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Canyon Creek Lakes

Trinity · Managed by Shasta-Trinity National Forest (USFS) · Region: Trinity Alps Wilderness
Difficulty /100 · out and back#alpine-lakes#trinity-alps#waterfalls#granite
Distance
14 mi
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires prohibited

Overview

Canyon Creek Lakes are the Trinity Alps' most popular prize: two granite-bound lakes at the head of a waterfall staircase, reached by a moderate 7-mile hike from the trailhead above Junction City. Big granite walls, turquoise water, and one of the most reliable lake camps in the Alps.

Highlights

  • Two lakes beneath the Alps' jagged granite skyline
  • A canyon full of waterfalls on the approach
  • Bear canister country with enforced rules — fewer bear problems than anywhere else nearby
  • A classic introduction to the second-largest wilderness in California

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Canyon Creek Trailhead · parking: Canyon Creek road end above Junction City
  • Water: Canyon Creek the entire way; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Junction City and Weaverville have services.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Shasta-Trinity National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on fs.usda.gov
  • Quota: No quota — free self-issue wilderness permits at trailhead kiosks and ranger stations.
  • Reservation window: None — permits are issued at kiosks and stations; a California Campfire Permit is required for stoves and fires.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires prohibited. The Forest Service states campfires are prohibited at the Canyon Creek lakes and bear canister use is required in the area. Stoves only at the lakes. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: The lower trail opens by June; the lakes may hold snow into July.

Heat: Warm in the canyon; the lakes are cool.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the lakes through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Campfires are prohibited at the lakes — stoves only
  • Bear canisters are required in the Canyon Creek area
  • The trailhead road is rough; groups are limited to 10

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Canyon Creek. Shasta-Trinity National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/shasta-trinity/recreation/trails/canyon-creek. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail description (moderate 7-mile hike to the two lakes), permit kiosk locations, and the bear canister requirement plus campfire prohibition at the lakes.
  2. Trinity Alps Wilderness. Shasta-Trinity National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/shasta-trinity/recreation/trinity-alps-wilderness. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Wilderness permit and campfire permit requirement, group size limit (10), and trail conditions phone line.
  3. Trinity Alps Wilderness Area Restrictions. Shasta-Trinity National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/shasta-trinity/alerts/trinity-alps-wilderness-area-restrictions. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Current area restrictions affecting the Canyon Creek drainage.