back country roads

ROUTEPAGE

1.BigTanOak4

Visitworld’slargestTanOaknearthenationalscenicTrinityRiver

2.Doublehead 5

Highdesertterrain,wildmustangs,visitafirelookout

3.EddyGulch6

RoutecrossesridgelinebetweenbranchesofthescenicSalmonRiver

4.Lakes/Crossroads 7

LassenPeakviewsandThousandLakesWilderness

5.MarbleMountains 8

AccesstohorseandhikingtrailsforthefamousMarbleMountainWildernessArea

6.MedicineLake9

BeautifulvolcanicroutetoMedicineLakeinthecalderaofashieldvolcano

7.MumboBasinLoop 10

CastleCragsStatePark,theTrinityDivide,andCastleLake

8.NorthWarners11

Historicwagontrainroute,visitafirelookout,uniquevolcanicgeology

Locator Map for routes 12-13

9.Quincy/LaPorte 14

Historicgoldexplorationhistory

TableofContents ROUTE

PAGE

10.Reservoir 15

Highdesertswampsandunusuallavaflows

11.Shasta-MilitaryPassRoad 16

DrivecompletelyaroundCalifornia’slargestvolcano-Mt.Shasta

12.Sierra-Ishi 17

HistoricNativeAmericanlandsandearlyEuro-Americansettlements

13.SiskiyouCrest 18

BackcountryroutefromOregontoCaliforniawithscenicvistas

14.SmithRiver19

SmithRiverNationalRecreationAreawithsteeprockgorgesandscenicvistas

15.SouthWarners 20

Highcountrywildernessarea,mountainlake,andbeautifulwaterfall

16.SouthForkTrinityRiver 21

FollowhistoricroutetoscenicriverandoneofCalifornia’smostremotetowns

17.SouthernCascades 22

FamilycampingataForestServicehighcountrylake

18.ValleytoValley 23

Lavaflowsandcinderconefields,emigranttrail,andHatCreekradiotelescope

www.backcountryroads.com

to Northern California’s Backcountry Roads - truly an adventure around every corner!

In Northern California lies one of the country’s most beautiful regions- the Shasta Cascade and the North Coast. Covering an area roughly the size of Ohio, unspoiled, breathtaking vistas enthrall visitors with towering mountains, volcanoes, hot springs, glaciers, waterfalls, whitewater rivers, dense lush forests, and glistening lakes. Far Northern California contains seven national forests, eight national

and state parks, two national recreation areas, the Trinity Alps and the California Cascade range- including two giant glaciated volcanoes, the dormant 14,162 foot Mt. Shasta and the still active 10,457 foot Lassen Peak.

Far Northern California is where people go to get away from the frantic city pace, appealing to those who like a leisurely approach to the outdoors as well as those who enjoy adventure. We are confident that this Backcountry Roads guide will lead you into some great adventures that will bring you

back for more. We hope you enjoy your experiences and have a safe trip.

This guide provides information about some of the region’s most spectacular backcountry roads. Now that you have that new SUV- are you wondering what purpose it serves other than hauling the kids to soccer practice? Consider a family adventure off the beaten path. The routes in this guide were chosen specifically for the factory equipped sports utility vehicle. That Ford Explorer, Toyota 4-Runner, Mercedes ML350, or even your new Lincoln Navigator are all perfect for these drives. You can count on maybe getting them dirty but not scratched. Your SUV will carry you in comfort to some of the most pristine, natural locations available

in Northern California. Families will be able to enjoy Northern California’s backcountry in an uncrowded setting. The guide covers routes that can take as long as the entire day or just a short 1-hour jaunt.

Cover photos courtesy of Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association

WELCOME

an adventure around every corner!

BigTanOakDriveBolesCreek BlueMountainLookout

4 5

LOCATIONThisroutebeginsabout45mileswestofWeavervilleoffHighway299.

DIFFICULTYThisrouteisonpavedandgravelroads.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow1.25hoursroundtrip.Thisrouteisapproximately20miles.

THEDRIVEThisrouteisaforestlover’sparadise.Theworld’slargestTanOaktreeisthefocalpointofthisshortandsimplerouteintheSixRiversNationalForest.

When driving this route, you’ll be following along Hennessy Ridge Road. Thisroad parallels a ridge-top pack trail from the 1880s. It was used by minersworkingclaimsalongtheSouthForkoftheTrinityRiver,andconnectedthesmallcommunityofSalyertoHyampom.

HennessyRidgeisalsothewatersheddividebetweentheSouthForkoftheTrinity,andTrinityRivers.YoureachtheTanOaktree10milesintotheroute.Ofthe100to300speciesofLithocarpus,theTanOakistheloneNorthAmericanspeciesandisnativefromSouthwestOregontoCalifornia.Itcantoleratewinterfrostaswellassummerheatanddryness.Thebarkwashighlyvaluedfortanningleather,butthewoodwaslittleused,sointhelate1800sandearly1900smostofthetreeswerecutdown.Oppositethetree,youwillseeaviewofthemainstemoftheTrinityRiverCanyon.NeartheendontheleftthereareviewsintotheSouthForkoftheTrinityRiver.YouwillseeoldgrowthDouglasFirforeststhataremixedwithoak,madrone,andBigLeafMapletrees.

Foracompletedescription,drivingdirections,andmapforthisroutevisitwww.backcountryroads.com

BigTanOakVisitworld’slargestTanOaknearthenationalscenicTrinityRiver

DoubleheadHighdesertterrain,wildmustangs,visitafirelookout

LOCATIONThisroutebeginsnorthwestofAlturas,nearClearLakeReservoir in theModocNationalForest.

DIFFICULTYThisroute isalonggravelandpavedForestServiceandcountyroads.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow4hourstocompletethisdrive.Itisapproximately75miles.

THEDRIVEPetroglyphs, an old gravestone, and theApplegateWagonTrail are just a fewrelics fromthepast thatexistalongthisroutethroughasectionof theModocNationalForest.You start your journey north of Canby along Highway 139, paralleling the OldSouthernPacificRailroadLineforseveralmiles.NorthonForestRoad136takesyoubyClearLakeReservoirandClearLakeNationalWildlifeRefuge.

You’llcontinuedrivingthroughtheDoubleheadForestDistrictandovertheDevil’sGardenPlateau.Devil’sGardenisanexpansiveprehistoriclavaflow,withsparsevegetation,roughbrokenlavarock,junipertrees,sagebrushflats,inasemi-aridregioncoveringabouthalfamillionacres.Itremainsdrymostoftheyearbutinspringtimeitlookslikethe“landoflakes”asallofthewaterholesfill.

Halfway along the route you can stop and see the views from the top of theBlue Mountain Fire Lookout. Jane’s Reservoir is a dry reservoir and is a greatopportunityfordiversebirdwatching.You’llalsohavetheopportunitytovisitBigSageReservoir.BigSageReservoirwasconstructedintheearly1900stoprovideirrigationwater toWarmSpringsValleybetweenAlturasandCanby. This routeendsinthecityofAlturasonStateHighway299.


EddyGulchSalmonRiver LassenPeak ThousandLakesWilderness

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LOCATIONThisroutebeginsinCecilville,travelingnorththroughtheKlamathNationalForest,endingatSawyersBar.

DIFFICULTYThisroutetravelsalonggoodqualityForestServicedirtroads.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow1.5hourstodrivethisroute.Itisapproximately23miles.

THEDRIVEIfyouarelookingtoexperiencesmallcommunitylivingandthesceneryofaforestdrive,theEddyGulchrouteisaperfectfit.ThisroutebringsyouintotheheartofNorthernCalifornia’s ruralcommunities inKlamathNationalForest.Beginning inthecommunityofCecilville,youwilltravelnorthboundthroughlushforestandendatabridgeinthesmallcommunityofSawyersBar.ThereisnostoreinSawyersBarandtheonlyelectricitycomesfromsolarpanelsorprivategenerators.

Youwillwitnessachangeinthevegetationastheelevationchanges.JustaboutfourmilesintotherouteyouwillseeincredibleviewsoftheTrinityAlpsWilderness.WhiledrivingalongforestroadsonyourwaytoSawyersBar,youcanstopandtakeintheviewfromtheEddyGulchFireLookout.Duringfireseason,thelookoutismannedandyoucandriverightuptoit;however,itisstillaccessiblebyfootintheoff-season.

Thisareahaslongbeenremote.GoldwasfirstdiscoveredontheSouthForkoftheSalmonRiveraboveCecilvilleinthespringof1849byagroupofminersfromIllinois.Thisisaveryruggedmountainousarea;suppliescouldonlybebroughtinonpackanimalsfromCallahanorfromthePacificcoasttothewest.TheCallahantoCecilvilleroadwasnotbuiltuntilthe1950s.


EddyGulchRoutecrossesridgelinebetweenbranchesofthescenicSalmonRiver

LOCATIONThis route begins on Highway 44 near the north entrance to Lassen VolcanicNationalPark,andgoesnortheasttoHighway89.

DIFFICULTYExpectroughroadconditionsandslowtravelthroughremotecountry.Bepreparedfordownedtreesorrocksontheroad.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow7.5hourstodrivethisroute.Itisapproximately60miles.

THEDRIVELassenPeakmakesastunningappearanceinthissectionoftheLassenBackcountryByway,entitledTheCrossroads.Aroundmile10youwillencounteranopportunityforasidetriptohikeHeartLakeNationalRecreationalTrail.AlsonottomissistheNoblesEmigrantTrail.LookforthishistoricemigranttrailandmarkerontherightjustbeyondManzanitaCreek.

After passing Highway 44 you enter into the Thousand Lakes: TheWildWoodssectionofthedrive.IttakesyoupasttheThousandLakesWilderness,dominatedby8,677-footCraterPeak,thehighestpointintheLassenNationalForest.This16,335-acrewildernessisrecognizedforitsstrikingvolcanicandglacialformations,alpinelakes, rocky ravines, and fragrant stands of Lodgepole Pine,White and Red Fir,WillowyHemlock,andBakerCypressalongtheroad.ThislastspeciesisconsideredthreatenedinOregonandrareinCalifornia(bytheCaliforniaNativePlantSociety).You’llgetaglimpseoftheDevil’sRockGardenareaandlavaflowsasyoudescendintoBunchgrassValley.YoucanexploreBurneySpringsandtakeadvantageofroadaccess to Burney Mountain, which is considered a“special volcano” by the USGeologicalSociety.


Lakes/CrossroadsLassenPeakviewsandThousandLakesWilderness

MeteorLake

MarbleMountainWildernessMarbleMountains

LavaTubeBridge MedicineLake

8 9

LOCATIONThisrouteisaloopthatbeginsandendsnearBartleonHighway89.

DIFFICULTYThis route is mostly paved with only six miles of unpaved road, but a highclearancevehicleisadvised.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow2.5-3hourstodrivethisroute.Itisapproximately64miles.

THEDRIVEThis is a relatively easy route that offers a varied landscape and interestingencounterswithnatureandalandwithavolcanicpast.TheturnaroundpointisMedicineLake,asitethatisgreatforswimming,hiking,andpicnicking.ThePitRiverpeoplebelievedthattheCreatorandhissonbathedinthewatersofthelakeaftercreatingtheearthandthatheblessedthewaterwiththepowertorenewandheal.Itwasoncethecenterofthevolcanothatformedthesurroundinglandfeatures;therearenooutletsforthislake.AlongtherouteyouwillcometotheLittleMt.HoffmanFireLookout.ThishistoriclookouthasbeenrenovatedandisavailableforrenttothepublicforovernightstaysthroughtheForestService.Evenifyouarenotstayingthenight, it is recommendedtomakethe trek to the topandtakeintheamazingviews.AlsoalongthisrouteyouwillseethegeologicallyimpressiveGlassMountainandLittleGlassMountainpumiceandobsidian lavaflow, an early source for material for arrowheads made by Native Americans.Therewere loggingactivities in thisarea in the1920sto1940s.Therearestillvisibleremnantsoftheseearlyrailloggingactivitiesalongtheroute.AlsoinviewonthisdriveistheredcoloredRedCapMountain,andthewhitecoloredPumiceStoneMountain.


MedicineLakeLoopBeautifulvolcanicroutetoMedicineLakeinthecalderaofashieldvolcano

LOCATIONThisrouteislocatednearSomesBar,about40milessouthofHappyCampnearHighway96.

DIFFICULTYThisroutefollowsacombinationofpavedanddirtroads.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow2.5hourstocompletethisdrive.Itisapproximately35miles.

THEDRIVELocated remotely among the river communities of Northern California, thisroute brings you up to incredible mountain views and opportunities to seewaterfallsupclose.

Starting in thesmall communityofSomesBaronForestRoad93,you’llheadnorth on a loop through the Klamath National Forest. The town was built byAbraham Somes, with his friend and partner,WilliamTripp in the early 1850sasasupplystationforminersinthearea.ItwasoriginallylocatedabouthalfamileuptheSalmonRiver,butfloodsandfiresovertheyearshaveresultedinitsrelocation.Thetwofoundingfamiliesstillmakeupalargeportionoftheresidentsofthisareatoday.

AsyoudrivenorthupForestRoad88you’llseesomegreatviewsoftheMarbleMountainWildernessofftoyoureast.

ThedrivegivesyouaccesstohikingandequestriantrailsintotheMarbleMountainWilderness.Neartheendofthisroute,takeashortsidetripupthemountaintotakeintheviewsfromtheUkonomMountainFireLookout.

ThereturnportionofthisrouteparallelstheKalamathRiverandoverlapswiththeBigfootScenicBywayforseveralmiles.

AsyounearSomesBaronyourreturntrip,besureandstopofftoseeIshiPishiFalls,whichcanbeviewedfromthehighway.NearSomesBarthereareahandfuloflocationswitheasyriveraccess.


MarbleMtn.WildernessAccesstohorseandhikingtrailsforthefamousMarbleMountainWildernessArea

GumbootLake HeadwatersoftheSacrementoRiver

SugarHillLookout GooseLakeOverview

10 11

LOCATIONThisroutebeginsinCastellaandendsinMt.ShastaCityalongInterstate5.

DIFFICULTYThisroutefollowsacombinationofpavedanddirtroads.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow2hourstocompletethisroute.Itisapproximately35miles.

THEDRIVEThis route encircles the Castle Crags Wilderness, with diversions at GumbootLake,CastleLake,andLakeSiskiyou.

FromCastella,youpassbyCastleCragsStateParkandhavetheoptionofadayhiketherebeforecontinuingintotheShasta-TrinityNationalForest.AtGumbootLakeyoucanscoopupabitoftheheadwatersfortheSacramentoRiver;thewaterrunsfromthereintoLakeSiskiyou.You’llalsospendsometimedriving the ridgeline known as the Trinity Divide. From the top you’ll have aspectacularviewoftheTrinityAlpsWilderness.

YouwillalsopassthroughHorseHeavenMeadowsandMumboBasin.Theforestinthesouthernportionofthisrouteisamixofnationalandprivatelands.

TherearedevelopedForestServicecampgroundsatGumbootLakeandCastleLake.

OnthewayintoMt.ShastaCity,youwillpassbytheMountShastaFishHatchery,which is the oldest operating fish hatchery west of the Mississippi. The areacurrently known as Mt. Shasta City was originally called Strawberry Valley orBerryvale because of the many wild berries found there.The city changed itsnamein1924.


MumboBasinLoopCastleCragsStatePark,theTrinityDivide,andCastleLake

NorthWarnersHistoricwagontrainroute,visitafirelookout,uniquevolcanicgeology

LOCATIONThis route takes you through sections of the Modoc National Forest in the farnortheasterncornerofCalifornia,nearCedarvilleandtheWarnerMountains.

DIFFICULTYThemajorityof thisroutefollowsdirtandgravelForestServiceroads.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow4.5-5hoursforthisdrive.Itisapproximately60miles.

THEDRIVEThisroutebeginswithadrivethroughtheModocNationalForestthenupHighway395paralleltotheGreatWesternRailroadforseveralmilesandiscompletedwithadriveoverhistoricFandangoPass.AlsoalongthisrouteistheoptionalspurtriptotheSugarHillFireLookout.

Someof thenatural featuresyouwillseeon thisdrive includeBuckMountain,BartonMeadows,GooseLake,andUpperLake.However,oneofthemainhistoricaldrawstothisrouteistheopportunitytosharetheroadwiththeemigrantsgoneby.AsyoudrivealongCountyRoad9 (FandangoPass),youwilldrivepast thesiteoftheFandangoMassacre,whereapartyofemigrantswereattackedbyPaiuteIndianswhohadfollowedtheirwagontrainacrossfromNevadainthe1850s.TheemigrantpartywasdancingtheSpanishFandangoandcelebratingtheendoftheirjourneywhentheywereattacked.ForestServiceworkerswerestilldiscoveringsignsofthemassacreintothe1930s.

UponcompletingtherouteyoucangonorthtovisitthehistoriccommunityofFortBidwell,orsouththroughLakeCity,thesiteofthefirstwhiteman’sdwelling,thefirstsawmill,andthefirstschoolinModocCounty.ModocCountyisknownastheplacewheretheweststilllives.


AntelopeLake LaPorte,JohnsvilleRoadJamisonCreek

JanesReservoir BucherSwampReservoir

14 15

LOCATIONThisroutebeginsjustsouthofQuincyonHighway89inPlumasCounty,withasidetriptothesmallcommunityofJohnsvilleandPlumasEurekaStatePark.

DIFFICULTYThisrouteisapavedandgoodqualityroad.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow1.25hoursforthisdrive.Itisapproximately30miles.Thereisanoptionalsidetripthatwouldaddapproximately2.5hoursontothetrip.

THEDRIVEDriving the Quincy/La Porte Road not only highlights these two specialcommunitiesinPlumasCounty,italsocreatesanopportunitytoseetheruggedandbeautifullandthatconnectsthem.Alongthisroute,youwillcrossoveroneofthebranchesofNelsonCreek.Thisisagreatchancetotakeawalkorgetoutandswim.Later,youcrossoverthebranchofNelsonCreekthathastheNelsonCreekBridgebuiltin1890.Thisbridgeisopentofoottrafficandisanothergreatplacetostretchyourlegs.

LaPorteisoneoftheoldergoldminingcommunitiesinthefoothillsoftheSierrasanddatesbackto1852.ThetownofQuincyboasts twoof thethreestoplightslocatedinPlumasCounty.AbouthalfwaythroughtherouteyouhavetheoptiontovisitJohnsvilleandPlumasEurekaStatePark,twootherlocationswithsignificantmininghistoryandbeautifulscenery.Atonepointyouwilldrivealongtheridgeline.At thehighest point youwill be at an elevation of 6,450 feet.As younear thehistoricminingcommunityofLaPorteyouwillencounteranOffHighwayVehicleStagingareathat isusedbysnowmobileridersduringthewintertime.YouwillalsobeneartoLittleGrassValleyReservoir,agreatspotforcampingandboating,andinthewinter,crosscountryskiing.


Quincy/LaPorteHistoricgoldexplorationhistory

LOCATIONThisroutebeginswestofAlturas,justoffofHighway299,intheModocNationalForest.

DIFFICULTYThisroutetravelsalongpavedandgravelroads.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow2hourstodrivethefullroute.Itisapproximately45miles.

THEDRIVEThisroutebegins inAlturasandheadsnorthwesttothe landofthereservoirs.YouwillseethemanyfullanddryreservoirsthatarescatteredabouttheDevil’sGardenPlateau.

You will find yourself immersed in the high desert as you journey along theseforestroads.Thedesertlandscapeoffersspectacularphotoopportunitiesandthepossibilityofwildlifeandbirdwatching.

Historically,wildhorseshaverunontheDevil’sGardenPlateauformorethan130years.ManyoftheearlyhorsesescapedfromsettlersduringtheIndianWarsorwerereleasedwhentheirusefulnessasdomesticanimalsended.

Oneoftheuniquecharacteristicsofthisareaisthewaterresources.UndergroundspringsarecreatingswampslikeBucherSwamp,coveringhundredsofacresinahighdesertarea.YouwillhaveaviewoverlookingBucherSwamptowardstheendoftheroute.

AlsoonthewayisaquicksidetriptotheDevil’sGardenConservationCamp.ItwasbuiltonthesiteoftheDevil’sGardenAirport,whichwasbuiltduringWWII,butseldomused.

ThereisanoptionforcampingatReservoirCnearthebeginningoftheroute.


ReservoirLoopHighdesertswampsandunusuallavaflows

Mt.Shasta MiddleMcCloudFalls

16 17

LOCATIONThislooproutebeginsinMt.ShastaCityandfollowscounty,state,andforestroadsencirclingMt.Shasta,endingattheintersectionofInterstate5andHighway89.

DIFFICULTYYouwilltravelonacombinationofpavedanddirtroadsbetweenanelevationof3,500and6,800feet.Youneedfour-wheeldriveforpartsofthisroute.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow3-4hourstodrivethisroute,andadditionaltimeforstoppingalongtheway.Itisapproximately75miles.

THEDRIVEOnthisdriveyouwillseeMt.Shastafromeveryangle,passthroughimpressiveforestsofWhiteFirandShastaRedFir,andgetacloseupviewofglaciersandlavaflows.YouwillalsopassthroughandhavetheopportunitytoexplorethethreehistorictownsofWeed,Mt.ShastaCity,andMcCloudalongtheway.

YouwillpassMt.ShastaSkiParkandhavetheoptionforasidetriptoseeUpper,Middle,andLowerMcCloudFalls.

Before turning on to Military Pass Road you will come to the Living MemorialSculptureGardenonHighway97whichcommemoratesveteransoftheVietnamWar.ThisroutealsotakesyoutothetrailheadsfortrailsthatgointotheMt.ShastaWilderness.ThisdrivetakesyoubackintohistorybecausetheMilitaryPassRoadwasoriginallybuiltbytheU.S.Armyin1855,thoughtheoriginalroutehaschangedsomewhat since its early days as a wagon route.The name Military Pass wasofficiallyadopted inthe1940swhena localhistorianexpressedthat itwasfirstusedbysoldiers,eventhoughemigrantswereactuallythefirsttousethisroute.


ShastaMilitaryPassRoadDrivecompletelyaroundCalifornia’slargestvolcano-Mt.Shasta

LOCATIONThis route starts on the southwest side of LakeAlmanor at the border of theLassenandPlumasNationalForestsnearHighway89.

DIFFICULTYExpectroughroadconditionsandslowtravelthroughremotecountry.Bepreparedfordownedtreesorrocksontheroad.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow9hourstocompletethissectionofthedrive.Itisapproximately95miles.

THEDRIVEThefirst portion of thedrive, namedSierraNevada, affords roadwarriorswithaspectaculararrayofgeologicalsites.Lookformica,quartz,andfeldsparsoils– remnants of granite that have succumbed to ages of weather. Look also forevidence of the vast inland sea that once weighed heavily on this part of theearth’s crust.Along this route you will have options to camp at Forest Servicecampgrounds,hiketothetopofHumboldtPeak,andseetheviewfromtheColbyMountainFireLookout.TheHumbugValleyandSodaSpringswereusedbytheMaidu Indians for ceremonial purposes. Settlers, miners, and homesteadersarrivedhereinthelate1840s.

TheLandof Ishi is thenameof thesecondportionof theLassenBackcountryByway.OneofthehighlightsofthisrouteistheLassenTrail,whichyouwillcomeacrossabout10milesintotheroute.PeterLassenpioneeredthisroutein1848andledseveralwagontrainsalongitthefollowingsummer.Anotherhistoricplaceintheemigrationjourneyyou’llseeonthisrouteisTheNarrows,anarrowridgebarely30feetwide.Almosteverydiaryofemigrantswhotraveledalongthisroutementionsnavigatingthisplace.Foracompletedescription,drivingdirections,andmapforthisroutevisitwww.backcountryroads.com

SierraLandofIshiHistoricNativeAmericanlandsandearlyEuro-Americansettlements

SiskiyouCrestfromMt.Ashland KlamathRiverCanyonAlongSmithRiver SmithRiver

18 19

LOCATIONThisroutebegins10milesnorthofYrekaandcircles throughSouthernOregonandtheSiskiyouMountainsintoNorthernCalifornia.

DIFFICULTYThisroutefollowssectionsofpavedroad,butispredominatelyongravelordirtroads. There are some single lane bumpy sections with no turnout spaces. AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEThisdriveshouldtake3.5-4hours.Itisapproximately100miles.

THEDRIVEThisrouteoffersincrediblemountainviewsofMt.Shastatothesouth,theridgesandmountainsof theKlamathNationalForest to thewest,andspectacular fallcolorduringtheearlyautumnmonths.

Youwilldrivealongpavedandunpavedroads ina loop thatcrossesover fromCaliforniatoOregonandthenbackintoCalifornia.TheroadstraveledareInterstate5,Mt.AshlandSkiRoad/FS20,ForestRoad40S01,andTheKlamathRiverHighway96.Somesectionsareclosedtoautomobiletrafficduringwinter.Youwillreachanelevationofalmost7,000feet,whichaffordsincrediblyinspiringviews.

The road passes through privately owned forest—maintained for timberharvesting—and is interspersed with patches of Klamath National Forest.CampingisavailableintheNationalForest.

YouwilldriveparalleltothePacificCrestTrailforasectionoftheroute,havetheopportunitytoviewtwooldgravesnearTrapperCreek,seetheDryLakeMountainFire Lookout, and travel along the State of Jefferson Scenic Byway. You alsohavetheoptionofasidetripdownHighway263(originallyhistoricHighway99),famousforitsmanyhistoricbridges.


SiskiyouAshlandCrestBackcountryroutefromOregontoCaliforniawithscenicvistas

LOCATIONThis route begins in thenorthwestern corner of theSixRiversNational Forest,starting10milesnortheastofCrescentCity,California.

DIFFICULTYThisroutecoversacombinationofpavedandgravelroadsandisopenyearround.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow3hoursforthisdrive.Itisapproximately45miles.

THEDRIVEYouwilltourthescenicnorthwesternforestlandandruraltownsitesalongtheseremoteroadsneartheJedediahSmithRedwoodsStatePark.GasquetandHiouchiareamongthesmallcommunitiesyouwilldiscoverasyoufollowthemeanderingforestroads.

Thereareoveradozenplaces toaccess the river if headedeast fromHiouchialongHighway199.

When headed south along County Road 427, there are also several places toaccesstheriver.StevenBridgeandSandCamparetwoplaceswitheasyaccess.TheSmithRiverisapopulardestinationforfishingandrafting,aswellasbeingconsideredoneofthemostscenicriversinCalifornia.

Camping isavailableatBigFlatCampgroundonCountyRoad427andalsoatPatrickCreekCampgroundonHighway199.

ThisroutealsomakesavailableasidetriptovisittheMt.ShipmanFireLookout,anoldfirelookoutthathasbeenrenovatedandmadeavailableforthepublictorentoutforovernightstaysthroughtheForestService.


SmithRiverSouthForkSmithRiverNationalRecreationAreawithsteeprockgorgesandscenicvistas

SquawPeak MillCreekFalls SouthForkTrinityRiverFlyFishing

SouthForkTrinityRiverRafting

20 21

LOCATIONSouthofCedarville,thisisalooparoundtheSouthWarnerWilderness.

DIFFICULTYThisroutefollowsdirtandgravelForestroadsandpavedcountyroads.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow5.5hoursforthisdrive.Itisapproximately85miles.

THEDRIVETheSouthWarnerWildernesshasbreathtakingsceneryandampleopportunitiesfor hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing. It offerssnowcapped peaks, mountain meadows, sparkling streams, trout fishing amidscenicgrandeur,aprofusionofcolorfulflowersandshrubs,andcountlessbirdsandsmallanimals.

TheWildernessintheSouthWarnersisonlyaccessiblebyhorsebackoronfoot,butthisloopwillgetyouascloseasyoucangoinavehicle.

YourdrivestartsjustsouthofCedarvilleonCountyRoad1andcontinuesthroughEagleville and past the Menlo Baths hot springs before heading west into theModocNationalForest.AlongForestRoad64youcanswingdown toseeBlueLake,anexcellentfishingspotforrainbowandbrowntrout.FromthereyouheadnorththroughtheJessValleywithviewsofthewildernessandmountainstotheeast.Youwill seegreat viewsof the threemostdistinctivepeaksof theSouthWarnerWildernesswhichare:SquawPeak,WarrenPeak,andEaglePeak.

There is theoption fora side trip toSoupSprings,SoupSpringsCampground,andanaccesspointtotheSummitTrail.Continuingnorthyouwillpassthroughastategamerefuge.TherouteendsattheCedarvilleCemetery,justsouthoftown.


SouthWarnersHighcountrywildernessarea,mountainlake,andbeautifulwaterfall

LOCATIONThisrouteconnectstheremotecommunityofHyampomwithHighway299,withthebeginningof the routebeingabout55mileswestofWeaverville in theSixRiversNationalForest.

DIFFICULTYThisrouteismostlydirtandgravelroads.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow2.5hoursforthisone-wayroute.Itisapproximately40miles.

THEDRIVEFindingthatperfectplacetowadeintheriverortakeaswimandapicnicareamongthehighestpleasuresoftravelingthiscombinationofhiddenbackcountryroads.

YouwillbedrivingprimarilyalongForestRoad6alongtheSouthForkoftheTrinityRiverthroughtheSixRiversNationalForest.ThelowerSouthForkwaspopulatedbypeopleoftheHupatribe,andthereareanumberofsignificantarchaeologicalsitesinthisarea.

Atvariouspointsalongthisrouteyouwillactuallybedrivingtheridgeline,attimesreachinganelevationof3,500feet.

AsyounearHyampom,oneofCalifornia’smostremotecommunities,youwillpassamultipleacrevineyardandtheHyampomForestServiceStation.CampingisavailableatBigSlideCampgroundtowardstheendoftheroute,andtherearedevelopedrestareasintwoplacesalongtheroad.


SouthForkTrinityRiverFollowhistoricroutetoscenicriverandoneofCalifornia’smostremotetowns

JuanitaLake ShovelCreekMeadowsSubwayCaves HatCreekRadioObservatory

22 23

LOCATIONThisrouteislocatedjusteastofYreka,followingcountyandForestServiceroadsconnectingthecitiesofMontagueandMacdoel,California.

DIFFICULTYPortions of this route are paved while others have a smooth gravel surface.Thoughmuchistwolaneroad,somesegmentsareasinglelanewithoutfrequentturnoutspaces.AForestServicemap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow2.5-3hourstodrivethisroute.Itisapproximately45miles.

THEDRIVEThisdrivebeginsinthe“OldWestCattleTown”ofMontagueandendsinMacdoel,homeofthePratherRanch,famousthroughoutCaliforniaforitsorganicbeef.

You will travel along county roads until reaching the Klamath National ForestboundaryandwillcontinueonForestServiceroadsfromthere.

If you are interested in geology, you’ll be interested in the Hole in the GroundSpecialInterestAreainthecoreofanancientvolcano.YouwillalsoseetheLittleShastaMeadowBotanicalArea.NeartheBotanicalAreayoucanparkthecarandtakeaquickhiketoLittleShastaSpring.

YouwillalsopassbyBallMountainandtheBallMountainFireLookout.

SomeoftheotherattractionsalongthisrouteareMiessLakeandJuanitaLake;there are opportunities for camping at Forest Service campgrounds at both oftheselakes.ThisroutealsotakesyouneartotheButteValleyStateWildlifeArea.


SouthernCascadesFamilycampingataForestServicehighcountrylake

LOCATIONThisroutebeginsnorthofOldStationonHighway89,goingeastonForestRoad22andendingatLittleValley.

DIFFICULTYExpectroughroadconditionsandslowtravelthroughremotecountry.Bepreparedfordownedtreesorrocksontheroad.AForestServiceMap,mapskills,andagoodsenseofdirectionarehelpful.

TIMEANDDISTANCEAllow3hourstodrivethisroute.Itisapproximately30miles.

THEDRIVEThefinalsectionoftheLassenBackcountryBywaytakesyouthroughthenorthernstretchoftheLassenNationalForestliterallytakingyoufromValleytoValley.You’llascendtotheHatCreekRimwithoutstandingviewsoftheregion’sfeatures.

MurkenBenchoffersinterestinggeologicalviews.Ontheleftsideoftheroadyouwillnoticethecircularformationsofpahoehoelava.Thislavatraveled14milesfromitssourcenearOldStation,flowingmostlyundergroundinlavatubesandtongues.Theslabwasoriginallyhorizontal,butwastippednearlyverticalbythegeologicalenergies that formedHatCreekRim.Togetacloser lookat thespattersof lavaejectedfromthevolcano’svents,hiketheSpatterConesTrail;or,visitSubwayCaveandwalkashorttrailthroughasubterraneancave,createdbythecoolinglava.

YouwillseeMudSpringsandGibbSprings,whichwereundoubtedly importantstops on the Old Lassen Trail. This was also Peter Lassen’s ill-fated point ofdisorientationduringhissearchfortheroutewestintotheSacramentoValley.Duringfavorableweatherwatchhanggliderssoarhighovertheland.HatCreekRadioObservatoryandanintersectionwiththePacificCrestTrailaretwoman-madehighlightsalongthisroute.


ValleytoValleyLavaflowsandcinderconefields,emigranttrail,andHatCreekradiotelescope

Keep in mind that different times of the year provide different weather and road conditions and what may be accessible in August will no longer be available after the rains of November. Please check local Forest Service offices and visitors bureaus for current conditions.

These routes are appropriate for SUVs, pickup trucks, and some passenger cars; Vehicles pulling travel trailers should be discouraged from travelling these routes.

Vehicles may encounter logging trucks on these routes. There are some places where the roads are single lane with turnouts. Travelers will need to stay alert to the dangers of oncoming traffic and need to realize that they may have to take quick, evasive action to avoid a head-on collision.

These roads are normally a high priority for maintenance each spring, however, it is still possible that visitors may choose to navigate these routes early in the year, after the snow has melted but before they have been maintained. If this is the case, there may likely be sections with fallen rocks or downed trees across the road, minor slides, extensive washboarding, rutting, soft or slippery spots, plugged culverts, clogged ditches, etc. that may challenge the average driver or make the road impassable. Any one of these conditions has the potential to be unsafe for traffic.

As you enjoy the use of the Backcountry Roads identified in this guide, please keep in mind that there are many other users on these roads. Depending on location of any specific road, you may encounter other motorized vehicles, mountain bikers, hikers, wildlife and equestrian users.

This guide was prepared with the hope that you will enjoy safe backcountry driving. It is not intended

to be your only resource. We highly recommend you pick up a forest map from the Forest Service. Book stores and outdoor equipment stores also have topographic maps. If you choose to take any of these backcountry routes, you assume all risks, dangers and liability which may result from your actions. The Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association and the USDA Forest Service disclaim any and all liability for any injury, loss or damage that you, your passengers or your vehicle may incur.

For regional tourism information and a free 64-page Regional Visitors Guide, call 1-800-474-2782 or visit our website: www.shastacascade.com

For more information and a downloadable map for any of the routes in this brochure, visit the Backcountry Roads website: www.backcountryroads.com

Produced by:Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association1699 Highway 273Anderson, CA 96007(530) 365-7500

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, natural origin, gender, religion, age disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audio-tape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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