Canyon Creek Lakes

Numerous starting points with over 550 miles of trail and easily 50+ different featured trails depending on length and what type of activity you are are looking for. One of the more popular trails, and rightfully so, is Canyon Creek Lakes Trail. This 16 mile roundtrip hike has an overall elevation gain of 2,600 feet but is still quite popular on the summer weekends. It can be done as a long day hike, but I would recommend turning it into a 2-3 night backpacking trip. The trail is well maintained and weaves its way through a deep granite canyon with an occasional switchback providing some elevation gain. Along the way you will pass beautiful waterfalls, turquoise swim pools, lush colorful meadows and dense cedar and fir forests. After 7 miles you will reach Lower Canyon Creek Lake, an absolutely stunning alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks sitting at the base of Sawtooth Peak. This is great place to camp, and if you pick the day right, you will have it all to yourself. About a mile past Lower Canyon Creek Lake you will find Upper Canyon Creek Lake that sits at the base of Thompson Peak and Wedding Cake. Finding this lake can be tricky as it is not visible from Lower Canyon Creek Lake and you must follow cairns to find the lake. For the more adventurous, you may opt to scramble from Upper Canyon Creek Lake through drainages to El Lake and Kalmia Lake. Words cannot explain how beautiful these two small and hidden lakes are.

Camping: There are various areas to camp at along the way to the lakes next to Canyon Creek, as well as either of the Canyon Creek Lakes, but please remember to leave no trace. Campfires are allowed seasonally in designated areas below the lakes (be sure to find out current regulations)

Wilderness Permits are required but are FREE and available without reservation & can be obtained at any one of the ranger stations.

This trail is dog friendly, though please be aware that many portions of the trail consist of sharp and slick granite, and may pose a risk of tearing your dog's pads.

Numerous options are available for scrambling to the summit of many of the surrounding jagged peaks.

Getting There: For the Canyon Creek Lakes Trail drive 8 miles west on California Highway 299 from Weaverville to Junction City. Turn right (north) on paved Canyon Creek Road (County Road 401) just before the bridge over Canyon Creek. There IS NO SIGN, but the road easy to find and is directly across from a general store. Drive 13.5 miles from Junction City on Canyon Creek Road to the trailhead on a narrow and winding road. There is an outhouse and ample parking at trailhead.