Destination: Trinity Alps - Grizzly Lake
As we've mentioned here before, we plan to alternate the make-up of this trip every year. Last year was a mileage intensive 24 mile hike with two separate camps. This year we're back to the "base camp" model. This hike will be about 7 miles in and 7 miles back out. We'll set up camp near the lake and stay there for two nights, with an optional day hike on the middle day. Let's get in to it.
Grizzly Lake
Backpacking to Grizzly Lake will take you to an absolutely jaw-dropping waterfall. Keep in mind that the scramble to the lake is challenging and the first two miles of the hike are pretty steep. The best season to hike this is June through October.
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Grizzly Lake is in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The lake is know for its brilliant waterfall flowing from the lake's surface straight off the side of a cliff and roughly 600 feet down to the meadow below. Grizzly lake is located in some of America's most amazing and remote alpine wilderness, including Thompson Peak, the highest peak in the Trinity Alps, which hoovers above Grizzly lake.
Day 1: 5-7 miles
The hike starts at China Gulch Trailhead (approx. 3 hours West of Redding). The route to Grizzly Lake involves a nearly seven-mile stretch on a steep trail through thick pines and beautiful alpine meadows. The trail often runs alongside the gin-clear Grizzly Creek, a haven for small brook trout.
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About 5.7 miles into the hike, there is a nice meadow. We could choose to make camp here. This saves the trouble of hauling a lot of gear up Grizzly scramble, the last stretch before reaching the lake. If we're feeling brave and the group is up for it we can push on and camp at the lake on the side of the ledge over looking the entire valley down below.
Day 2: Mileage variable
This day is dealer's choice. If we haven't made it to the lake yet we use this day to make that last push and get up there. Bring a fishing pole, bring a hammock. Find a different day hike to occupy the the time or just relax for the day. Totally up to you. Then back to base camp for the night.
Day 3: 5-7 Miles
Nothing new here. Hike back on the same route we came in on. 5-7 miles depending on where we decided to make base camp. Back to the cars and head on out to your various modes of transportation home.
PITW 2021
October 22-24, 2021