Trail Overview
This 9-mile out-and-back trail starts on Clark Creek Road and travels through the Lassen National Forest, surrounded by a forest of ponderosa trees and manzanita bushes. The trail surface consists of hard-packed dirt that can get very dusty throughout the drive. Heading south, views of Lookout Mountain serve as a scenic backdrop, adding visual interest to the journey. After 1.5 miles, the trail starts climbing slightly on a shelf road, providing nice views of the surrounding valley and mountains in the distance. Drivers will encounter some small ruts and uneven surfaces up to 6 inches throughout this section, along with a few tight spots where navigating around downed, cut trees is necessary. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist along the route, so visitors should be on the lookout for whitetail deer and black bears in the area. After mile 4, the trail becomes more narrow, and the forest grows slightly denser, creating a more enclosed driving environment. A few very small sections feature overgrown vegetation in the median, adding minor obstacles to navigate around. Several opportunities for dispersed camping exist along the way, making this a good option for overnight stays within the forest setting. The trail ends at a locked gate marking the boundary of a private property wildlife area, providing a clear and definitive endpoint.
Difficulty
The primary considerations include navigating around downed cut trees in tight sections, managing the shelf road climb, and handling overgrown vegetation in the median during the later, narrower portions of the trail.
