Mileage: 4.2 miles, one way
Elevation: 5400 to 7050 feet
Difficulty: Most difficult
Use Level: Moderate
Season: June through October
Topographic Map: Sierra City 7.5'

Access: On Highway 49, approximately five miles east of Sierra City, turn onto Gold Lake Highway at Bassetts Station. Continue for about one and four-tenths mile, turn right at Salmon Creek Bridge, and proceed west toward Sardine Lake for approximately seven-tenths mile where, on the right side of the road, you will see the trailhead sign. There is ample parking on both sides of the road. The other end of the trail is accessed at the trailhead serving the Sierra Buttes (Long) Trail.

Trail Description: As the trail winds up along the ridge ranking the Lower and Upper Sardine Lakes, it provides a spectacular view of the Sierra Buttes. The trail descends the other side of the ridge to Tamarack Lakes. This trail can be hiked as a loop by continuing down from the Tamarack Lakes to Packer Lake and from there, following the road back to Sardine Lakes Campground. Total length for the loop hike is approximately eight and one-half miles. (For those starting the hike at the Sierra Buttes Trailhead, simply follow the signs to Sardine Lakes.) Due to its southerly exposure and length, we recommend starting your hike in the early morning hours. For those wanting a shorter hike, the Sardine Lake Overlook Trail is reached one and one-half mile beyond this trailhead. This trail provides not only breathtaking views, but a glimpse of the past since it dead-ends at the ore cart tracks of the Young America mine This mine was in production between 1884 and 1893 with an average monthly 'cleanup' of $20,000 to $30,000.