Tag Archives: norcal

California Coast, Campgrounds, Coastal Cliffs, Redwoods

Redwood Beach Camping

NorCal Redwood Coastal Camping

Redwood Campgrounds

Del Norte County, Northern California

redwood101

There are a few special places in California where redwood trees grow right down to the shore, but it is rare. Searching for place to pitch a tent (under the redwoods at the coast) is possible, but a bit harder to find than you might imagine. State Parks usually offer the standard paved camp site. Maybe need to drive dirt roads to find redwood seclusion.

Crescent City Camping

redwoodmap

Klamath Coast Camping

blue links lead to State Park pages with camp reservations.

State Park

Redwood Park Campgrounds State Parks

Redwood National Park National Park
Camping 

  • Demartin Campground
  • Flint Ridge Campground
  • Mill Creek Campground
  • Nickel Creek Campground (backcountry)

Eureka RV Campgrounds

redwood camping norcal

If you are seeking free or dirt cheap, primitive camping on the coast, then LOST COAST CAMPING on the Mendocino border is one option. Or head east, inland to the abundant National Forest. Dirt roads of the Six Rivers National Forest offer old logging roads, creeks, and secluded places to pitch a tent. Campfire permits are needed for dispersed camping, or ‘boondocking’ as some call it.

Dirt back roads can get muddy during the wet season, so know your vehicles capability and if you are unsure, check with the local rangers over the phone (preferably a ‘field ranger’) before venturing out. Remember that rain and mud are the norm, most of the year.

Fog is typical of the region. Enjoy the sunshine – when you can!

see more towns nearby –

Smith River
Crescent City
Klamath
Orick
Trinidad
Arcata
Eureka
Scotia
Ferndale
Petrolia
Garberville
Redway
Shelter Cove

California Coast, Campgrounds, Coastal Cliffs, Redwoods

Humboldt Beach Camping

Humboldt Camping Sites

dscn0088

The sheer beauty of real weather, the clashing storms and ocean with the land. Cold and wet half the year (or more), Northern Cal has less people and more scenery. More nature, more land, more forests, more view points, more wild beauty – than the rest of the California coast.

Maybe more hippies too!

The fantastic coastlines of Northern California are forested, rugged, rocky and they receive a lot more rain than the rest of California. Coastal fog or deep cloud layers are common, even in warmer months.

Tall cliffs, large lagoons, rural towns, and foggy beaches. Beaches filled with small rocks. No sand? Minimal access to the coast in some areas.

Super tall, coastal redwood trees thrive along this oceanfront wildness. They are located just a skip away from the sea. Most groves located miles inland, near US 101 highway. Close enough, but not out there on the windy beach, exposed with the elements.

redwood101

NorCal Coast Campgrounds are located generally along river ways, near redwood forests and near paved roads. Redwood Campgrounds are all over up here. Literally, everywhere. Some camps are better suited for RV campers than others. A few parks have walk-in or hike-in access to camp sites.

Several redwood parks are 20 miles from the coast, so know the exact location before you book a campsite online. Driving “over to coast for a quick day trip” is no easy task, since routes can be narrow backroads with many curves. Pavement, if you’re lucky.

listed below:
campgrounds actually located at the coastline are labeled in bold text

When the weather is warm and sunny, people – flock to the hidden coves, rugged beaches, or they float, kayak, fish or raft on the rivers, or the enjoy long day hikes.

blue links lead to State Park pages with camp reservations.

State Park

NorCal Redwoodsstate parks
State Parks & Campgrounds

Humboldt Lagoon State Park

  • Stone Lagoon Campground
  • Dry Lagoon Hike-in Sites

Humboldt Redwoods State Park & Campground camp

Little River State Beach Campground

Patricks Point State Park Campground  camp

Prairie Creek Redwood State Park camp

  • Butler Creek Walk-in Camp
  • Elk Prairie Campground
  • Gold Bluffs Campground

Richardson Grove State Park camp

humboldtSP

Some redwoods parks are open year round, others only in summer months. Reservations for campgrounds is common along this desired vacation region of California. River kayakers, mountain bikers, tent campers, avid hikers, road trippers and RV campers.

camps actually located at the coastline are labeled in bold text

California Redwood forests are found along the NorthCoast; coastal redwoods. And in the Sierra Nevada mountains; those big redwoods are called Sequoias.

see more big, old trees

redwood parks

Humboldt County Parks with Camping

 

Lost Coast Camping BLM BLM camping

USA Lumber Company

USA Lumber (historic site) & Campground

Usal Beach Campground
(on the border of Mendocino and Humboldt Counties)

Flint Ridge Campground
(on the border of DelNorte and Humboldt Counties)

 

redwood parks

Black Sands Beach, California

Humboldt towns along the coast –

(listed from south to north)

 

Lost Coast Drive Dirt Roads
Lost Coast: Drive Dirt Roads – USAL ROAD# 431, this road is the hard left off HWY 1, just as it peels away from coast and heads into redwoods and US 101. Follow this dirt and gravel scenic wonder drive out to Usal Beach Campground, Sinkyone Wilderness and Shelter Cove. The pavement picks up again near Honeydew, a rugged 30-something miles north. Real 4×4 may be needed in wet weather.
California Rivers

Klamath Fire

Klamath Fire

InciWeb: California Fires 2018

NorCal – Klamath River: 2017 fire season provided significant firefighting challenges. In order to meet future challenges in the most effective way possible, the NFS will continue to use prescribed burning as a tool in our mission to reduce build-up of hazardous fuels, restore forest ecosystems, and improve resiliency and safety of communities within the wild-land urban interface.

Planned projects include burning piles of stacked materials and low to moderate intensity understory burns of vegetation on the forest floor. The main goals of these projects are to reduce the severity of future wildfires and provide added protection for communities in the wild-land urban interface. In addition, the burns will promote a diverse and more resilient forest, and improve habitat for wildlife.

NorCal River Camping, Fishing, Kayaking, Rafting, Recreation.

Klamath burns will take place on the Salmon River, Scott River, Happy Camp, Oak Knoll and Goosenest Ranger Districts between April and June 2018. The actual dates of ignition will depend on local weather and fuel conditions.

Expect smoke in the Klamath for spring time!

Great Camping all summer long. June – September

https://totalescape.net/shop/marble-mountain-wilderness-map/

Lakes & Reservoirs

Klamath Lakes

high water shastina

Northern California is the top third of the golden state, the area north of the San Francisco Bay Area and north of the Napa wine country. North of the Sierra Nevada mountains, North of Lake Tahoe. The waters we focus on here are in and around Klamath National Forest

fishLakes, rivers, creeks, waterfalls, waterfowl, fishing and fresh water are all plentiful in the Klamath region. Mount Shasta and the Klamath mountain range make up a portion of the Cascade range, that continue north to the Pacific Northwest. Klamath Falls and Klamath River originate up in Oregon, but the list below features the California regional lakes.

Lakes near Klamath California

Copco Lake
Iron Gate Reservoir
Indian Tom Lake
Sheepy Lake
Lower Klamath Lake Refuge
Tule Lake
Clear Lake Reservoir
Red Rock LakeklamathNF_final
Juanita Lake Campground

Bass Lake (Montague, CA)
Trout Lake (Montague, CA)
Steamboat Lake (Montague, CA)
Cedar Lake (Montague, CA)

Lake Shastina
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Kangaroo Lake Campground
Siskiyou Lake
Castle Lake
Medicine Lake Glass Flow Geologic Area
Meiss Lake
Orr Lake Campground

canoe   camp  hiker

NFSlogo

NorCal Recreation Maps:

Klamath National Forest Map

Klamath Forest Top Atlas

Lost Coast Map

Six Rivers National Forest Map

 

Klamath National Wild & Scenic River Access & Camp Sites

The dam projects of the Klamath River have always been a controversial subject for many local activists. The Klamath River Keeper web site currently warns us –

California Lodge, Groves, Sightseeing

Sequoia Cabins

Sierra Cabins near Sequoia Groves

Sequoia trees naturally grow in the Sierra Nevada mountains, on the west side of the range. Several parks & forests make up what is known as “the Sequoias” – in the Southern Sierra, Sequoia National Forest; Giant Sequoia National Monument; Mountain Home State Forest; Central Sierra is home to Sequoia National Park & neighboring Kings Canyon NP; Sierra National Forest & Yosemite NP. Yep, all those areas have Sequoia groves!

See all the Sequoia & Redwood Groves in California!

California Cabin Rentals near to Sequoia groves –

Sequoia cabin rentals

TOPO MAPS of California Redwoods –

  • Sequoia Maps by NatGeo
  • Yosemite NP Maps
  • NorCal Redwoods Map

    • If you are searching for tallest species, the Coastal Redwoods located on the shores of Northern California, then you can find them over here – NorCal Redwoods

    Back Roads, California Coast, California Lodge, Groves, Redwoods, Sightseeing

    Northern California Redwoods

    Northern California Coast Hotels & Camps

    redwoods parksThe north coast of California is dubbed the Redwood Empire, and driving north on US Hwy 101 passing the well-known wine country and communities near Clear Lake, means you’ve entered the official redwood region of Cali.

    With over 150 mile stretch between Ukiah & Crescent City, on the Oregon border, coastal redwoods thrive in this wet climate. All along US Highway 101 you can find every assortment of lodging, from standard hotels walking distance to village shops, to small secluded cottages tucked behind a winery. Sonoma & Mendocino vineyards merge on ridge lines, at the edge of oak countryside, with redwood forests & recreational rivers to the north.

    BALD HILLS ROAD: Old logging roads lead way up in elevation, behind Redwood National Park, where you can find free camping spots and firewood piles all over the clearings. A real 4×4 vehicle will be needed in wet or snowy weather conditions. AWD wagons should be cautious of deep mud and know the weather conditions ahead of time. The main gravel/dirt route traverses the Bald Hills range at 3000′ elevation and ‘epic view’ campsites are abundant. Pine Creek Road drops east into Klamath River Canyon down to Klamath Hwy 96.

    Bald Hills Rd

    USAL BEACH: In the olden days, USA Lumber Company had a prime place on the Lost Coast. Now it is a wonderful destination w/ remote beach campground hidden in the trees, next to the redwoods and creek, and the cliffs – and a big sandy beach w/ giant driftwood!

    Towns w/ Redwood Lodging in NorCal – 

    Redwood Parks in NorCal –

    (from south to north, with closest town)

    REDWOOD MAP

     

    Redwood Map Topo

    Topographic hiking and camping maps of the NorCal Redwood region –

    Camping, Campsites, Native American, Off Road, Sand Dunes, Trailheads

    Bureau of Land Management

    free desert washes

    California BLM

    desert figure blythe
    Giant figures INTAGLIOS, on desert floor, near Blythe, CA

    Camping while traveling. The east-west corridors across the California deserts are well traveled routes. If you plan to camp, get to know areas managed by the California Bureau of Land Management.

    All BLM Offices in California BLM CA

    • 4×4
    • Back Roads
    • Car Camping
    • Canyons
    • Deserts
    • Dirt Bike Trails
    • Dunes
    • Hiking
    • Historic Sites
    • Hot Springs
    • Intagios
    • Mountain Bike
    • Off Road
    • Palm Canyons
    • Petroglyhs
    • River Camps
    • RV Camping
    • Slot Canyons
    • Tent Camping
    • Wildflowers

    ocotilloBLM

    BLM lands in California are often known as the ‘free camping’ option. freeway close campingNo charge camp sites, convenient, in-route locations, many areas along major highways or interstates. Campfire permits are always required for any open fires, BBQs and campfires.

    BLM Field Offices in California located in neighboring towns can provide maps, information and campfire permits. 

    giantcholla

    DESERT WILDFLOWERS can be found annually, February – April in most of these areas. Springtime blooms draw the crowds, but few visitors actually camp out overnight.

    When searching out premium camp sites – drive slower than 50 mph & look for the brown recreation signs. Since people like to drive fast in the desert, make sure to put your hazard lights or blinkers on, so traffic knows you are slow poking. Typically dirt roads are only marked with small, thin reflectors, maybe numbers or letters, if you’re lucky.

    Traffic noise will be minimal if you camp away from the main drag at least ONE mile or more. Motorhomes may not have the luxury to travel that distance; they often prefer to stay in large, level, flat pull outs, right near the pavement.

    If daring to venture more than 2 miles from the pavement, be prepared for rough conditions. 4WD drive may be needed in certain spots, or in the wettest of weather. Wind is always a factor in desert regions, so keep that in mind. Deep sandy washes, tow strap anyone? No facilities, no services, no toilet. Spotty cell phone coverage. Basically – the boonies!

    BOONDOCKING
    is the latest phrase for “open, free camping”

    Palo Verde Washes

     

    SEEKING QUIET CANYONS? stay away from the off-roaders. They usually congregate in dunes and specified OHV areas. Trails and dirt roads are for multi-purpose use, so a variety of recreation can be had. Many people use these public lands, so leave them clean and better than you found it. Boulder coves, palm gardens, primitive hot springs. There are plenty of hidden camp spots within the vast desert region of SoCal.

    Several BLM lands are near Wilderness Areas. Camping is allowed close by, mountain biking & hiking are usually abundant. Off roading prohibited within Wilderness boundaries.

    hikes tent camping 4x4

    URLs within the official BLM site keep changing, which is why we are rebuilding our BLM pages. So you can find what you need, easily.

    ca.blm.gov
    blm.gov/ca
    www.blm.gov/ca
    https://www.blm.gov/california

    road BLM

    Backpacking, California Rivers, Campgrounds, Camping, Campsites, Campspots, Creeks, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Trinity Alps Camping

    Trinity Alps Wilderness Campgrounds

    Northern California Camping
    Shasta Trinity National Forest

    Trinity Alps Wilderness

    camp

     

    • backpacking
    • camping
    • fishing spots
    • floating
    • hiking
    • hunting
    • kayaking
    • mountain biking
    • off-roading
    • soaking
    • swimming holes
    • tubing
    • stargazing

    trinitydetail

    campgrounds near Trinity trailheads –

    camping Highway 3
    (California State Route 3):

    • Horse Flat Campground, near Eagle Creek trailhead
    • Eagle Creek Campground @ Hwy, near Stoddard Lake & Eagle Creek trailhead
    • Goldfield Campground, near Boulder Creek trailhead
    • Big Flat Campground (via Coffee Creek Road #104)
    • Preacher Meadow Campground @ Hwy, near Swift Creek trailhead

    camping Highway 299
    (California State Route 299):

    • Ripstein Campground, near Canyon Creek trailhead
    • Hobo Gulch Campground, on Road #34N07
    • Hayden Flat Campground, near Big French Creek & Green Mountain
    • Denny Campground, near Jim Jam Ridge, East Fork & New River; Way out west
    • Groves Prairie Campground, near Grizzly Camp trailheadtrinityalps_lg
    • Happy Camp Campground, near Grizzly Camp trailhead

    camping Highway 96
    (California State Route 96):

    • Tish Tang Campground, near Tish Tang trailhead
    • Box Campground, near Red Cap Lake, Bear Hole & Mill Creek Lake
    • Klamath Riverside Campground @ Hwy, near Salmon Summit

    camping Salmon River (Cecilville Road #1C02):

    trinitysign
    Trinity Scenic Byway (CA SR 3)

    NorCal Topographic Maps – Trinity Map

    Shasta Trinity National Forest Map

    Pacific Crest Trail Map #6 (Shasta Cascades)

    Trinity Alps Wilderness Map

    outdoor destinations also nearby –


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    California Coast, California Rivers, Campsites, Groves, Sightseeing, Trailheads, Wilderness

    California North Coast

    Northern CA Coast / Northern Coast of California

    The redwood north coast of California is very forested region with many rivers & streams running throughout. Fishing, kayaking, rafting, camping & backpacking are all superb here. The wilderness rules, as the majority of the landscape is wild & untouched by development. Mountain ranges near the north California coast span in elevation from 1000′ to 8000′. The Klamath River, Eel River & Trinity River are the predominate waterways in this region, with designated National Forest lining their canyons. There are over 10 parks along the coast that feature the redwood trees as the main attraction. The ones listed below are the inland, mountainous areas of Northern California.

    klamath river

    Mendocino National Forest

    Clear Lake, Kelseyville, Ukiah

    north coast CA

    Redwood National Park

    Klamath, Orick

    north coast CA

    Six Rivers National Forests

    north coast CA

    Smith River Recreation Area

    Crescent City, Orleans

    Creeks, Historic Site, October, Picnic Areas, Sightseeing

    Joss House Weaverville

    joss_house_interior

    The Joss House

    Historic Chinese Taoist Temple

    A small but impressive State Historic Park located in downtown Weaverville, a small Northern California town located near the Trinity Alps Wilderness and the Trinity River. State Park

    DSCN8505This darling park is only open Thursday through Sundays (mid day) and tours can be arranged. A one room museum tells the story of the Chinese miners who came to the Trinity River region in search of gold. The neighboring temple is a historic masterpiece and has been preserved for all to enjoy. The wooden building has withstood deep snow falls and logging trucks rumbling by on the highway a block away. Neighboring museums, outdoor displays and lush creek side parks make for ideal picnic spots.

    parks.ca.gov/?page_id=457

    Moon Festival, Weaverville, CA

    Annual “Moon Festival” at this park location in October.

    joss_decore

    Weaverville Joss House.
    Not to be confused w/ the Chinese Josh House in San Francisco.

    August, Drum Circles, Events, Native American, Wine/Beer/Culinary

    Klamath Salmon Festival

    Yurok salmon festival, Klamath, CA

    Northern California Salmon Festival

    Yurok Salmon Festival

    The Yurok Tribe hosts the annual Klamath Salmon Festival. Native American salmon barbeque plus Native American arts and crafts, Indian stick games, warrior contests, parade with Yurok drums and dancers.

    Klamath Salmon Festival
    Annual event: August
    Held @ the Klamath Township,
    Hwy 101 S, Klamath CA
    707-444-0433
    yuroktribe.org

    Klamath tribes dam removal demo

    Backpacking, Campgrounds, Hiking, Historic Site, Lakes & Reservoirs, Native American, Picnic Areas, Rock Climbing, Sightseeing, Snow, Trailheads, Viewpoints, Wilderness, Wildflowers

    Castle Crags Wilderness

    NorCal Hiking
    Castle Crags State Park
    CastleCrags Wilderness

    12,232 acres
    Northern California Mountains
    South of Dunsmuir, CA
    Interstate 5
    exit #724 – Castella

    backpacking, camping, creek fishing, hiking, mountaineering, lakes, rock climbing, snowshoeing, swimming, waterfalls

    About an hour north of Redding, you can see those impressive peaks off to the left above the lush forest. Way up off the west side of I-5, lies a hiking paradise of scenic lakes, waterfalls and wildflowers. Opposite the freeway from Mount Shasta; Just south of Lake Siskiyou.castle crags

    Castle Crags Wilderness neighbors the Castle Crags State Park, which is surrounded by Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This area is named for 6,000′ tall glacier-polished peaks and pointed crags. Due to their relatively low elevation, year-round recreation, hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing are popular spring through fall. Snowshoeing near Castle Lake is excellent.

    Castle Crags State Park
    530-235-2684

    Castle Crags State Park Campground
    76 developed campsites
    6 environmental campsites

    Max Camper Length: 27′
    Max Trailer Length: 21′

    28 miles of hiking trails (2.7 mi access trail to Castle Crags Wilderness)
    The Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the park.
    Dogs not allowed on park trails.

    Shasta-Trinity National Forest
    Mount Shasta Ranger District
    204 West Alma
    Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
    530-926-4511

    Climbing at the Crags:
    the Cosmic Wall & beyond

    regional history: The northwest area contains the largest glacial cirque, Castle Lake, which is near where the Modoc War’s 1855 Battle of Castle Crags took place. Now a historical landmark, the battle was fought on a ridge saddle between the lake and what is known as Battle Rock. The Wintu tribe inhabited the area, they called the crags the Abode of the Devil and the Spanish explorers called it Castle del Diablo (Castle of the Devil.) read more on wiki

    nearby towns –

     


    View Larger Map

    Back Roads, Backpacking, California Maps, Campgrounds, Creeks, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Historic Site, Indian Site, Native American, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Ishi Wilderness

    Bridge and Chute from top of Black Rock

    NorCal Ishi Wilderness

    41,840 acres
    20 miles N of Chico, CA
    Lassen National Forest

    • Barkley Mountain (elev. 4488′)
    • Black Rock Campground
    • Deer Creek
    • Flat Iron Mountain (elev. 4400′)
    • Iron Mountain (elev. 3274′)
    • Indian Ridge Campground
    • Mill Creek
    • Peligreen Place
    • Pine Creek
    • Pinnacle Peak (elev. 3293′)
    • South Antelope Campground
    • Twentymile Hollow

    Up in the mountains behind Chico sits a rugged landscape of deep canyons lined with bizarre rock formations and roaring mountain creeks. Wilderness encompasses lower elevations – ranging from 1500′ – 3500′  – making this outdoor destination a winter haven, when the rest of the backcountry is covered in several feet of snow. One of the most historic wilderness areas in the state, as the aboriginal existence of the Native Americans came to an end in this area.

    COHASSET ROAD climbs up the volcanic fin of Cohasset Ridge into the pine forests high above the valley floor. The paved road becomes dirt and the road name changes to Ponderosa Way (Lassen Road# 28N29). The Ishi Wilderness can also be accessed from the north side via Highway 32, near the Tehama State Game Refuge.


    View Larger Map

    • backpacking trails
    • hiking trails
    • fishing creeks
    • horseback trails
    • wildlife viewing

     

    Ishi Wilderness mapIshi Wilderness Map

    Ishi Wilderness


    Backpacking, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

    Trinity Alps Trailheads

    Trinity Alps Wilderness Trailheads
    NorCal Hiking Vacations

    Meadow on Trinity Alps Long Canyon Trail

    Northern California, Trinity Lakes
    Shasta Trinity National Forest

    • backpacking
    • camping
    • fishing lakes
    • hiking trails
    • horseback trails
    • waterfalls

    Trinity Alps Wilderness

    hike

     

    Trinity Wilderness trailhead locations –

    trailheads from Highway 3:

    • Scott Mountain (PCT access)
    • Bear Creek
    • Eagle Creek
    • Stoddard Lake
    • Boulder Creek
    • Big Flat
    • Swift Creektrinityalps_lg

    trailheads from Highway 299:

    • Canyon Creek
    • Hobo Gulch
    • French Creek
    • Green Mountain
    • Jim Jam Ridge
    • East Fork
    • New River
    • Grizzly Camp

    trailheads from Highway 96:

    • Tish Tang
    • Red Cap Lake
    • Bear Hole
    • Mill Creek Lake
    • Salmon Summit

    trailheads from north @ Salmon River, Cecilville Rd #1C02:

    • Hidden Horse
    • Trail Creek
    • Carter Meadows Summit (PCT access)
    • Middle Boulder

    Trinity Alps Wilderness Trail
    Overview @ SummitPost

    Backpacking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Wilderness

    Trinity Alps Lakes & Waterfalls

    Trinity Wilderness Lakes & Waterfalls

    Grizzly Falls -- Trinity Alps Wilderness

    Northern California Lakes
    Shasta Trinity National Forest

    NFS

     

    Trinity Alps Wilderness

    lake

     

    Lakes & Waterfalls in the Trinity Alps region –

    Canyon Creek Fallstrinityalps_lg
    Trinity Lake
    Josephine Lake
    Hidden Lake
    Caribou Lake
    Lost Lake
    Grizzly Lake
    Sapphire Lake
    Papoose Lake
    Emerald Lake
    Conway Lake
    Barker Lake
    Foster Lake
    Boulder Lake
    Cecil Lake
    Lion Lake
    Ward Lake
    Mirror Lake
    Long Gulch Lake
    Trail Gulch Lake
    Fox Creek Lake
    Red Cap Lake
    East Boulder Lake
    Middle Boulder Lake
    Big Boulder Lake
    Big Bear Lake
    Big East Fork Lake
    Little Bear Lake
    Canyon Creek Lakes

     

    Trinity Alps Lake

    Campgrounds, Lakes & Reservoirs

    Ponderosa Flat Campground

    Butt Lake California
    Ponderosa Flats Campground

    DSCN0101

    Lake Camping NorCal

    RV camping, tent camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, boat launch, handicap accessible.

    Ponderosa Campground – PG&E Campground,  located 3 miles from Lake Almanor

    Tucked away off the main drag of Plumas Hwy 89. North end of Butt Valley Reservoir on east shore. Turn off about 6 miles northwest of Lake Almanor Canyon Dam on Hwy. 89, take Butt Valley Road south for 3.2 miles.

    Set in a Ponderosa Pine forest along the shores of Butt Lake, part of a system of reservoirs formed by hydro-electric dams managed by Pacific Gas & Electric.  Lake levels can change rapidly with minimal warning.

    DSCN0117

    Quiet lake in California: No water skiing, jet ski or race boats; only small motorized fishing boats.  Canoeing, kayaking and sail boating are also popular lake recreation. Off road areas nearby.

    • Elevation: 4,150′
    • Number of Sites: 63
    • Camping Reservations: Yes
    • Sites Available: Reservations; First come, First serve
    • Vehicle Accessibility: Vehicle 32 ft. max. No RV Hookups
    • Length of Stay: 14 Days
    • Water: Piped; lake
    • Toilet: Vault
    • Season: Closed for winter, Nov-April
    • Fee: Yes
    • Operated By: PG&E
    • Closest Town: Lake Almanor, CA

    Pacific Gas & Electric
    Almanor Ranger Station
    916-386-5164

    Ohio Valley Route
    The alternate dirt road access thru Ohio Valley is graded dirt w/ rough roads that may require 4×4 or high clearance vehicles. RVs are not advised to travel this way.

    nearby destinations –

    California Rivers, Campgrounds

    Douglas City Campground

    Trinity River Campground

    Douglas Steiner Flat Camping

    douglasbeach

    Northern California river camping. Douglas City is hardly even a town much less a city. A post office and a general store is the majority of what makes up this riverfront locale.

    Tucked away on the scenic Trinity River, this small campground is perfect for those wanting to explore the Trinity River, Trinity Lake or the Trinity Alps region. Region is well known for fishing, hiking, kayaking and rafting. A small beach allows for river access. Group picnic area, picnic tables, telephone, beach, paved loop road are just a few amenities.

    From Douglas City, drive half mile west on Hwy 299 to Steiner Flat Road. Follow signs to the developed camp. Numerous dirt roads lead to river edge, so there are primitive camping options available along Steiner Flat Road for those seeking free overnight stays.

    • Elevation: 1,500′
    • Number of Sites: 20
    • Camping Reservations: No
    • Sites Available: First come, First serve
    • Vehicle Accessibility: Vehicle limit 28 ft. max.
    • Length of Stay: 14 Days
    • Water: Piped; river nearby
    • Toilet: Flush & Vault
    • Season: Closed for winter, Nov-April
    • Fee: Yes
    • Operated By: Bureau of Land Management
    • Closest Town: Douglas City, CA

    BLM Redding Ranger Station
    530-224-2100

    dscn0001
    nearby destinations –
    Chanchelulla Wilderness
    Chappie Shasta OHV Area
    Douglas City, CA
    Lewiston Lake
    Shasta Trinity National Forest
    Trinity Alps Wilderness
    Trinity Lake
    Weaverville, CA
    Whiskeytown Lake NRA

    dscn0004

    dscn0003

    Backpacking, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Trailheads, Volcano, Wilderness

    Thousand Lakes Wilderness

    NorCal hiking & backpacking

    Thousand Lakes California

    Although the name suggests more, the number of lakes in this region is approximately seven: Eiler Lake and Box Lake are the 2 largest lakes within the Wilderness boundary. Logan Lake and North Battle Creek Reservoir are on the outskirts. Trout fishing is a popular recreation sport all around Lassen. Thousand Lakes Wilderness is part of the Cascade Range in northern California. 16,335 acres and 21 miles of trails, all managed by Lassen National Forest. The area lies midway between the mountain town of Burney and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

    Volcanic activity and glaciers have combined to create the Lassen topography. Dominated by Crater Peak 8677′, which is the highest point in Lassen National Forest, this area is a reminder of the glacial action that eroded the original, much larger Thousand Lakes Volcano and created the many small lakes and ponds scattered throughout the region. Wildlife includes black-tailed deer, black bear, pika, pine marten, northern goshawk, spotted owl, pileated woodpecker, and Clark’s nutcracker. Even elk have been known to visit occasionally.

    Lassen National Forest
    Lassen Volcanic National Park


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    Thousand Lakes Wilderness

    Roads and trailheads surrounding Thousand Lakes Wilderness and the Wild Woods

    Lassen Forest Road #16 – Ashpan Winter Recreation Area @ Hwy 44, leads to hikes on the west side of the Wilderness. Bunchgrass trailhead and Magee trailhead. LaTour State Forest, Ashpan Butte, Huckleberry Mountain, Fredonyer Peak, Crater Peak, and Whittington Butte. Lassen Route 16 is a graded dirt road that connects to Tamarack Road #4M001 at Burney Creek, near the north side of the Wilderness.

    Road #32N17 – access to North Battle Creek Reservoir
    Road #32N16
    Road #32N24

    Thousand Lakes Wilderness Map
    Road #32N31 – access to North Battle Creek Reservoir

    Road #32N18 leads to PG&E North Battle Creek Reservoir
    North Battle Creek Campground: elevation 5600? / 15 camp sites / open Apr-Oct

    Road #26 on the north side of the Wilderness, connects Hwy 89 @ Hat Creek, west to Road #32N22. Cypress trailhead is located on a side route nearby.

    Road #32N23 is up on Burney Mountain elev. 7863′, another hang glider launch site.

    Road #33N25 leads to the Tamarack trailhead
    Road #34N78 off Hwy 44, near Logan Lake and route leads to McElroy Flat

    Road #32N35 behind Burney connects to Hat Creek (the back way).

     

    LASSEN AREA MAPS –

    Lassen National Forest Map
    Thousand Lakes Wilderness Map

     

    List of Thousand Lakes Wilderness trailheads:

    Bunchgrass Trailhead
    Magee Trailhead
    Cypress Trailhead
    Tamarack Trailhead

     

    List of nearby towns: