Stephanie and I went backpacking to Russian Lake in the Russian Wilderness of far northern California last weekend. Stunning, and we had a lot of solitude. There are also several campsites around the lake, so even if there are other groups, it’s not too crowded. A surprising number stop at Waterdog Lake to camp.
Note: get full details of the hike to Russian Lake in the Russian Wilderness in my book…
Best Day Hiking Trails in Upper California
My compact guidebook has the 125 best day hikes:
- Mount Shasta and nearby
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Trinity Alps and Marble Mountains
- Redding area
- Whiskeytown and Shasta Lakes
Includes trailhead directions and detailed maps and trail descriptions
Buy it: on Amazon | on Bookshop.org
Often available at bookstores and outdoor stores (call first!)
Russian Lake in the Russian Wilderness: Video
Here’s a video Youtube vid I shot from my Northern California Hiking Trails channel…
Camp for Free in California National Forests
California’s national forests and BLM lands have thousands of miles of dirt roads with lots of spots for dispersed camping (boondocking). My book provides all the info you need to get started (but is not a guide to specific sites):
- Researching the best locations
- Finding the best camping spots
- Backcountry safety and ethics
- What to take
Buy it on Amazon
Buy it on Apple, Kobo, and Nook











John- That basin is amazing, and not just for its sublime glacially-carved granite spires and lakes. While there are 17 conifers in one square mile around Russian Peak–just to the north–in Russian Lake Basin (along Russian Creek) is the largest stands of subalpine fir in California. This is one of the rarest conifers in the Klamath range.
Wow — I read on your blog awhile back about the high level of conifer diversity in Russian Wilderness. I wish I’d kept my eye out for subalpine fir.
Really sweet place and nice narration, John! As Michael points out, it is truly a magical place of amazing diversity. I’m just back from several days in Klamath Country myself, spending time around Clear Creek and the Salmon River. . .splendid. I hope to post a little vid myself! Lookin’ forward to seein’ more, John!
I’m glad you chose to enjoy the beauty of the State of Jefferson Tom.
I’m just getting started with the videos and I plan to post more in the future.