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ForestMatters, LLC

Mount Elwell Trail

Plumas National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
7 mi
Elevation Gain
2,100 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July 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

  • Summit of Mount Elwell (7,818 ft) with 360-degree views of the northern Sierra
  • Views of the Sierra Buttes, Gold Lake Basin, and Graeagle valley
  • Subalpine terrain with wildflowers in the upper meadow sections
  • Rocky summit block with dramatic views west toward the Sacramento Valley
  • One of the best summit hikes in Plumas National Forest

Overview

Mount Elwell stands at 7,818 feet above the Gold Lake Basin in Plumas National Forest, offering one of the finest summit views in the northern Sierra Nevada. The 7-mile out-and-back climbs steeply from the Gold Lake Highway through mixed conifer forest, subalpine meadow, and open rocky terrain before reaching the summit. The views from the top encompass the Gold Lake Basin below, the jagged Sierra Buttes to the southeast, the valley town of Graeagle far below, and on clear days the Sacramento Valley to the west.

No permit required. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Forest and Smith Lake. From the Smith Lake trailhead, the trail climbs through white fir and red fir forest with the grade steady but manageable. Smith Lake, a small tarn at around 6,500 feet, marks the end of the forested lower section. The lake is worth a brief stop.

Miles 2.0 to 3.0: Subalpine meadow. Above Smith Lake the forest thins and the trail enters subalpine meadow and scrubland. Views of the Gold Lake Basin open to the east. Wildflowers in late July are excellent here: Indian paintbrush, penstemon, and aster bloom in the meadow sections.

Miles 3.0 to 3.5: Summit approach. The final half-mile climbs steeply over rocky terrain to the summit block. The last 100 feet require some hand-over-foot scrambling on the rocky outcrops, but the route is obvious and non-technical.

Summit. The views from Mount Elwell are among the best in Plumas National Forest: the entire Gold Lake Basin spread below, Sierra Buttes rising to the southeast, and the Sacramento Valley visible on clear days to the west. The summit register is worth signing.

When to Hike

Mid-July through September after snowmelt. Start very early on days with afternoon thunderstorm forecasts; the summit is fully exposed.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water. No reliable water source above Smith Lake. Wind layer for the summit. Sun protection critical at elevation.

Trailhead Access

Smith Lake Trailhead on Gold Lake Highway, about 5 miles from the SR-89 junction near 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. 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 companion lake basin circuit from the same area. Follow Leave No Trace principles and review checking conditions for fire restrictions.

Trailhead Parking

Smith Lake Trailhead on Gold Lake Highway, north of Graeagle. Small parking pull-off. No fee.

← Back to Plumas National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Mount Elwell climb?
The Mount Elwell Trail is the most strenuous hike in the Gold Lake Basin area, gaining 2,100 feet over 3.5 miles with steep sections in the upper half. The trail is well-maintained but rocky and exposed above treeline. Hikers should be comfortable with sustained steep climbing and have solid footwear. The summit scramble involves a short rocky section that is exposed but not technical. Allow 5 to 7 hours for the round trip.
Is Mount Elwell in Plumas National Forest or another forest?
Mount Elwell is within Plumas National Forest, in the same Gold Lake Basin area as the Gold Lake Loop. The summit sits on the boundary between Plumas and the adjacent Sierra County lands, but the trail approaches from the Plumas side and the summit is accessible entirely within national forest land.
What is the best time of year to climb Mount Elwell?
Mid-July through September is the primary climbing season once the snow clears from the upper slopes. Early July can still have snow patches on the north-facing sections below the summit. September offers the clearest skies and best long-distance views. The summit is fully exposed to afternoon thunderstorms in July and August; start before 7 a.m. and plan to descend by noon when thunderstorms are forecast.