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Snow Mountain Summit Trail

Mendocino National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
8.5 mi
Elevation Gain
2,800 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
June through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Snow Mountain West Summit (7,056 ft): highest point in the inner Coast Range south of the Trinity Alps
  • Panoramic views: Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada, Cascades, and Coast Range
  • Snow Mountain Wilderness traversal on the approach
  • Chaparral, mixed conifer, and subalpine forest all traversed on the climb
  • One of California's least-visited 7,000-foot summits

Overview

Snow Mountain is the highest point in California's inner Coast Range south of the Trinity Alps and the signature summit of Mendocino National Forest. The 8.5-mile out-and-back climbs through the Snow Mountain Wilderness from trailhead to summit, passing through chaparral, mixed conifer forest, and subalpine terrain before reaching the rocky summit at 7,056 feet. The panoramic views encompass a vast sweep of northern California terrain that few hikers outside the region ever see.

The forest is rarely visited; solitude on this trail is virtually guaranteed outside of the brief peak-season weeks.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Wilderness entry and chaparral. The trail enters the Snow Mountain Wilderness through a mix of manzanita, ceanothus, and chaparral on the lower south-facing slopes. The grade is steep from the start. Interior live oak and canyon oak provide occasional shade. The wilderness boundary is crossed at mile 1.

Miles 2.0 to 4.0: Mixed forest transition. The trail enters mixed conifer forest: white fir, ponderosa pine, and incense cedar on the shadier slopes. The grade continues steep but with more vegetative variety. Water is potentially available from seasonal streams at mile 2.5.

Miles 4.0 to 4.25: Summit approach. The forest opens onto rocky subalpine terrain below the summit. The last 0.25 miles crosses open rocky ground to the west summit. Views open fully in this section.

Summit. The views from Snow Mountain are among the most expansive in northern California. The Sacramento Valley floor is visible 6,000 feet below. The Sierra Nevada stretches across the eastern horizon. Shasta and Lassen are visible to the north on clear days.

When to Hike

June through October after the snow clears from the upper trail. July and August require early starts to beat afternoon heat at the summit. September and October offer the clearest views.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water. No water guaranteed above mile 2.5 in late summer. Sun protection critical on the chaparral sections. Wind layer for the summit.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road M10 from State Route 20 east of Upper Lake. High-clearance recommended. Cell service absent.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. Water sources are present along the trail but require treatment before drinking. No cell service is available in this area; download offline maps before leaving the main road.

The recommended season for this trail is June through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Mendocino National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Bear Wallow Trail in the same wilderness provides a less strenuous option. See the Mendocino National Forest guide for road conditions and forest access. Follow Leave No Trace principles and review checking conditions for wildfire closures.

Trailhead Parking

Milk Ranch Trail trailhead on Forest Road M10 off State Route 20, east of Upper Lake. Gravel road, high-clearance recommended. Small lot. No fee.

← Back to Mendocino National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is Snow Mountain compared to other California peaks?
Snow Mountain is a demanding hike but not technical: the 8.5-mile round trip gains 2,800 feet on well-maintained trails through the wilderness. By Sierra Nevada standards, it is moderate to strenuous, comparable to climbing a named Sierra peak from a mid-elevation trailhead. By Coast Range standards, it is the most demanding climb available in this region. The summit requires no climbing equipment.
What are the views like from Snow Mountain summit?
On a clear day from Snow Mountain's west summit, the Sacramento Valley is visible to the east, the Sierra Nevada crest visible beyond it, Mount Shasta and Lassen visible to the north, and the Pacific Ocean visible to the west through gaps in the coast fog. The isolation of the Coast Range provides 360-degree views unobstructed by other high peaks. The view east toward the Sierra, with the flat valley between, is particularly dramatic.
Is there water on the Snow Mountain trail?
There are seasonal streams in the lower portions of the approach trail that may be reliable through July in good water years, but they dry up by late summer. Carry all water you need for the summit push. Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters for this full-day effort. The summit has no water.