Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Buck Creek Trail

Six Rivers National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
5.5 mi
Elevation Gain
1,400 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
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Approaches the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness in the southern forest
  • Mixed conifer forest transitioning to open ridge terrain
  • Views of the South Fork Eel drainage below
  • One of the quieter trails in the southern Six Rivers
  • Good black-tailed deer habitat and wildlife viewing

Overview

The Buck Creek Trail climbs through mixed conifer forest in the southern Six Rivers National Forest toward the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness boundary, providing views of the South Fork Eel drainage and access to one of the most remote parts of the forest. The 5.5-mile out-and-back is consistently moderate with 1,400 feet of gain.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Creek approach. The trail follows Buck Creek upstream through Douglas fir and tanoak. The creek runs year-round in the lower section. Wildlife along this section includes black-tailed deer and Steller's jay.

Miles 2.0 to 2.75: Ridge approach and turnaround. The trail climbs to a ridge viewpoint near the wilderness boundary. Views of the South Fork Eel drainage and the surrounding ridge systems are excellent.

When to Hike

May through October for dry conditions.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. Layers for the ridge section.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 7 in the southern Six Rivers, accessible from State Route 36 between Red Bluff and Fortuna.

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 Six Rivers 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.

This trail is one of several hiking options in the area. The surrounding national forest land protects the habitat corridor and ensures that the trail experience remains consistent across visits. Seasonal variation in vegetation, wildlife activity, and trail conditions means each visit offers a somewhat different experience from the last. Light and temperature change the character of the terrain, and return visits in different seasons reveal aspects of the landscape that a single visit may miss.

Nearby

The South Fork Mountain Trail provides the full ridgeline experience in the same southern forest area. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Trailhead Parking

Buck Creek Trailhead on Forest Road 7, southern Six Rivers area. Gravel access. Pull-off for 6-8 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Six Rivers National Forest

More Trails in Six Rivers National Forest

moderateout-and-back

Bigfoot Trail: Bluff Creek Section

7 mi800 ft gain
May through October

A 7-mile out-and-back along Bluff Creek in Six Rivers National Forest, the creek made famous by the 1967 Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot film, through a remote Klamath Mountains canyon with old-growth forest and excellent fishing.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Grizzly Creek Trail

4.5 mi400 ft gain
April through October

A 4.5-mile out-and-back along Grizzly Creek near Willow Creek in Six Rivers National Forest, through Douglas fir and alder forest with swimming holes and reliable trout fishing.

3 min read

easyout-and-back

Pearch Creek Trail

3.5 mi200 ft gain
April through October

A 3.5-mile out-and-back along Pearch Creek near Orleans in Six Rivers National Forest, through a lower Klamath tributary canyon with swimming holes and easy terrain.

3 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Red Cap Lake Trail

8.5 mi2,200 ft gain
July through September

An 8.5-mile out-and-back to a remote backcountry lake in the interior of Six Rivers National Forest, through old-growth Douglas fir and mixed conifer forest in the Siskiyou Mountains.

3 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Smith River National Recreation Trail

6 mi300 ft gain
May through October

A 6-mile out-and-back along the wild Smith River in the northern Six Rivers National Forest, the only major undammed river in California, through old-growth forest with emerald pools and excellent fishing.

3 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

South Fork Mountain Trail

8 mi1,500 ft gain
June through October

An 8-mile out-and-back along the South Fork Mountain ridgeline in Six Rivers National Forest, with panoramic views of the Trinity and Eel watersheds from a remote, windswept crest.

3 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Twin Sisters Trail

6.5 mi2,500 ft gain
July through September

A strenuous 6.5-mile out-and-back to the Twin Sisters peaks in the Siskiyou Wilderness of Six Rivers National Forest, with views across the Klamath Mountains and rare botanical terrain.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness?
The Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness spans parts of the Six Rivers, Mendocino, Shasta-Trinity, and Tehama National Forests, protecting some of the most remote terrain in northern California. The wilderness covers over 153,000 acres of wild mountain terrain with no paved roads. The South Yolla Bolly Mountains reach 8,092 feet. The Buck Creek Trail approaches the wilderness from the Six Rivers side of the boundary.
Is there water on the Buck Creek Trail?
Buck Creek itself is a seasonal source in the lower canyon sections, typically reliable through July. The ridge sections above the creek have no water. Carry 1.5 to 2 liters from the trailhead for the full out-and-back.
How difficult is the Buck Creek Trail?
The Buck Creek Trail is rated moderate with 1,400 feet of gain over 2.75 miles each way. The grade is sustained but not extreme. The trail is well-maintained in the lower section and becomes rougher as it approaches the wilderness boundary. Good footwear and basic navigation skills are helpful for the upper section.