{"id":4738,"date":"2017-08-08T00:36:53","date_gmt":"2017-08-08T07:36:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/?p=4738"},"modified":"2024-07-06T16:07:29","modified_gmt":"2024-07-06T23:07:29","slug":"magee-peak-trail-thousand-lakes-wilderness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/2017\/08\/08\/magee-peak-trail-thousand-lakes-wilderness\/","title":{"rendered":"Magee Peak Trail in Thousand Lakes Wilderness"},"content":{"rendered":"

This trail is the steepest and most direct route to the soaring summits of Magee Peak and Crater Peak in Thousand Lakes Wilderness in Lassen National Forest. Part of an imposing volcano that towers above the upper reaches of the Sacramento Valley, Magee Peak commands a expansive view over much of northwestern California.<\/p>\n

\"Magee
Crater Peak hiding Magee Peak, viewed from Hat Creek. These are two highest peaks in Thousand Lakes Wilderness. (Photo by Marc Soares)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This post gives you a detailed description of the Magee Peak Trail, along with a topographic trail map, plus directions to the trailhead.<\/p>\n

Note that this trail and the road to the trailhead get very little maintenance. It’s a good idea to call the Hat Creek Ranger District first: 530-336-5521.<\/p>\n

Magee Peak Trail Key Data<\/h2>\n

Distance: 7.0 miles round-trip
\nDifficulty: Strenuous
\nType: Day hike or overnight backpacking trip
\nElevation gain: 2600 feet
\nHigh point: 8,550 feet
\nSeason: late June through October; some high elevation snow through July
\nInformation: Hat Creek Ranger District<\/a>, Lassen National Forest, 530-336-5521
\nUSGS 7.5′ Jacks Backbone, USGS 7.5′ Thousand Lakes Valley
\nPermits: no wilderness permit required. Backpackers need a California campfire permit<\/a>
\nMagee Peak Trailhead GPS coordinates: N 40 40.587 W 121 38.668
\nNotes: dogs allowed; bring plenty of water, no water on the trail; get down quickly if thunderstorms threaten; rough roads to trailhead may be difficult for low-clearance vehicles<\/p>\n

Magee Peak Trailhead Directions<\/h2>\n

Get to the intersection of Road 16 and Highway 89, which is 4 miles north of the north entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park and 9.5 miles south of the junctions of Highway 89 and Highway 44 East. Head up Road 16, staying on this main road at all intersections. After 10.1 miles, turn right onto Road 32N48 (50 yards past a left turn) and proceed 1.7 miles to the roomy trailhead.<\/p>\n

\"Magee
Magee Peak Trail Map, Thousand Lakes Wilderness. Includes Magee Peak, Crater Peak, Everett Lake, and Magee Lake. (Courtesy of Caltopo.com<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Starting on the Magee Peak Trail<\/h2>\n

The trail initially climbs gently northward past an understory of pinemat manzanita and huckleberry oak, the latter quickly replaced by bush chinquapin. The ascent steepens after 100 yards and a swing to the east. Tree branches part enough at 0.6 mile to allow a brief glimpse of the summit.<\/p>\n

Continue upward through an open forest of Jeffrey pine, sugar pine, white fir, and red fir. You\u2019ll soon reach an elevation where winter conditions are too severe for sugar pine and white fir: The white fir drop away, while the closely related western white pine replaces its cousin, the sugar pine.<\/p>\n

The path makes a 120-degree swing to the northwest at 2.5 miles and then leaves the forest shade at 2.7 miles to give the first good views. Let this sweep of space provide energy for your legs, lungs, and heart as you switchback ever upward past chaparral.<\/p>\n

Reach the crest at 3.3 miles, where you\u2019ll see the trail heading down the other side to Magee and Everett lakes (Hike 100 in my book Day Hiking: Mount Shasta, Lassen & Trinity Alps Regions<\/em><\/a>). From here, head west 0.2 mile amidst wind-whipped whitebark pines to the 8,549-foot summit of Magee Peak.<\/p>\n

\n

Best Day Hiking Trails in Upper California<\/h4>\n

\"Day<\/a>My<\/strong> compact guidebook has the 125 best day hikes:
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n