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ForestMatters, LLC

Pearch Creek Trail

Six Rivers National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
3.5 mi
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
April through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
Nearby
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Pearch Creek swimming holes in summer
  • Klamath River confluence visible from the trailhead area
  • Gentle terrain accessible to most visitors
  • Good base camp location at Orleans for exploring the Klamath watershed
  • Mixed forest of Douglas fir, Oregon white oak, and bigleaf maple

Overview

The Pearch Creek Trail offers an easy creek walk near Orleans in the central section of Six Rivers National Forest, through a mixed forest of Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, and Oregon white oak along a clear Klamath tributary. The 3.5-mile out-and-back is one of the more accessible hikes in this part of the forest, with swimming holes as the summer reward and a scenic campground as a base.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Lower creek. From the campground, the trail follows Pearch Creek upstream through mixed forest. The bigleaf maple along the creek turns brilliant yellow in October.

Miles 1.5 to 1.75: Upper pools and turnaround. The best swimming holes are in the upper section, where the creek pools above a rocky riffle. The turnaround is at the largest pool.

When to Hike

April through June for spring green and wildflowers. July through September for swimming. October for bigleaf maple color.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. Sandals for swimming stops.

Trailhead Access

State Route 96 at Orleans, 75 miles east of Eureka via SR-299 and SR-96.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Vault restrooms are available at the trailhead. Water sources are present along the trail but require treatment before drinking. Cell service is limited in this area; downloading offline maps before your visit is recommended.

The recommended season for this trail is April 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 Bluff Creek Trail is the more remote river hike north on SR-96. The Red Cap Lake Trail provides the interior lake experience. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Trailhead Parking

Pearch Creek Campground trailhead on State Route 96 at Orleans. Small lot at campground. No fee for trail use.

← Back to Six Rivers National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orleans, California?
Orleans is a small community in the Klamath River canyon in Humboldt County, within the service area of the Six Rivers National Forest. It sits near the confluence of the Salmon River and the Klamath River. Orleans has a small store, gas station, and is the last resupply point for visitors heading into the remote Klamath-Trinity wilderness. The Karuk Tribe has inhabited this part of the Klamath River for thousands of years.
Can I swim in Pearch Creek?
Yes. Pearch Creek has accessible swimming holes in the summer when water levels drop to calm, safe levels. The creek is a cold tributary of the Klamath, fed by snowmelt from the Trinity Alps. The best swimming is from late June through September.
Is the Pearch Creek area good for fishing?
The Pearch Creek campground is adjacent to the Klamath River and is used by Klamath River anglers as a base camp. The creek itself has some trout fishing but the main attraction for anglers is the nearby Klamath River with its salmon and steelhead runs. Check California DFW regulations for the Klamath system (as of 2026).