{"id":5391,"date":"2019-07-07T09:47:32","date_gmt":"2019-07-07T16:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/?p=5391"},"modified":"2025-05-14T10:12:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T17:12:58","slug":"hiking-seven-lakes-basin-pacific-crest-trail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/07\/hiking-seven-lakes-basin-pacific-crest-trail\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking Seven Lakes Basin via the Pacific Crest Trail: Lakes and Vistas!"},"content":{"rendered":"

This day hike<\/a> or short backpacking trip to Seven Lakes Basin on the Pacific Crest Trail is one of the best in the Mount Shasta region. The basin holds Upper Seven Lake, Lower Seven Lake, and several smaller lakes, with swimming the best in Upper Seven Lake. On the way to Seven Lakes Basin, you’ll be treated to vistas of the Trinity Alps and Mount Shasta.<\/p>\n

\"Seven
Seven Lakes Basin from the Pacific Crest Trail: Upper Seven Lake, Lower Seven Lake, Echo Lake, Boulder Peak.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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It takes a bit of easy cross-country hiking to explore all of Seven Lakes Basin, as the main trail becomes very difficult to follow beyond Upper Seven Lake. If you want to wander the entire basin, be sure you are adept at finding your way in the wilderness.<\/p>\n

You can also easily visit Lake Helen and climb nearby Tri County Peak.<\/p>\n

The Seven Lakes Basin journey is Hike 50 from 100 Classic Hikes: Northern California<\/a><\/em>, fourth edition. I discuss the same route in Hike 56 of\u00a0Day Hiking: Mount Shasta, Lassen & Trinity Alps Regions<\/a>. <\/em>Here’s the description of the Seven Lakes Basin from\u00a0100 Classic Hikes: Northern California<\/a><\/em>, fourth edition.<\/p>\n

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Key Data: Seven Lakes Basin Hike<\/h2>\n

Length: 6 miles round-trip
\nHiking time: 5 hours or 2 days
\nHigh point: 6,825 feet
\nTotal elevation gain: 1,400 feet
\nDifficulty: moderate
\nSeason: early June through late October
\nWater: available only at Seven Lakes Basin (purify first); bring your own
\nMaps: USGS 7.5′ Mumbo Basin, USGS 7.5′ Seven Lakes Basin, Mount Shasta Area map from Green Trails Maps<\/a>
\nInformation: Mount Shasta Ranger Station, Shasta-Trinity National Forest
\n<\/a>Campfires: you need a California campfire permit, backpackers<\/a><\/p>\n

This hike gives you the best of the Klamath Mountains with little effort. You’ll have 360-degree panoramas of far Northern California mountains, cool and clear mountain lakes to dip into, a varied palette of wildflowers, and several excellent campsites if you decide to backpack.<\/p>\n

Seven Lakes Basin Trailhead Driving Directions<\/h2>\n

To reach the trailhead, take the Central Mount Shasta exit (Exit 738) from Interstate 5. Cross the freeway and go west and south on South Old Stage Road and W. A. Barr Road. Arc around Lake Siskiyou as the way becomes Forest Road 26. Follow this paved road past several dispersed camping spots<\/a> to Gumboot Saddle, 18.3 miles from the freeway and 2.5 miles beyond Gumboot Lake and its campground.<\/p>\n

Seven Lakes Basin Trail Map<\/h2>\n
\"Seven
Seven Lakes Basin trail map, Shasta-Trinity National Forest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pacific Crest Trail to Seven Lakes Basin<\/h2>\n

Begin on the saddle’s south side and head south on one of the most beautiful Pacific Crest Trail sections in Northern California<\/a> (hikers and equestrians only). You quickly reach an open area with an unimpeded vista of the jagged spires of the Trinity Alps<\/a> to the west, with forested mountains filling in the northerly and southerly views.<\/p>\n

\"Many
Many views of Mount Shasta along the Pacific Crest Trail on the hike to Seven Lakes Basin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Travel south, undulating gently along the spine of the ridge, occasionally shaded by a Jeffrey pine, western white pine, red fir, or white fir. Note the various flowers, including blue lupines and yellow sulfur flowers.<\/p>\n

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Resting and taking in the view of Mount Shasta. Near the PCT on the Seven Lakes Basin hike.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first decent campsite appears on the left at 0.3 mile, followed by the inaugural view of Mount Shasta<\/a>, with Mount Eddy and Gumboot Lake coming shortly thereafter. A westward glance shows the Mumbo Lakes and Mumbo Basin just below.<\/p>\n

\"Mumbo
Mumbo Lakes and distant Trinity Alps from the Pacific Crest Trail on the way to Seven Lakes Basin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Seven Lakes Basin and the Shasta Area PCT Are Shown in Detail on this New Map<\/h2>\n
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Comprehensive Trail Map for the Greater Mount Shasta Region<\/h4>\n

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This map is perfect for exploring Mount Shasta and the nearby areas of natural beauty:<\/strong><\/p>\n