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Red Cap Lake Trail

Six Rivers National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
8.5 mi
Elevation Gain
2,200 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
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

  • Remote high-elevation lake accessible only on foot in the Siskiyou Mountains
  • Old-growth Douglas fir and Port Orford cedar on the approach
  • Excellent fishing for native cutthroat and rainbow trout
  • Remote backcountry character rarely visited
  • Views of the upper Klamath Mountains from the lake basin

Overview

Red Cap Lake sits in a Siskiyou Mountain basin accessible only by foot in the interior of Six Rivers National Forest. The 8.5-mile out-and-back climbs through old-growth Douglas fir and Port Orford cedar forest before reaching the lake at approximately 5,800 feet. The lake is remote and beautiful, with native trout fishing and the kind of backcountry solitude that is increasingly rare in California.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3.0: Creek drainage. The trail follows a creek drainage upstream through old-growth forest. The Port Orford cedar, a rare conifer found only in the Klamath Mountains, appears in the wetter sections. The forest is dense, green, and shaded.

Miles 3.0 to 4.25: Upper forest and lake basin. The trail climbs out of the creek drainage into drier mixed conifer forest before descending slightly to the lake basin. The lake is visible from the ridge at mile 4.0.

Red Cap Lake. The lake is clear and cold, surrounded by rocky outcrops and subalpine forest. Fishing from the outlet boulders is productive.

When to Hike

Mid-July through September after road opens and snow clears from the upper trail.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water; water available from the creek approach. Bear canister recommended for overnight camping. Fishing gear.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 15N13 from State Route 96 north of Willow Creek. High-clearance required.

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 September. 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.

Nearby

The Bluff Creek Trail is the other remote canyon hike accessible from the Willow Creek area. See the Six Rivers National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles at the remote lake.

Trailhead Parking

Red Cap Lake Trailhead on Forest Road 15N13, north of Willow Creek. Gravel road, high-clearance required. Small lot. No fee.

← Back to Six Rivers National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Red Cap Lake accessible for day hiking?
Yes, though the 8.5-mile round trip with 2,200 feet of gain requires a full day and solid fitness. Most hikers start early (before 8 a.m.) to allow time at the lake for fishing and rest before the return. Overnight camping at the lake is allowed with no permit required, and staying overnight significantly reduces the physical demand by splitting the effort into two days.
Is the fishing good at Red Cap Lake?
Red Cap Lake holds wild native cutthroat and rainbow trout in good numbers given the light fishing pressure from the long approach. The lake is remote enough that few anglers visit regularly. A California fishing license is required (as of 2026). Bring a compact rod and a small selection of flies or lures.
Is there water on the Red Cap Lake Trail?
Yes. The approach trail follows a creek drainage that provides water sources in the lower and middle sections, typically reliable through August. The lake itself is a reliable water source. All water should be filtered or treated before drinking.