01
Closest canyon escape
Lassen Trail to Hanging Rock
Pit River Canyon South Of Canby • Riverside Canyon Hike With Rock Formations • Go-To Close-To-Town Outing
A semi-rugged walk along the Pit River with cliffs, creek crossings, and a distinctive rock outcrop at the end.
If you only have a few hours and want something close, this is the trail locals point to first. The route follows portions of the historic Lassen Trail, tracing the Pit River as it swings past small side creeks and volcanic cliffs. Expect uneven footing in spots and seasonal water, but also quiet, big sky, and an easy drive back to Canby for dinner.
02
Best volcanic views
Canby Cross Trail
Lava Beds National Monument North Of Canby • Open Volcanic Plateau Hike To A Historic Cross • Best For Broad Views And History
A short, exposed climb over old lava flows to a hilltop cross with sweeping views across Lava Beds and the distant ranges.
Set inside Lava Beds National Monument, this trail trades shade for far-reaching views and a sense of place. The climb is modest but feels wild, with rough lava rock underfoot and the high desert stretching out in every direction. Pair the hike with a few nearby lava tube stops and you’ve got an easy, big-scenery half day from Canby.
03
Shaded forest ramble
Cedar Creek Trail
Modoc National Forest West Of Canby • Creekside Forest Trail With Gentle Grades • Best For Families And New Hikers
A mellow forest walk that follows Cedar Creek through mixed conifers, with pockets of shade and easy grades.
When summer heat settles over the open country around Canby, this is where people go to cool off. The path meanders beside the creek, with enough roots and rocks to feel like a real trail but nothing too technical for kids or casual walkers. Bring a picnic and take your time; the sound of water and the tall trees make this a relaxing contrast to the sagebrush flats back in town.
04
High-country adventure
Patterson Lake Trail (South Warner Wilderness)
Warner Mountains Southeast Of Alturas • Alpine-Style Climb To A Secluded Lake • Best Wild-Feeling Day Hike
A longer, steeper hike into the South Warner Wilderness that rewards with an alpine lake, meadows, and big-country views.
This is the commitment hike on the list, better suited to strong walkers willing to drive a bit from Canby. The trail gains elevation steadily as it leaves the foothills for open ridges and high meadows, eventually dropping into the cirque that holds Patterson Lake. Go early in the day, carry real mountain layers, and plan to linger at the shoreline before heading back down.
05
Wide-open ridge walk
Red Tail Rim Trail
Modoc Plateau Between Canby And Alturas • Ridge-Top Trail With Sagebrush And Rimrock • Best For Big Skies And Solitude
An elongated rim hike along the Modoc Plateau, with views over sagebrush basins, rimrock ledges, and frequent raptor sightings.
If you like your hikes quiet and expansive, this long ridge-top route is hard to beat. The trail rolls along the edge of a rim, offering frequent looks into wide basins where you’re more likely to see hawks and pronghorn than other hikers. Choose a shorter out-and-back if you’re tight on time, or commit to a longer stretch for a true taste of Modoc’s open country.