{"id":4660,"date":"2019-06-07T15:42:28","date_gmt":"2019-06-07T22:42:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/?p=4660"},"modified":"2024-04-05T07:24:43","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T14:24:43","slug":"taylor-lake-russian-wilderness-hiking-camping-fishing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/2019\/06\/07\/taylor-lake-russian-wilderness-hiking-camping-fishing\/","title":{"rendered":"Taylor Lake in the Russian Wilderness: Hiking, Camping, Fishing!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Taylor Lake is the most accessible lake in the Russian Wilderness. Camping, fishing, swimming, and picnicking await at the end of the level 0.3 mile hiking trail. This makes Taylor Lake perfect small kids or hikers with physical limitations; nearly everyone can enjoy the beautiful waters, the forest, and the surrounding granite peaks.<\/p>\n

\"Taylor
Taylor Lake in the Russian Wilderness: perfect for hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/p>\n

Taylor Lake Trail Key Data<\/h2>\n

Distance: 0.6 mile roundtrip
\nDifficulty: Easy
\nType: Day hike<\/a> or Overnight
\nElevation gain: 50 feet
\nHigh point: 6492 feet
\nSeason: mid-June through October; earlier in low-snow years
\nContact: Klamath National Forest, Salmon\/Scott River Ranger District<\/a>
\nMaps: USGS Eaton Peak, USFS Marble Mountain Wilderness & Russian Wilderness<\/a>
\nTrailhead GPS coordinates: N 41 22.067 W 122 58.477
\nNotes: Dogs allowed. The trail is wheelchair accessible. Toilet at trailhead. Very popular.<\/p>\n

Taylor Lake Trailhead Directions<\/h2>\n

Drive CA Highway 3 to the Etna turnoff, which is 26.5 miles from the junction of Highway 3 and I-5 in Yreka and 12.7 miles from Callahan. Drive a half mile down Collier Way, turn right on Main Street, and then drive 10.5 curvy and paved miles on Sawyer\u2019s Bar Road to Etna Summit<\/a>. Continue downhill 0.3 mile and turn left onto the dirt (and occasionally paved) access road (Forest Road 41N18) that travels another 2.3 miles to the trailhead, which has room for about 15 vehicles. NOTE: Forest Road 41N18 has steep sections that are not suitable for RVs and vehicles pulling trailers, and there’s not much room at the trailhead for parking large vehicles. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Taylor
Close-up map of the trailhead, Taylor Lake, nearby Smith Lake, and part of the Hogan Lake Trail. (Courtesy of Caltopo.com<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"WoodenHiking the Taylor Lake Trail<\/h2>\n

The trail begins between two cedars and quickly crosses the Russian Wilderness<\/a> boundary. As you progress on the slight incline on the wide and shaded trail, note that the forest also includes ample firs and pines. Reach the north shore of Taylor Lake at 0.3 mile.<\/p>\n

Camping at Taylor Lake<\/h2>\n

If you backpack in everything you need for overnight camping, you’ll find several good camping sites near the north shore in the region where the trail meets the lake. If you plan on a campfire, you’ll need a California campfire permit<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Fishing at Taylor Lake<\/h2>\n

Eastern brook trout are the best bet. Note that a lot of people fish here, so don’t get your expectations too high. (Of course, make sure you have a California fishing license<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\n

Camp for Free in California National Forests<\/h4>\n

\"CampCalifornia’s national forests and BLM lands have thousands of miles of dirt roads with lots of spots for dispersed camping (boondocking).<\/strong> My book provides all the info you need to get started (but is not a guide to specific sites):<\/p>\n