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Canyon Creek Lakes

Junction City, California

4.3/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

14.35 miles

Elevation Gain

2605 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Dan Loch

Trinity Alps is home to some of the most wild & spectacular terrain in the Western US. With over 55 alpine lakes, the Wild & Scenic Salmon river, Wild & Scenic Trinity river and countless other rivers, streams and creeks, you are bound to find a beautiful swimming hole, fishing spot, or unreal camp spot. Be sure to check out Grizzly Lake with its 100' waterfall cascading off granite slabs.

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.

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Features

Rock Climbing
Camping
Fishing
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Canyon Creek Lakes Reviews

Did this hike in mid April. Trail was covered completely in snow making it hard to find the trail at some points (beware of misleading footprints). The view at the lakes was beautiful as the lake was completely frozen over. The views of valley were similarly stunning. My friend and I did this without snow shoes. It was a challenge, but definitely doable as the snow was decently packed in. Had a couple of sketchy moments where the snow broke beneath us. Got pretty cold after sun down so make sure to bring appropriate gear.

A beutiful hike with fantastic views. This hike was nothing like I have ever seen. Definitely will go again.

Absolutely love this hike!!

Yosemite and Lassen get a lot of hype as far as California parks go, but that's probably because you can enjoy most of their scenery through your car's windshield. Those who venture west of Shasta and make the arduous trek into the Trinity Alps wilderness are in for a truly remarkable and well-earned treat. I saw families with small children, older couples, groups of teenagers, and soloists of all experience levels. This adventure offers something for everyone and should be moved to the top of your list if you're considering a West Coast road trip.

This hike is amazing considering that in 8 miles you can feel that you are in an alpine, "alps-like" setting. The fact that it's at a lower elevation makes it easier than some High Sierra hikes which is beneficial for anyone who has greater sensitivity to higher elevations. Be warned though, this trail is crowded so go midweek or on the shoulder seasons for more solitude. I also recommend taking the time to explore the Boulder Creek Lakes which are a short 5-mile round trip scramble from this trail.

Please, no campfires at Canyon Creek Lakes. The fine now exceeds $700 and there are no warnings and the fine is non-negotiable. You have a photo on this page that clearly shows a tent looking across at a wall of granite that is well known as "The Stonehouse." From the vantage point of this photo, this fire is clearly in the no-campfire zone. A copy of this photo and link to this page are being sent to the wilderness supervisor at the Weaverville Ranger Station. Please be responsible. Please remove this photo from your site.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Scramble Thompson Peak

Backcountry Camp in the Canyon Creek Drainage

Stuart Fork Trail to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes

Stuart Fork to Alpine Lake

Backpack Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lake

Fly Fish the Trinity River