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ForestMatters, LLC

Bucks Lake Wilderness Loop

Plumas National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
11 mi
Elevation Gain
2,400 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
July through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
8 / 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

  • Bucks Lake Wilderness, 24,700 acres of granite ridges and mid-elevation forest
  • Remote backcountry character in one of the least-visited wilderness areas in California
  • Three-Peaks area with views west to the Sacramento Valley
  • Cold granite-basin lakes accessible only on foot
  • Strong wildlife populations including black bear, mountain lion, and golden eagle

Overview

The Bucks Lake Wilderness Loop is the signature backcountry experience in Plumas National Forest, traversing 24,700 acres of mid-elevation Sierra terrain that most California hikers have never heard of. The 11-mile circuit climbs from Bucks Summit over granite ridges, past cold mountain lakes, and through old-growth red fir forest before returning to the trailhead. The wilderness feels genuinely remote: no permit required, no crowds, consistent solitude.

Total elevation gain is 2,400 feet spread across the full loop.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3.0: Ridge climb. From Bucks Summit at approximately 5,500 feet, the trail climbs northeast through red fir and western white pine. The grade is sustained. Views back toward Bucks Lake appear through gaps in the forest.

Miles 3.0 to 6.0: Wilderness interior. The trail enters the heart of the wilderness over a granite ridgeline. The Three-Peaks area to the north provides dramatic rocky terrain. Cold lake basins appear on the north-facing slopes below. Water from the lakes should be treated before drinking.

Miles 6.0 to 11.0: Return arc. The loop swings south and west through a long descent, passing additional remote lake basins and returning to the Bucks Summit area via a different ridge. The return section has fewer views but passes through old-growth fir stands of genuine quality.

When to Hike

July through September after snowmelt. October for solitude and fall color in the lower aspens.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water. Bear canister strongly recommended for overnight camping. Trekking poles for the ridge sections. Layers for the high country.

Trailhead Access

Bucks Lake Road from State Route 70 west of Quincy. About 20 miles from Quincy to Bucks Summit.

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 July through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Plumas 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 Gold Lake Loop is the high-basin counterpart in the northern part of the forest. See our bear canister requirements guide for overnight prep. Follow Leave No Trace principles and review checking conditions for wildfire closures.

Trailhead Parking

Bucks Summit Trailhead on Bucks Lake Road, west of Quincy. Gravel pull-off. No fee.

← Back to Plumas National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bucks Lake Wilderness heavily visited?
The Bucks Lake Wilderness is one of California's least-visited wilderness areas despite its proximity to Sacramento and the Bay Area. Most visitors to the Plumas area go to the more famous Gold Lake Basin or Feather Falls rather than the wilderness interior. The result is genuine solitude, particularly mid-week and in shoulder seasons. You can expect to have the wilderness to yourself on many days.
Are permits required for the Bucks Lake Wilderness?
No permit is currently required for day hiking or overnight camping in the Bucks Lake Wilderness (as of 2026). California campfire permits are required for any fire or stove use outside of developed campground fire rings. This no-permit policy distinguishes Bucks Lake from many more popular California wilderness areas.
What wildlife can I expect in the Bucks Lake Wilderness?
The Bucks Lake Wilderness has strong populations of black bear, mule deer, and coyote. Mountain lion are present but rarely seen. Golden eagle and peregrine falcon have been documented nesting in the rocky areas. Black bears are the most commonly encountered large animal, particularly around backcountry campsites. Food storage in a bear canister is strongly recommended for overnight trips.