granite. The headwall rises steeply above
26
the lake and is topped by jagged spires. From the parking lot, cross
the bridge and follow the dirt road 200 yards to the trail on your right.
The trail follows Bear Creek to the lake and has no junctions. It
passes through a variety of forest cover, a boulder field and fern-filled
meadows. In the forest openings, expect excellent views of white
granite peaks on the south side of the creek. On the return trip, look
for views of Mt. Shasta.
9. Stoddard Lake
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium
67 miles
6.2 miles
Billy's Peak
1390 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 7, pg. 71
White, 2010, Hike 20, pg. 179
6
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 25 miles north on Highway 3,
crossing Coffee Creek proceeding on to Eagle Creek Loop Road
(County Road 135). Turn left onto Eagle Creek Loop Road, driving
1.2 miles to Forest Road 38N22. Turn left and follow Forest Road
38N22 4.3 miles to Forest Road 38N27. Again turn left and drive to
the Stoddard Lake Trailhead at roads end at the wilderness
boundary.
Trail Description: This beautiful lake is the sixth largest in the
wilderness. As if the lake were not reward enough, the trail affords
views of Big
Bear Peak
across Eagle
Creek and in
the distance,
Mt. Shasta
and Castle
Crags, and it
passes
through
flower filled
meadows,
27
including the broad expanse of Stoddard Meadow. At the meadow
look for the remains of Stoddard Cabin.
The trail begins uphill through low brush and scattered trees. At 0.4
miles is a trail junction marked for Stoddard Lake and Doe Lake. The
left hand fork is the old, shorter and steeper trail to Stoddard Lake (It
is not shown on the map) . Take the more traveled fork to the right.
At 1.2 miles is a large meadow where a stream crosses the trail. Look
for pitcher plant, or Darlingtonia along the banks. You reach
Stoddard Meadows at about 2.0 miles where you will find another
trail junction. The right fork goes to Doe and Granite Lakes. Take
the left fork and follow it 1.0 miles to Stoddard Lake.
10. Doe Lake
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium
67 miles
9.8 miles
Billy's Peak
2320 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 7, pg. 71
White, 2010, Hike 20, pg. 179
28
Driving Directions: Refer to Stoddard Lake, hike no. 9, above.
Trail Description: Doe Lake proves the adage that good things
come in small packages. Few visitors make it to this small lake,
surrounded on the south and west sides by a jagged, perpendicular
granite headwall. Forest covers the east side of the lake, but the rest
of the lake shore is carpeted with wildflowers. Look for a rockslide
above the southwest shore where flowers may be expected to be
particularly good.
Follow the trail directions for Stoddard Lake until you get to Stoddard
Meadows. At the trail junction, turn right toward Granite and Doe
Lakes. Climb for one mile up a steep forested hillside, that burned in
1987, to Doe Flat – a large meadow of grass and corn lilies. At the
trail junction, take the left fork. The trail through Doe Flat
crisscrosses the creek and may be muddy. The next mile of trail
winds through alder thickets and stream channels, crosses an open
28
hillside littered with glacial erratics, and finally climbs into the cirque
holding Doe Lake.
11. Billy's Peak Lookout
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Hard
58 miles
5.3 miles
Carrville
2870 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 8, pg. 77
Not hiked
Driving Directions: From camp, drive north on Highway 3 to Forest
Road 38N34, 24.6 miles from camp, 2 miles beyond Coffee Creek
and just past the Trinity Campground. Turn left and follow Forest
Road 38N34 4.5 miles to the trailhead. There are several
intersections so be sure to stay on Forest Road 38N34. Park at the
large landing 500 feet below Billys Peak Trailhead.
Trail Description: This hike is steep, demanding and requires a rock
scramble at the end. Your reward will be outstanding views of the
eastern part of the Trinity Alps. To the south, across steep Coffee
Creek Canyon, lies the Boulder Lakes Basin, Red Rock Mountain,
Ycatapom Peak,
and Gibson
Peak. To the
west look for
peaks of the
inner Trinities,
among them,
Caribou
Mountain and
Mt. Thompson.
To the east are
Mt. Shasta, Mt.
Eddy and Castle
Crags.
The trail begins
steeply, zig29
zagging up a forested ridge. The frequent open areas should have
displays of wildflowers. As you climb, views open to the south.
After 1.5 miles, the trail crosses onto the Coffee Creek side. Here you
leave the forest behind and traverse a steep, rocky slope. The traverse
ends in a sharp switchback to the east. The trail heads steeply uphill
across a rocky slope to another sharp switchback that leads to a
narrow chute. Inside the chute is a series of tight switchbacks
heading very steeply up the loose rock. The way may be obstructed in
places by boulders and brush. At the top of the chute, the trail passes
through a notch that frames Mt. Shasta to the northeast. The trail
swings to the left and then climbs 100 feet up a narrow crack in the
smooth rock face to the right. Use of hands may be required. The
summit is a short walk from the top of the crack.
12. Sugar Pine Lake
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Strenuous
60 miles
11.6 miles
Ycatapom Peak
3760 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 9, pg. 83
White, 2010, Hike 13, pg.127
Not hiked
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 22.7 miles north on Highway
3 to Coffee Creek Road (County Road 104). Turn left and follow
Coffee Creek Road about 7.4 miles to the trailhead on a side road to
the left. Look for signs for the East Fork Coffee Creek - Sugar
Pine Trailhead.
Trail Description: Sugar Pine Lake is yet another alpine beauty, set
at the head of a long glacial valley in a dramatic cirque with an
imposing granite headwall. However, given the arduous hike in, and
the fact that it is not on the way to anywhere else, the lake gets few
visitors.
30
The trail is mostly
forested, but because of
the elevation gain, the
forest transitions from
low-elevation oak,
Douglas-fir and
ponderosa pine to lodgepole and white pines in
the high meadows and
Shasta red fir and
mountain hemlock near
the lake.
From the trailhead, cross
Coffee Creek and walk
up a steep logging road
until the trail begins
after ¼ mile. At 3 miles,
the trail enters wide and
beautiful Cabin Flat, a
meadow of grass and
corn lilies. Cabin Flat is bordered on the west by towering orange
serpentine cliffs and has views to the south of jagged Sugar Pine
Peak. The trail junctions here. Stay left for Sugar Pine Lake. The
right fork climbs steeply out of the canyon and goes on to Battle
Canyon and Union Lake.
The trail continues on through more forest and two meadows,
eventually arriving at a high granite wall. It passes under the wall for
a half mile before arriving at the lake.
13. Hodges Cabin
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Easy
62 miles
6.5 miles
Billys Peak
1340 feet
White, 2010, Hike 14, pg.137
5
31
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 22.7 miles north on Highway
3 to Coffee Creek Road (County Road 104). Turn left and follow
Coffee Creek Road about 8.5 miles to the North Fork Coffee Creek
Trailhead on the right.
Trail Description: Hodges Cabin is a large and rustic two story
structure built in 1923 by Walter Leander Hodges. The site includes a
horse barn and corral, a blacksmith shop, a generator shed and Pelton
wheel, a cement
swimming pool and a
tree house. The US
forest Service acquired
the site in 1987.
While the cabin makes a
worthy destination of its
own, the hike into the
cabin should be equally
as rewarding. For the
first mile, the trail climbs
up the narrow canyon of
the North Fork of Coffee Creek, then contours along the creek for a
half mile. Look for the remains of an old mining cabin. The trail dips
down to, and then crosses, the creek on a steel-truss bridge. The
valley widens, and the trail passes through idyllic woods of Douglas
fir, ponderosa pine and incense cedar. The trail closely follows the
creek which is wide, flowing swiftly over gravel and rocks, with long
riffles and deep pools. At 1.7 miles past the bridge, you come to
another bridge which crosses over to Hodges Cabin. For a longer
hike, cross back to the west side of the creek and continue up the
valley for a mile or so. Here you will find abundant evidence of past
mining activity, and you may see the remains of an old mining
community that resided here along the creek.
32
14. Foster Lake
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Strenuous
68 miles
14.6 miles
Caribou Lake
3870 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 11, pg. 89
White, 2010, Hike 13, pg. 127
Not hiked
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 22.7 miles north on Highway
3 to Coffee Creek Road (County Road 104). Turn left and follow
Coffee Creek Road about 11.4 miles to the Union Creek Trailhead
on the left.
Trail Description: Foster Lake is one of the most scenic lakes in the
Trinity Alps, and at
7,250 feet, one of the
highest. Bernstein and
White describe it as the
“most perfect cirque
lake imaginable” and
“delightful”,
respectively. As a
bonus, just a short walk
from the lake is a
spectacular view into
the heart of the
Trinities.
But dues must be paid
to get there. Not only
is the hike long with
nearly 3,900 feet of
elevation gain, much of
the first part has little
to recommend it. For
the first four miles, the
hike follows an
abandoned and wide
road, mostly in forest
33
with, occasional grassy openings. There is a bridged crossing of
Union Creek at 2.0 miles, after which the road closely follows the
creek. At 4.7 miles is the junction with the Dorleska Mine Trail. Stay
left on the Union Creek Trail. In 0.6 miles, you come to the first of
two trails into Union Lake.
Union Lake is only one mile and a gain of 260 feet from the junction,
while Foster Lake is two miles and 1690 feet. Though it is tempting
to take the shorter and easer hike to Union Lake, Foster is the better
option. Union Lake is likely to disappoint. It is shallow, stagnant,
mucky and full of dead trees. While it does lie in a cirque, the head
wall is less than impressive.
So, go left at the junction onto the Union Lake Spur Trail. In a
quarter mile or so you come to two trail junctions just minutes apart.
Bear left and then right, following signs for Foster Lake, Lion Lake or
the Lion Lake Trail. Do not take trails signed for Sugar Pine Lake,
Landers Lake or Parker Divide. Beyond the second junction, a
massive slope of polished granite rises 1,500 feet in front of you. A
narrow opening in the granite face leads 1.5 miles to Foster Lake
nestled on a rock shelf 1,000 feet up.
Continue east from the lake a quarter mile, and up 200 feet, to the
divide with Lion Lake. Mt. Shasta is framed perfectly over Lion
Lake to the east. Turn back toward Foster Lake to a spectacular view
of Union Creek Valley and the Union Lake, Bullards Basin and
Landers Lake cirques. Look for Red Rock Mountain, the white
towers of Caribou Peak, and Sawtooth Mountain.
15. Adams Lake
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium
76 miles
4.8 miles
Caribou Lake
1730 feet
White, 2010, Hike 17, pg. 160
15
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 22.7 miles north on Highway
3 to Coffee Creek Road (County Road 104). Turn left and follow
34
Coffee Creek Road 15.5 miles to the Adams Lake Trailhead. The
trailhead may be difficult to locate. It is about a half mile beyond the
bridge over Adams Creek and just before the reworked area of Upper
Nash Mine. The trail starts as an old jeep road chopped off by a 3 to
4 foot cut from Coffee Creek Road. In 2008, there was a small
signboard, bearing no information, marking the trailhead. Good luck.
Trail Description: Adams Lake itself may be uninviting, especially
in late summer, when the water turns green. Its banks and bottom are
muddy and not conducive for swimming. Its setting, however, is
remarkably scenic. At the south end of the lake, the rugged, northern
most of the granite peaks of the Salmon Mountains rises up over
7,600 feet. Near the outlet, at the north end, is a lush wildflower
meadow.
The trail follows an old road through a magnificent forest of Douglasfir and white fir. Look for the occasional sugar pine, western white
pine and incense cedar. As you near the lake the Adams Creek
Canyon widens into a pretty glaciated valley.
16. Dorleska Mine
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Medium
84 miles
5.9 miles
Caribou Lake
35
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
2640 feet
White, 2010, Hike 15, pg. 147
19
Driving Directions: From camp, drive north about 22.7 miles on
Highway 3 to Coffee Creek Road (County Road 104). Turn left and
follow Coffee Creek Road 19.3 miles to the Big Flat Trailhead at
Big Flat Campground.
Trail Description: The Dorleska Mine operated for about 30 years in
the early 20th Century. The stamp mills were powered by stream
engines fueled by the nearby forest. Remains of the steam engines,
boilers, stamp mills and ore cars are still there, but the buildings have
disappeared. All of this heavy equipment was hauled in by mules.
From the trailhead, take the Yellow Rose Trail south, climbing and
traversing a steep west facing slope. At about 2 miles you come to
the Yellow Rose Mine. An old shack, a boiler and a rock crusher
remain at the site. Not far beyond the mine is a trail junction. Take
the left fork toward Bullard's Basin. As you cross the divide into
Bullard's Basin, there are excellent views, to the southwest, of the
South Fork Salmon River, and up Josephine Creek to Josephine Lake
and Sawtooth Ridge above. Dorleska Mine is 1.0 mile from the
Yellow Rose Mine and 0.5 miles from the crest of the divide. See the
map on the next page.
17. Caribou Lakes Trail
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium to Strenuous
84 miles
6.1 to 15.5 miles
Caribou Lake
1470 to 4260 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 11, pg. 97
White, 2010, Hike 18, pg. 163
22 (as backpack)
Driving Directions: Refer to Dorleska Mine, hike no. 16, above.
36
Trail Description: When you read descriptions of the Caribou Lakes
Basin superlatives abound. It is sure to make almost anyone's list of
the most beautiful places they have been. And if you make it to the
lakes, it is almost an imperative that you go the extra 1.25 miles and
very steep 670 feet of elevation gain to the top of Sawtooth Ridge.
The view of Sapphire and Emerald Lakes far, far below is said to be
awe inspiring. The full trip may be more than most are willing to do
as a day hike. It would be better as an over-nighter. If that is not an
option for you, there are alternatives allowing you to see some of
what this beautiful area has to offer. Among your options are Caribou
Meadows (6.1 miles r.t. and 1,470 feet of gain), Browns Meadow
(10.7 miles r.t. and 2,570 feet), and a viewpoint overlooking Caribou
Lakes (9.3 miles r.t. and 3,340 feet). Caribou Lakes is 15.5 miles
round trip and 4,260 feet of gain.
From the parking
lot, head south
following signs for
Kidd Creek and TriForest Peak. In just
a few minutes, turn
right at a junction
and cross the South
Fork Salmon River.
Just after crossing
the river are two
junctions in quick
order. Go left and
then right following
signs for Caribou
Lake. The trail
switchbacks up the
hill, then makes a
long traverse up and
across the slope, and
finally makes two
long switchbacks
before arriving at
Caribou Meadows after 3 miles. There are excellent views into the
canyon of the South Fork.
37
At the four way junction in Caribou Meadows, go straight ahead to
Brown's Meadow at 5.3 miles. Continuing on, Thompson Peak
comes into view at 6.3 miles, and at 7.8 miles, the lakes appear.
For a truly stunning view of the lakes, turn left at the junction in
Caribou Meadows, heading up the Old Caribou Lake Trail to a
viewpoint at 4.6 miles.
If you make it to Caribou Lakes and have energy to spare, continue on
1.25 miles, climbing another 670 feet, to the crest of Sawtooth Ridge.
You will not be disappointed.
For the adventuresome, a use trail goes to Little Caribou Lake from
the Old Caribou Lake Trail. At the end of the longest of the
switchbacks as you climb up from Caribou Meadows, and 1.0 mile
from the junction, look for cairns marking the trail.
18. Kidd Creek Divide (Ward Lake)
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Hard
84 miles
10.6 (11.8) miles
Caribou Lake
2920 (3370) feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 12, pg. 103
Not hiked
Driving Directions: Refer to Dorleska Mine, hike no. 16, above.
Trail Description: The views from the divide between Kidd and
Swift Creeks are spectacular. The guide books overflow with
superlatives. At the divide, near at hand are the orange serpentine
ridge of Red Rock Mountain and the black schist of Black Mountain.
Across the South Fork Salmon River valley is the white granite of
Caribou Peak. To the south are the Deer Creek Valley and Siligo and
Gibson Peaks. Down the Swift Creek Valley to the east is Thumb
Rock and Ycatapom Peak, and in the southeast, look for Mt. Lassen.
At your feet, nestled between Black Mountain and Snowslide Peak is
little Ward Lake.
From the trailhead, walk past the locked gate and take the gravel road
38
south, following signs for Kidd Creek and Tri-Forest Peak. At the
junction with the Caribou Lakes Trail, continue south on the gravel
road through woods and grassy meadows 3 miles to a junction with a
trail to your left. It is signed for Kidd Creek, Ward Lake and Swift
Creek. The Kidd Creek trail climbs steeply up and away from the
South Fork, through a deep gorge and into the Kidd Creek Basin.
Here you cross nearly a mile of rolling meadows before the final
short, but very steep ascent to the divide. Refer to the map for the
Caribou Lakes Trail, hike no. 17.
If you need a little more, drop the 400 feet and 0.6 miles to Ward
Lake. You may find the lake too cold for swimming, however.
19. Sawtooth Ridge
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Hard
84 miles
12.2 miles
Caribou Lake – Siligo Peak
2600 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 12, pg. 103
17
Driving Directions: Refer to Dorleska Mine, hike no. 16, above.
Trail Description: Here is another great hike with spectacular views
as your reward. This hike climbs to the divide between the South
Fork Salmon River and the Stuart Fork. At the divide, behind you lies
the glaciated South Fork Valley with its hanging tributary valleys, and
before you, the Deer Creek Valley, and more impressively, the
spectacularly deep (3,000 feet) valley of the Stuart Fork. A walk
west along Sawtooth Ridge reveals Morris Meadows and Emerald
Lake far, far below you. Refer to the map for the Caribou Lakes
Trail, hike no. 17.
This hike begins like the hike to Kidd Creek Divide (see hike no. 18,
above). At the junction with the Kidd Creek Trail, however, keep
right, continuing south along the South Fork Salmon River. For 1.5
miles after the junction, the trail climbs easily through old-growth
forest reaching a large meadow where the trail veers sharply to the
left. On your right, are the jagged white spires of Sawtooth Ridge.
39
After a creek crossing, the trail begins it ascent to the ridge crest,
gaining 1,200 feet in the last mile. As you climb, pause to take in the
view of the South Fork which one guide book likened to Yosemite
Valley. At the ridge crest, Deer Creek Valley lies before you. Walk
the level and grassy ridge to your right a half mile to spectacular
views down into the Stuart Fork and to Thompson Peak to the west.
20. Boulder Lake (Little Boulder Lake)
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Easy
65 miles
3.8 (4.7) miles
Ycatapom Peak
920 (1070) feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 13, pg. 109
White, 2010, Hike 12, pg. 120
2 (9)
Driving Directions: From camp, drive north 22.3 miles on Highway
3 to Forest Road 37N52. If you get to Coffee Creek Road, you have
gone a half mile too far. Turn left on Forest Road 37N52 and drive
3.2 miles to the junction with Forest Road 37N53. Turn right and
continue on Forest Road 37N53 another 6.9 miles to the Boulder
Lake Trailhead at road's end. The last ¾ mile may be steep, narrow
and rough, but should be passable by most vehicles.
Trail Description:
On a par with many
of the alpine lakes in
the Trinity Alps,
Boulder Lake is
more accessible than
most. A grass
covered shoreline
extends around the
lake, backed by
dense woods. Lily
pads cover much of
the lake. A wet
meadow borders the
lake at the outlet
40
(south end). The cirque's head wall is composed of a series of granite
domes. Consider a swim off the rocks on the west side.
The trail climbs steadily from the trailhead, gaining 630 feet, and then
enters the cirque, where it descends 290 feet to the lake. At the high
point, look for the trail junction for Little Boulder Lake. Continue on
the right hand fork for Boulder Lake. Go left for about half a mile for
Little Boulder Lake.
Another option is to hike cross country to Tapie, Lost and Found
Lakes. See White (2010), hike number 12, for details.
21. Lily Pad Lake
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
SGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium
46 miles
6.5 miles
Ycatapom Peak
2120 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 14, pg. 113
White, 2010, Hike 12, pg. 120
Not hiked
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 14 miles north on Highway 3
to Trinity Center. Cross Swift Creek and take an immediate left onto
County Road 123. Drive 1.4 miles to the junction with Forest Road
37N55. Turn right and drive 6.5 miles to the Poison Canyon
Trailhead on the left.
Trail Description: Lily Pad Lake lives up to its name. Don't go
expecting the lake to be swimmable or fishable. Do go expecting
41
beautiful scenery. Situated at the foot of Ycatapom Peak and Thumb
Rock, Lily Pad Lake is surrounded by grassy meadows, backed on
three sides by terraced, white granite walls.
The trail follows the North Fork of Swift Creek, climbing through a
series of switchbacks for the first mile. The grade moderates for a
mile or so then begins to climb steeply. Look for glimpses of
Ycatapom Peak and for wildflowers at the stream crossings. At about
2.5 miles, after passing through several large meadows, the trail
junctions with the Thumb Rock Trail. Bear left and continue on less
than a mile to the lake.
22. Granite Lake (Granite Creek Divide)
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium (Strenuous)
43 miles
9.8 (12.6) miles
Covington Mill
2070 (3490) feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 15, pg. 119
White, 2010, Hike 10, pg. 104
1
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 14 miles north on Highway 3
to Trinity Center. Cross Swift Creek and take an immediate left onto
County Road 123. Drive 6.7 miles to the Swift Creek Trailhead.
Watch for signs for the trailhead. Parking is beyond the horse
unloading area. Note that at some point on your drive, County Road
123 becomes Forest Road 36N25.
Trail Description: Clear and deep Granite Lake is one of the most
popular destinations in the Trinity Alps and deservedly so. It sits at
the upper end of lush and green Gibson Meadow and at the foot of
dramatic 8,400 foot Gibson Peak.
The real destination of this trip probably should be the divide between
Granite Creek and Deer Creek to the west. The sensational views
include Castle Crags and Mt .Lassen to the east and Sawtooth Ridge
and Thompson Peak to the west. The only way to improve on the
view would be to climb nearby Seven-Up Peak.
42
The trail follows aptly named Swift Creek for 1.1 miles to the
junction with the
Granite Lake
Trail. Go left
toward Granite
Lake for 2 miles,
following the
creek through
mature forest,
where the way
opens onto
beautiful Gibson
Meadow. It is a
delightful mile
walk through the
meadow to
Granite Lake. A
walk to the
northwest side of the lake will put you in the presence of some very
large incense cedars.
To hike to the Granite Creek Divide, continue west on the Granite
Lake Trail for 1.4 miles climbing beside the creek through a verdant
wildflower meadow.
23. Swift Creek
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium
43 miles
6.5 to 11.0 miles
Covington Mill
1270 to 1810 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 15, pg. 119
10
Driving Directions: Refer to Granite Lake, hike no. 22, above.
Trail Description: This pleasant and scenic hike follows Swift Creek
through a shady forest. You have your choice of destinations: Parker
Creek Gorge (6.5 miles r.t. and 1,270 feet of gain), Parker Meadow
(8.6 miles r.t. and 1,560 feet) and Mumford Meadow (11.0 miles r.t.
43
and 1,810 feet).
This hike begins like the hike to Granite Lake. At the junction with
the Granite Lake Trail at 1.1 miles, however, continue straight ahead
along Swift Creek rather than turning left. At deep and impressive
Parker Creek Gorge (3.25 miles) is a four way junction. Go straight
ahead to continue up Swift Creek. At 4.3 mile, you arrive at Parker
Meadow where the forest opens onto panoramic views. At the upper
end of the meadow is Fosters Cabin. Another 1.2 miles brings you to
Mumford Meadow.
24. Bee Tree Gap
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Hard
23 miles
9.3 miles
Covington Mill
3800 feet
White, 2010, Hike 9, pg. 97
8
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 8.5 miles north on Highway
3 to the junction with County Road 115, just beyond Covington Mills.
Turn left and drive 2.5 miles on County Road 115 to the junction with
Forest Road 35N10. Turn right and proceed 0.4 miles to the Long
Canyon Trailhead.
Trail Description: There are many good reasons to do this hike.
Two of the best are the wildflowers in the meadows in upper Long
Canyon and the vistas from Bee Tree Gap. The flowers are reported
to be among the best in the Trinities. From the Gap, look down on
Siligo Meadows and across to Siligo Peak. Immediately to the
44
northeast Gibson Peak towers over you. This trip could easily be
made into a cross-key or car shuttle with the Stonewall Pass hike.
Hike west on the Long Canyon Trail for 1.5 miles to the junction with
the Bowerman Meadows Trail. At the junction, bear right continuing
up Long Canyon. The well graded trail passes through a forest of
incense cedar, Douglas-fir and Jeffery pines. Near the head of the
canyon, the rocky walls to the south and west are covered by acres of
wildflowers. Hiking west from Bee Tree Gap another half mile
brings you to Deer Creek Pass with views of Deer Lake below you
and Sawtooth Ridge further to the west.
24. Granite Peak
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Strenuous
10 miles
8.1 miles
Covington Mill
4430 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 16, pg. 125
White, 2010, Hike 98 pg. 93
12
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 2 miles north on Highway 3
to the junction with Forest Road 35N28Y, just across from the Bushy
Tail Campground. Turn left and drive 2.9 miles to the large parking
area at the Granite Peak Trailhead at road's end.
Trail Description: Granite Peak at 8,091 feet is the highest peak in
the Trinities that has a maintained trail to its summit. The 360° view
from the former fire lookout is outstanding. Look for distant Mt.
Shasta, Mt. Lassen, the Sierra Nevada, and the Sacramento Valley. To
the northwest can be seen the inner Alps, notably Thompson Peak and
Sawtooth Ridge. Nearby are Gibson and Middle Peaks and Red
Mountain. Along the rocky crest look for foxtail pines, a species
usually found much further south.
Even if the views don't leave you breathless, the hike will. The trail
climbs through more than 50 switchbacks for over 4,400 feet in just 4
miles. There are rewards, however. After hiking through forest for
45
the first 3 miles, the way opens up onto lush green meadows, fields of
wildflowers and waist high ferns. Not long before the summit is the
junction with the tie trail to the Stoney Ridge Trail. Stay right.
Refer to the map on the next page.
25. Stonewall Pass
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium
14 miles
8.8 miles
Siligo Peak
3050 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 17, pg. 131
18
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 0.8 miles south on Highway
3 to the
junction with
Stoney Ridge
Road (Forest
Road
35N72Y). The
junction is just
west of the
bridge over
Stoney Bay and
across from
Stoney Point
Campground.
Turn right onto
Stoney Ridge
Road and drive
5.1 miles to the
junction with
Forest Road
35N73Y. Turn right and drive 0.9 miles to the Stoney Ridge
Trailhead where you will find a large parking lot.
Trail Description: Stonewall Pass has spectacular views overlooking
Van Matre Meadows below you and the red rock Trinities. Red
Mountain and Granite Peak are immediately at either hand. Look for
46
Siligo, Gibson and Seven-Up Peaks to the north.
The trail climbs steadily uphill through many twists and switchbacks
for several unremarkable miles. At about 3.5 miles is a junction with
the tie trail to the Granite Peak Trail. Staying left at the junction,
continue on to Red Mountain Meadow and then to the pass in less
than a mile. Another mile takes you down to and through Van Matre
Meadows and up to Little Stonewall Pass where you will have views
of Siligo Meadows just below Bee Tree Gap.
The hike to Bee Tree Gap (no. 24) could easily be combined with this
hike either as a shuttle or a cross-key.
27. Stuart Fork
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium
11 miles
8.0 miles
Siligo Peak
2070 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 18, pg. 139
3
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 1.4 miles south on Highway 3
to the junction with Stuart Fork Road (County Road 112). The
junction is just before the bridge over the Stuart Fork Arm of Trinity
Lake. Turn right onto Stuart Fork Road and drive 4.3 miles to the
Stuart Fork Trailhead at road's end. At about 1.8 miles, near the Elk
Gulch trailhead, County Road 112 becomes Forest Road 35N33Y.
Trail Description: The Stuart Fork Trail is one of the most popular
in the Trinity Alps and is the gateway to the inner Alps especially to
Emerald and Sapphire Lakes. Unfortunately, these lakes are much
too far for a day hike.
47
The hike offers an easy, pleasant walk in the woods that is only a few
miles drive from camp. A good destination might be Oak Flat at
about 4 miles. For those with lots of energy, continue on another 2
miles to the wooden bridge crossing Deer Creek. Here you can peer
into deep, narrow and rocky Deer Creek Gorge. Venturing another
mile brings you to Morris Meadow with its spectacular view of “The
Wall”, otherwise known as Sawtooth Ridge. It rises a nearly vertical
3,000 feet from the floor of the Stuart Fork Valley on its north and
east sides.
28. Monument Peak (Rush Creek Lakes)
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium (Strenuous)
48 miles
6.1 (6.9) miles
Rush Creek Lakes
2830 (3580) feet
White, 2010, Hike 30, pg. 230
11
Driving Directions: From camp, drive south 14.7 miles on Highway
48
3 to the junction with Hwy 266 in Weaverville and turn right. Turn
right again onto Weaver Bally Road just beyond the Sheriff's office
about ¼ mile beyond the junction. At the stop sign, continue straight
ahead onto gravel road Forest Road 33N38 signed for Weaver Bally
Lookout and East Weaver Lake Trailhead. Follow Forest Road
33N38 to a spring on the right side of the road, (at about 8.8 miles),
then continue another half mile to the ridge crest. The East Weaver
Lake Trailhead may or may not be signed, but you are in the right
place if there is room enough on the road shoulder to park a few
vehicles.
If you have time, drive another mile past the turnaround point to
Weaver Bally Lookout. The views are outstanding and no hiking is
required
Trail Description: As it is not as high as Granite Peak, climbing
Monument Peak is less effort, but the vistas are just as spectacular, if
not more so. From the top are unrestricted views of all the peaks of
the inner Trinities to the north and the imposing canyons of Canyon
Creek and North Fork Trinity River to the west. Below you are the
delightful Rush Creek Lakes. The trip requires some off trail travel.
Walk along the ridge crest above the road past a picnic table to a
weathered sign about the fire that crossed the area in 1987. The trail
descends paralleling the road, then climbs gently to the ridge crest.
Hike another half mile dropping nearly 500 feet to a spur trail to
pretty little East Weaver Lake. In another 0.3 miles is the junction
with the Bear Gulch Trail. Turn left, climbing to the ridge top at 2.0
miles from the trailhead. To the northwest is a spectacular view of the
head of Canyon Creek.
Now the cross country travel begins. Go northeast along the ridge
crest following the firebreak cut to block the 1987 fire. Head for a
gap in the ridgeline just to the southeast of the summit of Monument
Peak. A mile of overland travel brings you to the ridge crest
overlooking the beautiful cirque at the head of Rush Creek. Scramble
up the ridge line to your left to reach the summit of Monument Peak.
From the gap in the ridge line, the upper most of the Rush Creek
Lakes is a very steep half mile and 600 feet below. Look for cairns
and faint traces of a use trail to show the way.
49
29. Canyon Creek
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium to Strenuous
72 miles
5.6 to 13.9 miles
Rush Creek Lakes
1420 to 3310 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 20, pg. 153
White, 2010, Hike 31, pg. 235
13
Driving Directions:
From camp, drive
south 14.7 miles on
Highway 3 to the
junction with Hwy
266 in Weaverville
and turn right.
Continue along Hwy
266 8.1 miles to
Junction City, then
turn right onto
Canyon Creek Road
(County Road 401).
Drive Canyon Creek
Road for 13.1 miles
to the Canyon
Creek Trailhead at
road's end. The road
is paved to Ripstein
Campground and is
gravel for the last
mile.
Trail Description:
Canyon Creek is
thought by many to
be the most
beautiful hike in the
Trinity Alps.
Certainly it is in the
50
top five. Best of all, it is accessible as a day hike, albeit, a long and
hard one. The vistas at the lakes are stunning. The only downside to
this hike is its popularity. The area is well used and perhaps abused in
places. Do not expect to have it to yourself.
Even if you are not up for the entire trip to Canyon Creek Lakes,
several shorter hikes are possible that still have much to offer: flower
filled meadows, waterfalls, and towering pinnacles. Here are a few
possibilities: The Sinks (5.6 miles r.t. and 1,420 feet of elevation
gain), Lower Canyon Creek Falls (6.9 miles r.t. and 1,900 feet),
Upper Canyon Creek Meadows (8.5 miles r.t. and 2,090 feet), Middle
Canyon Creek Falls (10.5 miles r.t. and 2,330 feet), and Upper
Canyon Creek Falls (11.7 miles r.t. and 2,600 feet).
From the trailhead head north on the clearly marked Canyon Creek
Trail. The only trail junction is just beyond Upper Canyon Creek
Falls. Continue on the right fork to Canyon Creek Lakes.
30. North Fork Trinity River
Difficulty:
Driving Distance:
Hiking Distance:
USGS 7.5' Topo:
Elevation Gain:
Reference:
Rank in 1996:
Medium to Strenuous
90 miles
9.5 to 12.9 miles
Thurston Peaks
3040 to 4490 feet
Bernstein, 1993, Hike 21, pg. 161
White, 2010, Hike 33, pg. 247
20
Driving Directions: From camp, drive 14.7 miles south on Highway
3 to the junction with Hwy 266 in Weaverville and turn right.
Continue along Hwy 266 14.8 miles to the junction with County Road
421. The junction is just beyond the bridge over the North Fork
Trinity River and is signed for Old Helena. Turn right and proceed
2.7 miles to the junction with the Hobo Gulch Road. Turn left and
follow this narrow, crooked and sometimes steep gravel road 13 miles
to the Hobo Gulch Trailhead, 0.3 miles before Hobo Gulch
Campground.
Trail Description: Though this trail eventually goes to two of the
best destinations in the Trinity Alps, Grizzly and Papoose Lakes, it is
51
not as popular as some. The reason is the distance to the lakes.
Neither can be realistically reached as a day hike. However, a hike up
the trail of a few miles has its own rewards.
The trail follows the course of the North Fork Trinity River through
an old growth forest of Douglas-fir, sugar pine, oak and madrone.
Along the way look for the remains of cabins and mining relics.
There are several destinations to consider. One is Strunce Cabin near
the confluence with Rattlesnake Creek, and another is Morrison Flat,
1.7 miles beyond Rattlesnake Creek on the Grizzly Lake Trail. If
mining interests you, lots of evidence of past and recent activity may
be found on the trail to Papoose Lake.
52
The trail is usually described as gentle and pleasant. The elevation
difference between the trailhead and Rattlesnake Creek at 4.75 miles
is only 220 feet. Beware, however, that the trail climbs and drops,
100 or 200 feet at a time, on numerous occasions. The total gain
going in is 1630 feet, and coming out, 1410 feet. The hike may be
more demanding that it appears.
The trail heads north, joining a trail from the campground after just ¼
mile. At 0.8 miles, it crosses Back-bone Creek. Just beyond the
crossing is a three way junction. Take the middle fork signed for
Papoose Lake. The left fork is also signed for Papoose Lake, but
requires a crossing of the North Fork that is difficult except during
very low water. The two trails rejoin after another mile.
Continuing north, you come to Strunce Cabin at about 4.2 miles.
Rattlesnake Creek is another half mile. Here the trail spits: the right
fork going to Papoose Lake, and the left, to Grizzly Lake. Continue
left another 1.7 miles to Morrison Flat. Look for the old cabin.
53