on the Lassen National Forest map this huge meadow area along Highway 36 is marked as “Childs Meadows”
Morgan Mountain above Childs Meadow after the fire 2021
Childs Meadow sits at 5000 feet in elevation, on the edge of the Mill Creek drainage, just south of Lassen National Park. The meadow spans from Mill Creek, eastward along State Route 36 for many miles. Gurnsey Creek flows down Wild Cattle Mountain, near the resort, crosses the pavement, and heads east to meet up with the Deer Creek drainage above Chico, California
This sacred meadow was the summer camp and ceremonial ground for native tribes that existed long before the white men showed up. The meadow basin was originally owned by J.C. Tyler who used it for summer grazing land. He established a resort about 1864 and by 1896 it was a regular stage stop for travelers.
In 1900, Tyler sold the land to Abner Nanny who used it for summer grazing. Frank Childs purchased it in 1909 and also grazed livestock there seasonally. By the late 1930s a service station and cafe had been established. Then came cabins that were the precursor of the privately owned Childs Meadow Resort, which burned down some time later. These days Highlands Ranch Resort is the newest place to call this location home.
Lassen: Childs Meadow (before the fire)
July 2011 vs. July 2021
What a difference a decade makes. Drought in California makes a green meadow brown!
Upscale Highlands Ranch Resort – Bar, Restaurant & Cottages
RENOVATED (2017) across the street Village Inn at Highlands Ranch
Village Inn @ Childs Meadow, South Lassen
MOUNT LASSEN MEADOWS
Lassen Peak @ 10,457 feet has the highest known winter snowfall amounts in California. There is an average annual snowfall of 660 inches, and in some years, more than 1,000 inches of snow falls at its base elevation of 8,250 feet.
and a month later (after I start this post)…
AUG 2021 the DIXIE FIRE
Highlands Ranch Resort with Dixie Fire burn scar on ridge above 2021
As for the spelling on the name: Childs Meadows is commonly seen on USFS maps, and found inside a book called Tehama County Place Names.
Most locals know it as Childs Meadow, but it also seen spelled with an apostrophe s – Child’s Meadow
Swimming Pool at Childs Meadow Resort (1950s postcard)
CLOSED 2020-2022: Campground is undergoing some serious work with removal of hazardous trees and forest clean up. NOTE: DixieFire 2021 did not damage this portion of the forest highway (CA 36)
A developed USDA campground along forested Highway 36, near the junction of Chico’s Hwy 32. This stretch of 36 overlaps with north-south Lassen Hwy 89. Awesome fishing creek, meadows, hiking trails and mountain biking trails nearby. Paved, level camp sites w/ easy access to Lassen Volcanic Park and the National Forest.
This is a popular camp just south of the Lassen National Park boundary and 5 miles east of Child’s Meadow Resort. Car camp, tent camping, some spaces for large motorhomes. Plenty fishing, hiking and mountain biking trails.
Gurnsey Creek begins in Childs Meadows, north on Hwy 36 – just outside of Lassen National Park
Gurnsey Creek Campground, California
on Gurnsey Creek; Campground open May-October
(depending on snow)
Lassen Creek Camping
52 camp sites on Gurnsey Creek @ 4700′ elevation; vault toilets, creek and piped water, bear boxes; first come, first serve camping – and reservations are also accepted
Max Camper Length: no limitations
Shady forest camp sites w/ creek. Numerous fishing spots. Close to Lassen Volcanic National Park, Chester and Lake Almanor. Backpackers, day hikers and horseback riders will enjoy the PCT nearby. Pacific Crest Hiking Trail runs to the east side of this campround.
CHESTER, CA Rangers Office: 530-265-4531 Almanor Ranger DIstrict, Lassen NF
2 reservable Group Camps are available at this campground. Group Site 1 can accommodate up to 56 people; Group Site 2 can accommodate up to 112 people.
Free Camping nearby.
If you are seeking primitive camping in this Lassen area, look for dirt roads in the USDA National Forest lands, which surround the National Park boundary.
to the west – Lassen Road #14 – the Blue Ridge, north off of Hwy 89 @ Mineral.
to the south – Yellow Jacket Road #29N48 around Turner Mountain, which is south-southwest of Mill Creek.
to the east – Lassen Road #10 – head north off of Highway 89 in between Chester & Westwood.
Highly advised: a real map, a printed ‘hard copy’ shows both the National Park and the National Forest of Lassen on one map – with topographic features, all mountain peaks, creeks, lakes, trailheads, plus all dirt and paved roads.
Mount Lassen is part of the Cascade Mountain Range, located north of the Sierra Nevada. The Lassen forest encompasses a large area of wilderness land, snowmelt creeks and an abundant dirt road system. Most of which is covered in deep snow about half the year, so plan accordingly.
Plenty of great dispersed camping along the old logging roads in this Lassen Forest area, surrounding the Volcanic National Park; in Northern California. Many dirt roads are graded annually to allow for passenger car access. You can make it way back there in a car – just watch for the mud and some boulders!
Camp fire permits required (see below). Pease try to choose a camp that has been used before and pack out your garbage.
HINT: a USDA Lassen National Forest Map is very helpful when camping these remote, Lassen back roads. Stay away from the crowds, avoid camp fees & really enjoy your vacation.
Camp right on a rushing river, alone. With no one in sight or sound. Have that secluded camping experience you’ve always dreamed about. Fishing, relaxing, maybe some hiking too. Or better, your mountain bike. Plenty forest roads to explore.
Numerous waterfalls to discover, water flowing everywhere. Mount Lassen @ 10,457′ elevation, is often snow-capped year round. This Northern California region is covered with pine forests and volcanic history.
Cool Springs @ Butt Lake, California (PG&E Campground)
If you wanna find the nearest biker bar, head over to the rustic and forested Bambi Inn @ Butte Meadows. The place is popular all the time, especially on weekends. Scenic day drive from Chico, located near a nice river and bridge, plus they have cabin rentals too. Sometimes they have big events and it can get pretty crowded and loud w/ drinking and outdoor music.
BSA Camp Lassen is a boy scout camp located E of Chico, off Highway 32 near Butte Meadows, CA
Dispersed Camp sites in Lassen in Lake Almanor Area
campground
elev.
spots
veg
toilet
water
notes
Alder Creek Campground
3900′
6
pines
vault
creek
March-Nov
Benner Creek Campground
5562′
9
pines
vault
creek
May-Nov
Black Rock Campground
2100′
6
pines
vault
creek
year round, fish
Echo Lake Campground
6440′
hike
pines
none
lake
May-Nov, no tables
Soldier Creek Campground
4890′
disp
pines
vault
creek
May-Nov, fall hunters
South Antelope Campground
2700′
4
pines
vault
creek
year round
Willow Lake Campground
–
disp
pines
–
lake
May-Nov, no tables
NORTH LASSEN
Free Camping Lassen
Northside of Mount Lassen
Excellent back roads camping w/ dense forest and free firewood all over the place (bring hand saw). Dispersed, primitive, free camping, near creek, and highway close. Many forest dirt roads turn offs, all along Highway 44 (California SR 44) near junction w/ Hwy 89 @ Lassen National Park.
Big creeks, dense forests, graded dirt roads, dark night skies. PCT access, trailheads, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, all along Upper Hat Creek.
Campfire permits (shovel, bucket & water) are required when camping outside of a developed campground. Always check on current fire restrictions. Washed out bridges and landslides are common, which means road closed signs can be found on these remote backroads.
Black Butte Lake, West of Chico, CA
On the west side of Interstate 5. Campgrounds, boating, wildflowers and hiking trails.
Clear Lake Area
Bear Valley Road (long dirt road) which connects Hwy 20 to Stonyford. Look for small dirt road turn off (north) off of Highway 20. NE of Clear Lake, CA
BLM Glen Eden Trail
Lakeport @ Clear Lake, CA
w/ California Fawn Lilies and camping
Mill Creek, California
Giant, curly lupine on a big creek, just south of Lassen National Park. Park along Hwy 172 on the east side, about a mile before the Mill Creek Resort and hike along creek to find large lupine. Great picnic area.
Curly Lupine @ Mill Creek, CA
wildfire note: burn scars are excellent spots to find wild flowers
North Sierra Nevada Mountains
Bald Rock Road Loop, Berry Creek, CA
Granite dome above Lake Oroville SRA
Hiking trailhead, Scenic drive loop. Lupine, poppies, monkey flower, dogwoods. Wildflower drive through a recently burnt forest (2020) #BearFire
Plumas National Foresthas excellent outdoor recreation and developed campgrounds, as well as secluded, primitive back roads camping sites. If you prefer a camp with table, toilet and a campfire ring, then expect to pay a fee. There are several small, remote campgrounds listed below, but most are located on paved roads. Venture down dirt roads to find a premium camp sites for free. Scroll the map links below to explore the back roads of Plumas, and discover hidden fishing holes.
SOME CAMPGROUNDS are closed due to wildfire damage in the Plumas region.
Held in the hills above Redding in the mountain town of Burney. The impressive volcanic Lassen forests, with small town events like Burney Basin Days draws tourists from near & far.
Parade, fireworks, craft fair, breakfast and lunch, car show, bed races, horseshoe throwing competition and a cornhole tournament. Plenty of great camping all around this location. The few local motels fill up fast during summer months.
Numerous Mill Creeks exist in the golden state of California. Here we will list most of them, some with campgrounds and others without. Waterfalls, big rivers and
Small mountain resort in the forest near Mill Creek, with cabin rentals, RV camping and campgrounds nearby. A general store is open in summer months, and snow can be found in winter. Highway 172 makes a nice paved loop around this forested area and joins back to Hwy 36. Route may be closed due to snow in winter & spring. Free camping can be found along this creek, although a campfire permit is always required for camping outside of developed campgrounds.
Mill Creek Resort
40271 Highway 172, Mill Creek CA 96061
530-595 4449
Mill Creek Resort Campground
elevation = 4720′
14 tent sites
8 RV sites
reservations & fees
closed in winter
showers & flush toilets
picnic tables
camp fire rings
Mill Creek Indians: Described as a group of ‘renegade and outlaws’, from multiple tribes in NorCal. Mill Creek Indians took shelter in secluded Mill Creek gorge, located below the Mill Creek Rim, a volcanic ridge which extends from Mount Lassen to the Sacramento River Valley. See more on Ishi Wilderness.
Fouts Springsis a popular off-road camping area on the far east side of Mendocino National Forest. Many miles off I-5, near Stonyford, CA. Numerous NFS campgrounds exist is this rugged canyon. One of them is called Mill Creek Campground and it has few pine tree and lots of chaparral, plus a decent little creek flowing nearby. OHV – off highway vehicle use is heavy in this region, so know when to go. At certain times of the year this remote canyon can be quiet and peaceful. Call the local rangers to find out.
Stonyford Workcenter
5171 Stonyford-Elk Creek Road
Stonyford, CA 95979
530-963-3128
NOTE: RANCH FIRE, this whole Mendocino Forest was badly burned by recent wildfires. Mendocino Complex Fire 2018
All of the Snow Mountain Wilderness was burnt and affected, including all the National Forest land surrounding it. Fouts Springs Campgrounds may have been spared, but the hills, trails and roads now lead to blackened forest. Many routes could be closed; check with ranger station in advance of travel.
Mill Creek Waterfall is located on the western slopes of the Warner Range, near the South Warner Wilderness. On the headwaters to the Pit River; About 6 miles east of US Highway 395, near the town of Likely, south of Alturas, California
TheBucks Lake Wilderness region also has a developed NFS Mill Creek Campground. The camp location is well off the Bucks Lake Road, tucked deep in a tight canyon; northern most point and near a dam for the large Bucks Lake.
elevation = 5200′
10 camp sites
fee
closed in winter
14 night camp limit
RV = 21′ max
pit toilets
picnic tables
camp fire rings
Bucklin Road (aka Bucklin Dam Rd and Road 33) #24N24 a paved road on the west end of Bucks Lake, connects to Road #24N88X which leads back to this smaller campground; camp sites are paved. Steep driveway down.
This Mill Creek intersects Bucks Lake at the campground, then connects to the PCT hiking trail, although the narrow dirt road #24N88X veers away from creek a few miles up.
This Mill Creek is located on the south shore of the lower Kings River, above Pine Flat Reservoir. This is the boundary where Sequoia NF meets the big river, and on the other side of the water is the Sierra NF.
Mill Flat Campground (also known as Mill Creek Camp) is a shady, oak flat campground on a dirt road, located at a dead end canyon site, right on the rocky rivers edge.
As usual – the further you drive, the more seclusion you will find. This observation holds true for this Mill Creek location. During peak summer months, there may be families enjoying this spot, but most of the year it is virtually empty and rarely used.
The NorCal event Lassen County Fair is held in Susanville California. Carnival rides, destruction derby, ranch rodeo, arts & craft vendors, food, & plenty local music too. This whole Northern California region is awesome for summer camping & fishing, so make a week of it & enjoy the natural scenery, outdoor recreation & this annual county fair.
Hole-in-the-Ground Campground NFS Lassen National Forest
dirt road access #28N06, off Hwy 172 @ Mill Creek, CA
South of Highway 36, near jct Hwy 89
• Elevation: 4,300′ • Number of Sites: 13 • Vehicle Accessibility: No trailers • Campsite Fee: Yes • Campsite Reservation: No • Campsite Water: hand-pump well • Toilet: vault • Length of Stay: 14 Days • Season: April – October • Trailheads: Mill Creek Trail
Shady pines campground situated near the wild and raging Mill Creek, on the south side of Mount Lassen. Outside of the Lassen National Park, this NFS camp offers a real backwoods feel and more seclusion. Easy foot access to Mill Creek and also theIshi Wilderness.
Picnic tables and metal campfire rings provided at these campsites. Summers can be busy, but mid week you may have the whole place to yourself. NOTE: 3 miles dirt road access Lassen Forest Road #28N06. Trailers and large RVs are not recommended on this dirt road.
Hole in the Ground, is also the name of a remote wilderness canyon deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Located on the Upper Kern River – in Grasshopper Flat near Hockett Peak (8551′ elev). All inside the Golden Trout Wilderness; accessible only by horseback or hiking trail. Find it on foot @ Jerky Trailhead on National Forest Road# 22S82
Hole in the Rock
Backside Hole in the Wall, Mojave NP
Hole in the Wall, California
Similarly named, Hole in the Wall Campground is a popular spot in the Mojave National Preserve. Group facilities, horse corrals, developed campgrounds, centrally located, yet close to Interstate 40.
Stop by the “Hole in the Wall” Information Center (760) 252-6104, for more info and maps. The most popular hike, the Ring Trail, will leads thru rock face (above) to the campground on Black Canyon Road, on the other side of this huge rock wall.
Mid Hills Campground (nearby) has better choice on secluded camping, but rougher road to access. Mojave desert has abundant camping, so there is plenty space for everyone!
Fumaroles and Boiling Mudpots Hot Springs near Lassen Peak Volcano
South side of Mount Lassen, outside the National Park boundary several non-soakable hot springs exist:
Growler Hot Springs (private land)
Morgan Hot Springs (private land)
* Measured temperatures of these hot springs range from 126 to 207°F (52-97°C), so basically SCALDING HOT & dangerous
Little Hot Springs Valley (within the National Park boundary) is also not fit for public use either. Although it may be appealing as a sightseeing destination, (accessible by dirt road) it is far from soaking quality.
Hot Springs Creek flows south into Mill Creek
DixieFire 2021 ravaged California’s Volcanic National Park. Morgan Mountain lightning strike fire merged with the monster fire to the east. NPS fire crews and CalFire lit a back fire near the Visitors Center on Hwy 89 – to burn and meet the bigger oncoming fire. Winds from the north forced the giant wildfire from the peaks and down hill to Mill Creek and Child Meadows, where firefighters were able to control the leading edge of the fire.
the only real hot springs worth visiting around Lassen National Park
rumors have it that the resort may still be standing – after the fire!
Built in 1900, this historic, rustic mountain meadow resort is accessible by dirt road through Warner Valley – north of Chester, CA. They have a swimming pool, naturally heated by the local hot springs. Plus rental horses, hiking trailheads and a developed campground nearby.
JULY 2021 – Drakesbad is CLOSED due to wildfire Dixie Fire
Silver Lake Road #10
20 miles off Highway 89. Northbound, outside of Westwood @ Lake Almanor, take County Road A21 to County Road 110 (Silver Lake Rd)
Dirt road boat ramp @ southern end of lake. Winter weather & snow closes this area annually, so this lake is mainly a summertime destination. Mid-week tends to be less popular for those seeking seclusion.
backpacking
fishing
camping
canoe
hiking
kayaking
Hiking trails lead to Caribou Lake, Emerald Lake, Betty Lake, Trail Lake, Shotoverin Lake & Caribou Wilderness.
Silver Bowl Campground NFS
• Elevation: 6400′
• Number of Sites: 18
• Vehicle Accessibility: small RV
• Campsites Reservation: No
• Camp Fee: Yes
• Toilet: Vault
• Water: piped/potable
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: May – October
• Trailheads: Caribou Wilderness
Lassen National Forest
Lassen National Forest
Almanor Ranger District
900 East Highway 36
Chester, CA 96020
530-258-2141
2 Silver Lake in East Lassen? Surely.
Only 12 miles apart. As the crow flies.
Largest is Silver Lake, south of Caribou Lake, Lassen National Forest. East of the National Park, accessible by vehicle. The popular one that is mentioned above.
Small Silver Lake at 6600′ elevation, is a hike-in only lake. Inside Lassen National Park, west of Snag Lake and the Fantastic Lava Beds.
Lassen National Forest roads and trailheads, surrounding Lassen NP
Lassen National Park is completely encompassed by National Forest land with dirt roads, off road trails, serene lakes, secluded camp sites, hiking trailheads and wilderness access
California State Route 89 (highway 89) runs north/south thru the middle of the park and closes for months due to winter snow.
California State Route 36 (highway 36) runs east/west on the south side of the National Park, connecting Red Bluff to Susanville, CA
California State Route 44 (highway 44) runs east/west on the north side of the National Park, connecting Redding to Susanville, CA
East of Lassen National Park
Lassen Forest Road #10
Echo Lake, Silver Lake, Caribou Lake. Campgrounds, trailheads, backpacking, day hikes, parking, equestrian.
Crater Lake on the north side of Hwy 44
Lassen Forest Road #318
Juniper Lake Road (aka Chester Juniper Lake Rd)
N of Chester, CA
paved first 5 miles, then becomes graded dirt road for another 5.
Benner Creek runs along the first half of this route w/ Banner Creek Campground: elevation 5562′ / 9 camp sites / open May-Nov
Juniper Lake at end of road w/ NPS campground
elevation 6792′ / 18 camp sites / open June-Sept
Lassen Forest Road #312
Warner Valley Road (aka Drakesbad Road)
N of Chester, CA
10 miles long, paved most of the way, then becomes graded dirt road out to Drakesbad meadow.
Wilson Lake Road, connects Hwy 36 to Road #312
Domingo Springs Campground: elevation 5060′ / 18 camp sites / open May-Nov
Lassen Road #29N18
W of Chester, CA
Loop route off Forest Road #311 w/ North Fork of the Feather River, leading to Elizabeth Lake trailhead
Lassen Road #29N19
W of Chester, CA
Graded dirt road w/easy access. Connects Forest Road #311 to highway, paralleling Hwy 36. Lost Creek runs along this route w/ Willow Springs Campground: elevation 5100′ / 14 camp sites / open May-Nov
West of Lassen National Park
Lassen Forest Road #17
W of Lassen NP
North-South dirt road that connects highway 36 to highway 44.
Heart Lake trailhead
At the south end on Hwy 36 is Battle Creek Campground: elevation 4800′ / 50 camp sites / open April-Oct
Lassen Forest Road #29N22
Mineral Road connects Hwy 89 to Viola on Hwy 44
McGowan Lake Winter Recreation Area at South entrance of Lassen National Park
Camping North Lassen
North of Lassen National Park
Lassen Forest Road #32N13 Lassen Forest Road #32N22 (PCT crosses this route)
Twin Bridges networks dirt roads @ Hat Creek.
near Old Station Visitors Center (junction Hwy 89 & 44).
Hat Creek and Cave Campground on highway 89, Big Pine Campground off highway; Numerous dirt back roads for dispersed camping, near the viewpoint on highway 44
Road #32N20 Road #32N56 – road just south of Subway Cave near Old Station, off SR Hwy 44 lead to small Baker Lake.
Road #32N92Y side route leading from Hwy 44 to Road #32N21 along Butte Creek.
Butte Lake Ranger Station and Butte Lake Campground: elevation 5600′ / 20 camp sites /open May-Oct
Road #32N09 connects Forest Road #10 to Widow Lake trailhead and Butte Lake. Road #32N60 is Bogart Winter Recreation Area, at Hwy 44
Hat Creek Lassen Road #18 runs north/south along Hat Creek Rim. Dirt road parallels Hat Creek Valley on the east side of Hwy 89 Road #22 connects Hwy 89 to Hat Creek Rim. A popular hang glider launch area after the University of California Radio Astronomy Observatory, then the road continues eastbound to cross Pittville Rd #111 and ends up at Little Valley
Lassen NF Road #111 is Pittville Rd, runs north/south paralleling Hat Creek Rim to the east side. This 30 mile long route connects Hwy 44 to Pitt River at Hwy 299 near Fall River Mills, CA
Lassen Volcanic Park is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes, some inside the National Park boundary, but most outside. Lassen National Forest, Thousand Lakes Wilderness, Lake Almanor, Hat Creek and Burney Falls encompass this pristine water wonderland of NorCal. Outdoor recreation all over – rivers, fish, hunt, camp, mountain bike, off road.
Backpack camps, RV campground, fishing lakes, day hikes, off-road and lake side camp sites, we have it all listed on Total Escape.
Hiking, camping, fishing all over this region! Mountain bike, kayak, or relax all day in the hammock – in a shady spot with a view. Water flows freely and annual snow melt is abundant in this part of California. Some locales may not open until July 4th weekend. Always check with the Lassen NFS rangers to make sure.
(lakes on the trail)
Crumberg Lake
Twin Lakes
Jakey Lake
Snag Lake 6076′
Horseshoe Lake
Willow Creek
Long Lake
Lassen National Forest lakes:
Majority of these lakes require dirt road driving to reach them. Often forest roads close for snow, usually during winter months (DEC-MAY)
Wilson Lake 5267′ Crater Lake ^ 6800′
Echo Lake
Widow Lake
Star Lake 6362′
Rising River Lake
Baum Lake
Murken Lake
Haynes Reservoir
Heart Lake
Willow Lake
Shotoverin Lake
Killer Camp @ Echo Lake
Caribou Wilderness:
Campsites with hiking lakes and wilderness trailhead access, right next to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Echo Lake ^
Caribou Lake ^
Silver Lake ^ – Silver @ Lassen
Triangle Lake
Find Lassen Maps, NFS Topo Atlas
Thousand Lake Wilderness:
North of Mount Lassen is the less-popular Wilderness Area w/ many miles of dirt roads to travel.
North Battle Creek Lake ^ 5571′
Logan Lake
Buckhorn Lake 4776′
Lake Eiler
Terry Lake
At least 5 camping grounds called Black Rock around California.
SouthernCal Desert
Black Rock Campground @ Joshua Tree National Park
This popular camp is in Southern California, near the town of Yucca Valley, California. This is a NPS Campground w/ fee, reservations are recommended. Open all year long.
Joshua Tree National Park is nearby, but the campground is not located inside the park. It is however, a close to the town of Yucca Valley.
• Elevation: 4,000′
• Number of Sites: 100
• Vehicle Accessibility: RV 40′
• Campsites Reservation: Yes
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: Open all year
• Trailheads: Warren Peak, High View Nature Loop, Panorama Loop
Black Rock Horse Camp located next door, can accommodate up to 20 horses w/ corrals and room for RVs. With California Hiking & Riding Trail, group camp and equestrian facilities.
Black Rock Lake (also known as Black Rock Reservoir) is located in the lower Kings Canyon region. North fork of the Kings River in Sierra National Forest; West of Kings Canyon National Park.
Sierra Forest Road #11S12 – a one lane, paved road – narrow, steep, RVs and trailers are not allowed. Small campground, granite rocks, fishing, no boating.
In the rugged volcanic canyons above Chico, CA – the Ishi Wilderness splits the landscape into volcanic rock ridges. Geologically, one of the oldest rocks in the Lassen National Forest. A small, rustic campground is way back in here – and if you are adventurous w/ a proper vehicle and bored – you could to go find it.
Black Rock Campground NFS
• Elevation: 2,100′
• Number of Sites: 6
• Vehicle Accessibility: High Clearance, maybe 4WD
• Camp Fee: No
• Campsites Reservation: No
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Vegetation: Oaks
• Season: Open all year
• Trailheads: Ishi Wilderness, Mill Creek Rim
Very long dirt road. Minimal facilities. Rustic and remote. No RVs.
Access from Highway 36, East of Red Bluff. Take Ponderosa Way.
Access from Cohassett Road in Chico. Cohassett Road all the way – up to Campbell Ridge, and then take Ponderosa Way.
Ponderosa Way is Lassen Forest Road #28N29, a dirt road access of 20+ miles. Unmaintained most of the year. Landslides and erosion are common on long dirt roads, so take caution and call ahead for road conditions.
In this wild canyon area, there are no services, maybe limited cell phone signal too. Beautiful views of the Ishi Wilderness, Mill Creek Rim and great swimming holes on Mill Creek.
This campground is not easy to reach. High clearance required on this route, but 4×4 is usually recommended.
You may need a chain saw depending on the time of year. Flash floods are possible in drainage from Mount Lassen, so check the weather forecast.
This is one of many small lakes situated within the Lakes Basin Recreation Area , in the Northern Sierra Nevada mountains. Just north of Downieville & Historic Gold Country. Snag Lake is nothing special compared to the rest of the scenic lakes close by, but it is worth a mention due to a few fun facts.
One thing this small lake campground does have is convenience, located right on the Gold Lake Highway – next to Goose Lake, plus hiking distance to the largest of the lakes, Gold Lake. The second feature is the campground is small, 16 primitive sites, picnic tables & one vault toilet. The third thing is that this is a FREE campground; no charge.
Snag Lake Campground
• Elevation: 6600′
• Number of Sites: 16
• Vehicle Accessibility: Small RVs
• Campsites Reservation: No
• Camp Fee: No
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: June – October
• Trailheads: Gold Lake
dirt drive (no pavement)
No motorized boats allowed. No paved boat ramps. Kayaks & canoes can hand launch from several spots. The dirt driveway is easily missed, especially at night. The old wooden, forest service sign is not reflective. The vault toilet is close to the highway and the camp sites are along the lake edge. No pavement anywhere!
Upon arrival, camper trailers will want to get out and select the best route to a camp site. The small boulders, dead trees, root and rock obstacles are abundant on the dirt road entry, all around the campground, and at each camp site. High clearance vehicles would fair best at this camp, but some passenger cars may be able to manage the rocky entrance. Get out and look at the road, before scraping across the biggest rock. Slowly, carefully, maybe… and preferably an arrival before dark.
LOCALS TIP: The wind tends to pick up at night around these lakes, so brace your tent well and position your vehicle appropriately.
fishing lake?
Obviously with a name like SNAG, you can imagine that the fishing here is not the best, since roots and old tree stumps make up a good portion of the shoreline. Luckily there are a dozen alpine lakes within a 20 mile radius to choose from for another fishing spot. Some lakes are hike-in only, some require 4×4 to reach and others have cabin resorts.
Gold Lake Hwy (or Gold Lake Road) closes in the winter months (NOV-APRIL) due to snow and the region is used as a winter recreation area. Cross-country skiing and snow-mobiling are both popular activities.
Lassen – Snag Lake
ANOTHER SNAG LAKE in NorCal, can be found by foot, hiking into the Lassen Volcanic Wilderness. Backpacking the lake loop is approx 17 miles RT and includes 3 lakes – Snag Lake, Widow Lake, and Jakey Lake. Trailhead is located at Juniper Lake, at the north shore.
Sierra Nevada North / Northern Sierra Nevada Mountains
the sierra buttes
Northern Gold Country, Yuba River
Sierra granite rock meets volcanic rock at Lakes Basin & Lassen NP
Some California maps consider Mount Lassen to be the top of the Sierra Nevada range, while other maps cut it off at Lakes Basin @ Sierra Buttes, much further south. Lassen Peak is actually part of the Cascade Range of mountains that go up the coast of the Pacific Northwest. Either way, we’ve included Lassen maps in this list.
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.
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.
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
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).
Mount Lassen is part of the Cascade Mountain Range, located north of the Sierra Nevada. The Lassen forest encompasses a large area of wilderness land, snowmelt creeks and an abundant dirt road system. Most of which is covered in deep snow about half the year, so plan accordingly.
Plumas National Forest
Ishi Wilderness Map