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Caribou Lake Trail

Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California · 4 min read

Distance
15 mi
Elevation Gain
3,000 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
10 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Remote Trinity Alps Wilderness basin with multiple lakes
  • Granite peaks and cirque walls rising above the lake
  • Among the least crowded major wilderness destinations in northern California
  • Wild swimming in clear granite-basin lakes in late summer

Overview

The Caribou Lakes basin sits in the northern Trinity Alps Wilderness, accessed by a long drive up Coffee Creek Road from Trinity Center. The combination of a longer access road, a 15-mile round trip, and the general unfamiliarity of the northern Trinity Alps outside of dedicated wilderness regulars means the Caribou Lakes area sees a fraction of the visitors that the southern approaches like Stuart Fork receive. For backpackers who have done the well-known Trinity Alps routes and want somewhere genuinely quieter, Caribou Lake is a reliable answer.

The lake sits in a classic granite cirque at roughly 7,000 feet with steep walls on three sides. Multiple smaller lakes and tarns dot the surrounding terrain, and experienced route-finders can access additional high basins without a maintained trail. The swimming is excellent in late July and August. The views of the surrounding granite peaks are the kind that reward unhurried photography from a camp chair over multiple days.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest manages this area through the Weaverville Ranger District, which is the contact for current conditions, permit information, and road status. A free wilderness permit is required for overnight stays. Bear canisters are mandatory. Before any Trinity Alps backpacking trip, read the bear canister requirements guide and Leave No Trace principles for alpine lake camping. Check current conditions for fire restrictions and road status before departing.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3: Coffee Creek Drainage

The trail begins from the Caribou Lakes Trailhead and follows the Coffee Creek drainage upstream through mixed conifer forest. The lower section is shaded and pleasant with a moderate grade. Several creek crossings in this section may be wet in early season; most are manageable on rocks by midsummer. The forest includes fine specimens of Douglas fir, white fir, and incense cedar in the lower elevations.

Miles 3 to 6: Ridge Climb and View Opening

Above the lower creek section, the trail climbs toward a ridge that separates the Coffee Creek drainage from the Caribou basin. The grade increases and the forest transitions to sparser red fir and mountain hemlock. Views of the surrounding ridgelines begin opening. This section has the most consistent elevation gain of the route.

Miles 6 to 7.5: Caribou Basin and Lake

The trail descends slightly from the ridge into the Caribou basin and the lake becomes visible below. The basin floor is dotted with granite slabs and low-growing alpine vegetation. Caribou Lake appears at roughly 7,000 feet surrounded by the peaks of the northern Trinity Alps. The primary camping areas are on the benches away from the lake shore, at least 200 feet from the water as required by wilderness regulations. This is the turnaround. Return the same route.

When to Visit

July through September is the reliable window. The access road can be rough and muddy through late June. The lake basin typically clears of snow by mid-July. August is peak season with the best swimming and most stable weather. September brings excellent conditions and far fewer visitors.

California fire restrictions are a significant planning factor from August onward. Campfires are often prohibited in wilderness areas; bring a camp stove. Check current restrictions before departure.

What to Bring

  • Bear canister (required for overnight camping).
  • Camp stove as the primary cooking method (fire restrictions frequent).
  • Many hikers carry 2-3 liters of water capacity; water is available from the lake and streams but treatment is required.
  • Insulation for cool nights at 7,000 feet.
  • Trekking poles for the ridge section and long descent.
  • Navigation tools: GPS track and map. Trail markings are minimal in the upper basin.

Practical Details

Free self-issue wilderness permit required for overnight camping as of 2026. No permit for day hiking. No fee to park. Vault toilets at the trailhead. Camping 200 feet from water sources is required in wilderness. All human waste must be buried or packed out. See how to get a national forest camping permit for the permit process overview.

Getting There

From Trinity Center on Highway 3, drive north on Coffee Creek Road (Forest Road 37N09) approximately 20 miles to the Caribou Lakes Trailhead. The road is paved for the first portion and transitions to gravel; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. From Weaverville, drive north on Highway 3 approximately 20 miles to Trinity Center, then north on Coffee Creek Road.

Total drive from Redding is approximately 90 miles. No fuel is available north of Trinity Center; fill up before turning onto Coffee Creek Road.

Trailhead Parking

Caribou Lakes Trailhead off Coffee Creek Road north of Trinity Center. Gravel lot for approximately 15 vehicles. No fee as of 2026.

← Back to Shasta-Trinity National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for Caribou Lake Trail?
Yes. A Trinity Alps Wilderness Permit is required for overnight camping. The permit is free and self-issued at the trailhead kiosk as of 2026. Day hikers do not need a permit. Verify requirements with the Weaverville Ranger District before visiting.
How remote is the Caribou Lake area?
The Caribou Lakes basin is in the northern portion of the Trinity Alps Wilderness and requires a longer approach than the southern Stuart Fork or Swift Creek corridors. The access road itself is long and partly gravel. This filters crowds effectively; weekend visits see far fewer parties than comparable Sierra lakes.
Are bear canisters required at Caribou Lake?
Bear canisters are required for overnight camping in the Trinity Alps Wilderness as of 2026. Black bears are present throughout the wilderness. Store all food, cookware, and scented items in the canister.
Is the Caribou Lake Trail a good backpacking base camp?
Yes. The Caribou Lakes basin has multiple lakes and excellent terrain for exploring additional cross-country routes to higher tarns. Most backpackers stay 2-3 nights, using the basin as a base for day explorations of the surrounding granite.
When does the Caribou Lake Trail typically open?
The lower trail opens in late June most years. The upper basin and lake typically clear of snow by mid-July in average snow years. Check with the Weaverville Ranger District for current snow conditions before planning early-season visits.