Stephanie and I did one of our favorite Mount Shasta area hikes to Cliff Lake in the Trinity Divide Mountains on Sunday, July 3. As we’ve discussed here (see recent posts), it’s been a heavy snow year.
Hiking to Cliff Lake
However, except for a few spots below the north-facing slope, Cliff Lake (elevation 5770 feet) is free of snow, although there are some thick patches on the ridge above. There’s also no snow on the 1.8-mile road leading to the lake (which we walk).
Swimming in Cliff Lake
Matter of fact, I decided to take a quick dip. The water was cold, but not freezing.
I’ll be back later in late summer when the water really warms up.
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Gambolin' Man says
John, we both have it in our bones to jump in icy cold pools of fire and baptize ourselves / cleanse our souls freed of the week’s detritus, every chance we get! Looks like a nice place to spend some quiet time enjoying each other and the sights and sounds of nature. . .
John Soares says
It was a perfect day. The water was chilly, but not so cold that it engendered that “get me the hell out of this” reaction.
Ronald Thompson says
Hi John,
Paul Reichow says
Hi John;
Cliff Lake is one of my absolute favorites. I would give anything to be there now. It’s absolutely serene.
As an interesting sidenote: According to the topographical map, there are two small lakes located next to Cliff Lake: one is called Terrance Lake, and the other is Upper Cliff Lake.
The topo says they are about 600 feet higher in elevation. Unfortunately, you can’t see them from Cliff Lake, so they are tricky to find. I don’t think there’s a trail, either.
I had been wanting to visit these lakes, but never got the chance before we moved recently.
If you’re looking for a trip idea, I’d suggest that!
John Soares says
Paul, I’ve hiked to both. Terrace Lake was a long time ago, and I think is a mix of cross-country and faint trails.
There is a rough path to Upper Cliff Lake that I hiked last year. It heads west between the cabin and the lake and then climbs through brush. The lake is beautiful and great for swimming.
Eric Soares says
John,
Here’s a crazy question. Is there another Cliff Lake in California that you can drive to a place high above the lake and park and look down a cliff at the lake below? I went there as a kid, but don’t know where it is.
Thanks!
John Soares says
Not that I remember.
Maybe it was a trip you did in another state with our dad.
jeff b. says
I wil be heading up there this weekend with some friends to camp. Good to see there is no snow along the banks. This is my all time favorite place to camp…. the water is so clear, there are fish, and a fun cliff to jump off (visible straight above you in the backround of your photo). The upper lakes are nice too, I usually get to them by hiking the waterfalls which are gorgeous. The one on the right has an oasis of california piture plants about halfway up. Plus if you camp next to the cabin there is an awesome wood burning cast iron stove to cook on along with a fire pit/grill, picnic table, and shed to keep all of your food in. We also bring a kayak, which is awesome for both day and night!
John Soares says
I also love this lake. The two upper lakes are also very attractive: I hiked to Upper Cliff last summer by going west past the cabin and then hiking a faint trail.
Have fun!