01
Best overall pick
Schonchin Butte Trail
Lava Beds National Monument, South Of Dorris • Short Volcanic Summit Hike • Best Panoramic Views Close To Town
A quick but steep climb up a cinder cone to a classic fire lookout with big‑sky views over the lava fields.
From the parking area, the well‑built trail winds up through scrub and jagged lava rock to the restored Schonchin Butte lookout. It’s short enough for an evening leg stretch but still feels like a real summit, with sweeping views of the Medicine Lake Highlands, Mount Shasta on clear days, and the pocked landscape of Lava Beds below. It’s a great first stop if you’re just getting to know the area around Dorris.
02
Best historic walk
Captain Jack’s Stronghold Loop
Lava Beds National Monument, Kelley Camp Area • Historic Lava Fortress Loop • Best For History Buffs
A low‑key loop through twisted lava trenches where Modoc warriors once held off the U.S. Army.
The Stronghold’s looping paths weave through narrow lava corridors, hidden nooks, and natural walls that made this such a formidable defensive position during the Modoc War. Interpretive signs along the way fill in the human story behind the strange terrain, so plan to slow down and read. It’s more of a contemplative walk than a workout, and pairs well with other short trails or a cave visit in the monument.
03
Best mellow outing
Butte Valley National Grassland Driving Tour & Trails
Butte Valley National Grassland, North Of Town • Open Grassland Auto Tour With Short Walks • Laid-Back Wildlife And Wildflower Outing
A quiet mix of back roads and short strolls through wide‑open grassland with big views toward Mount Shasta.
This route strings together gravel roads, pullouts, and informal paths through one of California’s lesser‑known national grasslands. You won’t find a single long trail here, but you can park at overlooks, windmill sites, and fencelines to wander on old two‑tracks and cattle paths. It’s ideal when you want fresh air and bird‑watching more than elevation gain, especially during spring green‑up and fall color in the surrounding hills.
04
Big mountain day
Mount McLoughlin Summit Trail
Sky Lakes Wilderness, Northeast Of Dorris • Steep Alpine Summit Route • Challenging All-Day Adventure
A demanding climb up a prominent Cascade volcano with far‑reaching views over the Klamath Basin and southern Cascades.
The summit trail starts in forest, then breaks onto rocky, pumice‑covered slopes where the grade and exposure ramp up quickly. Strong hikers are rewarded with a 360‑degree panorama that takes in Klamath Lake, Mount Shasta, and a chain of lesser peaks marching up the spine of the range. Start early, expect a relentless ascent, and treat this as a true mountain outing rather than a casual stroll from Dorris.
05
Best national park side trip
Watchman Peak Trail
Crater Lake National Park, Northwest Of Dorris • Scenic Rim Trail To Fire Lookout • Iconic National Park Side Trip
A short but punchy climb from the Crater Lake rim to a lookout platform perched above the caldera’s deep blue water.
The trail follows the rim briefly before switchbacking up the Watchman’s shoulder, giving you new angles on the lake as you gain height. From the top, the view down to Wizard Island and across the flooded volcano is about as dramatic as it gets in the region, especially around sunset. It makes a memorable capstone to a day trip that starts in Dorris and loops through the Klamath Basin into the park.