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ForestMatters, LLC

Lassen Creek Trail

Modoc National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
5 mi
Elevation Gain
500 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 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

  • Lassen Creek riparian corridor with aspen, willow, and mixed conifers
  • Good trout fishing in Lassen Creek
  • Remote southern Modoc terrain rarely visited by hikers
  • Pronghorn and mule deer in the adjacent sagebrush flats
  • Quiet creek character on the Modoc Plateau

Overview

The Lassen Creek Trail follows one of the small mountain streams draining the southern Warner Mountains into the Modoc Plateau, providing a quiet riverside walk through aspen and mixed conifer forest in the least-visited part of Modoc National Forest. The 5-mile out-and-back is informal by national forest standards but offers the kind of remote creek character that is genuinely difficult to find this close to California's population centers.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Creek corridor. The trail follows Lassen Creek upstream through an aspen and willow riparian corridor. The creek runs clear in spring and early summer. The surrounding terrain is open ponderosa pine and juniper savanna with sagebrush on the drier slopes. Pronghorn are commonly seen on the open hillsides flanking the creek.

Miles 2.0 to 2.5: Upper canyon. The creek narrows and the canyon walls close in as the trail ascends toward the Warner Mountain foothills. The fishing is best in the quiet pools in this section.

When to Hike

May through June for peak creek flow and wildflowers. September for fall color in the aspens.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. Creek water is available but requires treatment. Fishing gear recommended.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 32N77 from State Route 299 east of Alturas. About 30 miles from Alturas.

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 May through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Modoc 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 Pepperdine Trail provides the Warner Mountains experience nearest Alturas. See the Modoc National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Trailhead Parking

Lassen Creek access road pull-off on Forest Road 32N77, eastern Modoc. Gravel road, 2WD passable in dry conditions. Pull-off for 6-8 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Modoc National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lassen Creek good for fishing?
Lassen Creek is a small mountain stream holding wild rainbow trout in reasonable numbers given the limited access and light fishing pressure. The creek flows year-round from its source in the southern Warner Mountains but can become low by late summer in drought years. A California fishing license is required (as of 2026). The most productive fishing is typically in May through June when insects are active.
Is the Lassen Creek Trail well-marked?
The Lassen Creek Trail is a relatively informal route following the creek through national forest land. It is not as formally maintained as the Warner Mountains trails but the creek itself provides clear orientation. Carry a downloaded offline map. High-clearance vehicle is recommended for the access road.
Are there bears in this part of Modoc National Forest?
Black bears are present in the southern Modoc National Forest, particularly in the creek corridors where food resources are more concentrated than on the open plateau. The USFS recommends standard bear awareness practices. The bear density in the southern Modoc is lower than in the wetter forests to the west, but awareness is still warranted especially when camping.