Deadfall Lakes + Mount Eddy

The Trinity Divide is the easternmost subrange of the Klamath Mountains. It is a hydrologic divide, as the western slopes drain into the Trinity and Klamath Rivers and the eastern slopes drain into the Sacramento River system. The highest point in this subrange is the modest Mount Eddy. At 9,026 feet high, Mount Eddy happens to be the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. west of Interstate 5 and is one of nine ultra-prominent peaks in California. Although the view of the peak is not as striking compared to the nearby Trinity Alps or neighboring Mount Shasta, the view from the peak is truly phenomenal. In one turn of the head you take in almost the entirety of the Klamath Mountains as well as the Southern Cascades from Mount Lassen to Mount McLoughlin. The trail that gets you to the peak is enjoyable as well. If you park at the Deadfall Meadows Trailhead, the first 1,000 feet of the trail will quickly acquaint you with the meadow. Hikers in the spring or early summer may even get their feet damp while trying to cross Deadfall Creek and the surrounding wetlands. The trail finds higher ground soon after the meadow, and you will be treated to a gradual ascent into the glacially carved Deadfall Basin. About 1.5 miles into the trail you will cross paths with the Pacific Crest Trail. After this intersection, keep a lookout for a side trail to your south that will lead to Middle Deadfall Lake, the largest lake in the basin. Upper Deadfall Lake is found about 2.5 miles into the trail. This lake makes a good resting spot to take in your best view yet of Mount Eddy. Backpackers can dig in here or wander about 800 feet due south to find a hidden lake to make camp. Continue going uphill on the trail to the crest of the Trinity Divide. At Deadfall Summit (8,020 feet), the trail splits with the Sisson-Callahan National Recreation Trail that descends east toward Lake Siskiyou and a spur trail ascending north to Mount Eddy. Push yourself another 1.1 miles past this last trail intersection and you will be at the top. In addition to spectacular views, there are remains of an old lookout on top of the peak.