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Trinity Alps Wilderness:
Canyon Creek Lakes & Thompson Peak

Terrain

Somewhat strenuous hiking, steady climbs and descents, moderate off-trail in almost equal amounts of distance to on-trail hiking, scrambling up to 4th class.

Distance & Elevation

Roughly 3,900 feet of elevation gain, 5,800 if you obtain the summit of Thompson Peak. Roundtrip distance varies - multi-day trips: 25-32 miles, week and two week trips have the option of scrambling into other drainages, which could extend the distance of the trip greatly.

Getting There & Map:


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From Ashland, OR - take I-5 south to the California border. Drive less than an hour to Yreka, and take the main exit. Drive south through Yreka onto Fort Jones Rd/Highway 3. Drive about two hours and twenty minutes on Highway 3, passing Fort Jones, Etna, the Scott Mountain Summit, and Trinity Center - until you reach Weaverville, CA. From Weaverville, take Highway 299 heading west. Drive roughly 15 minutes to Junction City, and take a right on Canyon Creek Rd - this leads to the Canyon Creek Lakes trailhead.

Recommended Equipment

*note* This list is not all-inclusive, and is intended for recommendation only. All backpackers have their own preferences and choices in terms of gear.

  • 55-85L Backpack
  • Sturdy Waterproof Boots
  • Scree gaiters
  • 15 degree Synthetic or Down Sleeping Bag
  • Sleeping Pad (Thermarest or similar)
  • Lightweight 3-season tent
  • Liquid fuel or Canister stove
  • Fuel Bottles or Canister Fuel
  • Pot set - aluminum, steel, or titanium
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Map, Compass, GPS optional
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Hiking Poles
  • Lip Balm and sunscreen
  • Light First Aid Kit
  • Cordage for clothes-lines, lashing, hanging bear-bags (30-50 ft)
  • Lighter, Waterproof Matches
  • Sewing Kit, Duct Tape (wind a small amount on your poles)
  • 2-3 Water containers, e.g. bottles, reservoirs, etc
  • Water Filter (many options)
  • Book or etc
  • Toilet trowel
  • Backpacker's towel
  • Rain Jacket, Rain Pants
  • Long Underwear top and bottom (no cotton!)
  • Two or more pairs of socks, liners (no cotton!)
  • Hiking shorts
  • Hiking Shirt
  • Synthetic or Down insulated jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Pack Cover or Pack Liner
  • Stuff Sacks (at least one extra)

Food & Water

*note* This is intended as a recommendation - everyone's preferences for backpacking food are different.

Plan to drink 2-3L of water per day! Pack one pre-packaged, dehydrated meal in the bottom of your pack for emergencies. Here at AOS, we like oatmeal or cream-of-wheat for breakfasts. Dried fruit, brown sugar, butter, and powdered milk make these hot breakfasts delicious! For lunches, you have many options. Bagels with dried hummus, cheese, mustard, and salami makes a hearty meal, and bagels keep well for up to a week. Package cheese in a double-wrap of tin foil, and be delicate with it - this will keep the cheese fresh for a long while! Other lunch options include crispbread with cheese and fruit, dried hummus, etc - the options are endless. Bring trail mix for snacks and as a compliment for lunches. We like to bring a small selection of energy food as well: chews, gels, bars (your preference). For dinner, we recommend hearty meals that don't take up much space: pastas, soups, etc. Salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, spike, yeast, hot sauce, and olive oil all make great additions to any meal.

Keep in mind that amount of food and food choice varies greatly with length of trip, season, amount of people in your group, and dietary restriction. We feel that we always end up with less gear and more food - a good principle to follow.

Another thing to consider as a general principle, based on season. Plan to consume:
Warm conditions - 1 1/2 lbs per person, per day = 2,500 to 3,000 calories
Cooler Conditions - 1 3/4-2 lbs per person, per day = 3,000 to 3,500 calories
Cold, or Winter conditions - 2-2 1/2 lbs per person, per day = 3,500 to 5,000 calories

Additional Info

Canyon Creek Lakes is one of the most spectacular locations in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, though it is most easily accessed in minimal snow-coverage, e.g. late-season. July and August are the best months in which to plan trips to this valley. Latest conditions and closures can be obtained from the Weaverville Ranger Station (see resources).

You do not need bear canisters to trek through the Trinity Alps Wilderness! Let's help keep it that way - hang your food in stuff sacks (ideally waterproof and odor-sealing) at least fifteen feet off the ground and five feet from the trunk of a tree.

Resources & Links