Backpacking / Botany / Day Hiking / Fishing / Klamath National Forest / Russian Wilderness / Siskiyou County / Swimming

Duck Lakes – Russian Wilderness

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  • 4 miles to Big Duck Lake, 0.5 miles further to Little Duck Lake
  • 2+ Day Trip

Details:

  • Best season = June to October
  • Moderately strenuous hike
  • Great views to Mount Shasta, Salmon Mountains and Scott Valley
  • Duck Lake Special Interest Area/Botanical Area
    • Known as the Miracle Mile, 17 conifer species are present in the drainage
    • Relic species: Foxtail pine, Englemann spruce, subalpine and Pacific silver fir
  • Approximately 4 hour drive from Eureka, CA on Highway 299 to 3 near Callahan:
    • From Highway 3 between Callahan and Etna, CA
    • Turn west on French Creek Road for 6.7 miles
    • Right on 40N22 for 1 mile
    • Right on 41N14 for 1.3 miles to parking area
  • Hiking to Duck Lakes from Duck Lake Trailhead @ 4800 feet elevation:
    • 4 mile moderate hike from Duck Lake Trailhead to Big Duck Lake
      • Big Duck Lake = 26 acres @ 27 feet deep @ 6400 feet elevation
      • Eastern brook trout and rainbow trout
      • Largest lake in the Russian Wilderness
      •  0.5 mile difficult hike with 700 foot elevation gain to Little Duck LakeLittle Duck Lake = 5 acres @ 18 feet deep @ 6700 feet elevation
        • Eastern brook trout
  • Hiking to Horseshoe Lake:
    • 4 mile moderate hike from Duck Lake Trailhead to Horseshoe Lake
    • 1.5  mile moderate hike from Duck/Eaton Lakes Trail intersection
      • Horseshoe Lake = 6.1 acres @ 21 feet deep @ 6400 feet elevation
      • Eastern brook trout and rainbow trout
  • Hiking to Lipstick Lake:
    • 4 mile difficult hike from Duck Lake Trailhead to Horseshoe Lake
    • 3 mile moderate hike from Music Creek Trailhead to Horseshoe Lake
      • Horseshoe Lake = 1.25 acres @ 9 feet deep @ 6350 feet elevation
      • Eastern brook trout
  • Hiking to Eaton Lakes:
    • 4.5 mile difficult hike from Duck Lake Trailhead to Eaton Lake
    • Approximately 1 mile difficult hike from Duck/Eaton Lakes Trail intersection
      • Eaton Lake = 11 acres @ 27 feet deep @ 6600 feet elevation
      • Trail is steep and hard to follow, not recommended for stock
      • Private property
      • Rainbow trout

Links:

  • Driving Directions – About 4 hours from Eureka, CA via Highway 299 to 3
  • Alternative Scenic Route: Salmon River Road

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