Thousand Lakes Wilderness

Located in the Lassen National Forest in California.

Located within the southern portion of the Cascade Mountain Range is 16,335 acres of contrasting topography, varied vegetation types and many clear lakes. Thousand Lakes Wilderness is approximately twenty five miles south of Burney, midway between the town of Burney and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Twenty two miles of maintained trails reveal volcanic and glacial formations, rocky ravines, mountain slopes, open meadows, and stands of lodgepole pine and red fir. The wilderness is dominated by 8,677 foot Crater Peak, the highest point on the Lassen National Forest, and is a reminder of the glacial action that eroded Thousand Lakes Volcano and created the many small lakes and ponds scattered throughout. The lowest point in the wilderness occurs at the base of the volcano at 5,546 feet.

The wilderness is a good area for short trips. Snow generally stays on the ground until June most years. Thunderstorms are common early in summer. The best time to travel in the wilderness is mid-June through September.

Fish and Wildlife

The flash of color in the larger lakes might be a brook or rainbow trout. If you are a fisherman, persistence and patience could get you one on your line. The seven major lakes that lie within the Wilderness valley contain trout.

Several species of wildlife make their home in the Thousand Lakes Wilderness. With a little luck and a good pair of binoculars you might spot some of the wildernesses more permanent residents; black-tailed deer, black bear, pika, pine marten, northern goshawk, spotted owl, pileated woodpecker and Clarks nutcracker. Even elk have been known to visit occasionally.

Another critter worth mentioning is the mosquito. Mosquitoes are a problem during the first part of summer. At times these little devils are thick and hungry. It would be advisable to carry insect repellent in your pack.

Hiking

Access is gained from three trailheads; Cypress on the northwest, Tamarack on the east and Bunchgrass on the south. Great opportunities exist for cross-country travel with the aid of a good map and compass, but take care as some of the terrain is rocky and steep.

Cypress: The west shore of Eiler Lake is 2.3 miles from Cypress Trailhead. The trail is a moderate climb, rising 1,000 feet in elevation for the first mile, then it levels out to a comfortable hike. To get there, travel 1/4 mile north from Hat Creek Work center on State Highway 89 and turn west onto forest Road 26 (34N19). Follow this cindered road for approximately 8 1/2 miles, turn left at junction of road 26 and 34N22. Follow cindered road 34N22 1 1/2 miles to Cypress Trailhead.

Tamarack: This is the easiest access into the wilderness, with the elevation climbing only 350 feet. Eiler Lake is the usual destination and only 2 miles away. This trailhead is the most heavily used. Be prepared to see people. Highway Access: From Hat Creek Work Center on State Highway 89 travel south approximately 3 miles. Turn west on Forest Service road 33N25, just before Wilcox Road. Stay on main cindered road and turn right on 33N23Y for the last portion of road to trailhead. The seven miles of Forest Service Road from State Highway 89 is graveled and is very rough at times and trailers are not recommended. Make sure your vehicle has enough clearance for the last 1.5 mile section.

Bunchgrass: This scenic hike to Durbin Lake is a moderate 3.5 miles. You'll discover recent lava flows originating from Tumble Buttes and Hall Buttes, both cinder cones may have erupted as recent as 500 years ago. To get there, turn off State Highway 89 onto Forest Road 16 (Ashpan Snowmobile Park). Go northwest on forest road 16 for approximately 7 miles turn right on road 32N45 for 2 miles. Proceed up road and turn left on 32N42Y. Caution: the first part of this road is steep.