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ForestMatters, LLC

Haskell Peak Trail

Plumas National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
4 mi
Elevation Gain
1,200 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
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

  • Volcanic summit at 8,107 feet with 360-degree views
  • Views northeast into Nevada's Great Basin and west to the Sacramento Valley
  • Shorter and less crowded than nearby Mount Elwell
  • Interesting volcanic geology on the upper slopes
  • Good wildflower habitat on north-facing slopes below the summit

Overview

Haskell Peak is a volcanic summit at 8,107 feet in the northern section of Plumas National Forest, offering the best northeast views in the Gold Lake area. The 4-mile out-and-back is shorter and less crowded than nearby Mount Elwell while gaining a higher summit with distinctive volcanic geology on the upper slopes. Views from the top extend northeast into the Great Basin and west toward the Sacramento Valley.

No permit required. A shorter and more direct summit option than Elwell.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Forest approach. The trail begins in red fir and western white pine, climbing steadily northeast. The forest is dense in the lower section with occasional views through breaks in the canopy. Wildflowers on north-facing slopes are productive in late July.

Miles 1.5 to 2.0: Volcanic upper slopes. The forest thins and volcanic rock appears on the trail surface. The upper slopes feature dark volcanic outcrops and rubble, contrasting with the granite visible on the lower Sierra ridges to the south. The summit is visible from about mile 1.7.

Summit (Mile 2.0). The views from Haskell Peak are exceptional: the Gold Lake Basin below to the southwest, Mount Elwell and the Sierra Buttes to the south, the Great Basin of Nevada visible to the northeast, and on exceptionally clear days, Mount Shasta to the northwest.

When to Hike

July through September after snowmelt. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms on the exposed summit.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 to 2 liters of water; no water source on the upper trail. Wind layer for the summit. Sun protection important at elevation.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 24N08 from Gold Lake Highway, about 8 miles northeast of Graeagle.

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. No water source is available at the trailhead; carry all water from home. 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 8 miles away on Gold Lake Highway and makes an excellent full-day combination. Follow Leave No Trace principles and review checking conditions.

Trailhead Parking

Haskell Peak Trailhead on Forest Road 24N08, northeast of Graeagle. Gravel road, passable with 2WD in dry conditions. Small lot for 6-8 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Plumas National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Haskell Peak compare to Mount Elwell?
Haskell Peak (8,107 ft) and Mount Elwell (7,818 ft) are the two main summit hikes in the northern Plumas area. Haskell is higher and offers views northeast toward Nevada that Elwell does not, while Elwell has better views of the Gold Lake Basin directly below. Haskell Peak is shorter at 4 miles round trip versus Elwell's 7 miles, making it more manageable for a half-day outing. Both are worthwhile; Haskell is the better choice for Nevada views and volcanic geology.
What type of rock is Haskell Peak?
Haskell Peak is a volcanic plug, a remnant of ancient volcanic activity where magma intruded into overlying rock and hardened before eroding to form the current peak. The upper slopes show characteristic volcanic features: columnar basalt fragments, dark volcanic tuff, and contrast with the granitic rocks that dominate the lower Sierra Nevada. The geology here reflects the transition zone between the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades volcanic chain.
Is the Haskell Peak Trail accessible from the same area as Gold Lake?
Yes. Haskell Peak is northeast of Gold Lake, accessible via Forest Road 24N08 from the Gold Lake Highway. The drive from Gold Lake Lodge to the Haskell Peak trailhead is about 8 miles on gravel roads. The two hikes can be combined in a day for visitors wanting both a lake basin circuit and a summit climb.