01
Best overall pick
Etna Summit & Pacific Crest Trail
West Of Etna Along Sawyers Bar Road • High-Country Ridge Hike With Big Panoramas • Local Favorite For Classic Etna Views
A short drive from town drops you at a high pass where the Pacific Crest Trail traverses open ridges with sweeping views of Scott Valley and the Russian Wilderness.
From Etna Summit you can follow the PCT in either direction, quickly gaining vistas over granite peaks, deep forested basins, and the distant Klamath range. Many locals treat it as a flexible out‑and‑back: go a mile or two for a quick leg‑stretcher, or commit to a longer ridge ramble. The trail feels surprisingly remote considering how little effort it takes to reach the trailhead by car.
02
Best wilderness sampler
Russian Wilderness Loop Trails
Southwest Of Etna In The Russian Wilderness • Remote Wilderness Network Of Rugged Singletrack • Best For Experienced Hikers And Backpackers
A nearly roadless block of country just outside town, the Russian Wilderness offers a maze of lightly traveled trails through steep basins, old forest, and stark granite ridges.
Trailheads reached from Etna lead into loops and out‑and‑backs that can be tailored to your time and fitness, with options to link high passes, glacial cirques, and quiet lake basins. The terrain is more rugged and less signed than popular tourist hikes, which is exactly why local hikers prize it. Bring a good map, be ready for some elevation gain, and you’re rewarded with a true back‑of‑beyond feel within an easy drive of Main Street.
03
Best alpine lake escape
Sky High Lakes, Marble Mountain Wilderness
Trailheads South Of Etna Off Scott River Road • Alpine Lake Basin Hike And Backpack • Best For Overnight Trips And Strong Day Hikers
Sky High Lakes sit in a classic high-country bowl of meadows and marble cliffs, making the hike one of the region’s most rewarding alpine outings.
Most hikers start from a forested trailhead and climb steadily through mixed conifer to reach open benches dotted with wildflowers and tarns. The final approach into the basin opens up to wide views, clear lakes, and plenty of rock perches to linger on. It’s a standout choice if you want a true mountain feel, whether you’re pushing it as a long day or camping lakeside under the stars.
04
Best quick waterfall hike
Johnson Creek Falls Trail
North Of Etna Off Scott Valley Road • Short Forest Walk To A Cascade • Best For Families And Casual Hikers
This mellow trail tracks along a shaded creek before ending at a compact but photogenic waterfall tucked into a rocky notch.
Johnson Creek Falls is a go‑to option when you want an outing that feels wild without committing to an all‑day effort or big climb. The path follows the creek through cool, mossy forest that’s especially pleasant on hot afternoons. With its manageable distance and straightforward route, it works well for mixed‑ability groups or a quick after‑work hike from Etna.
05
Best half-day lake hike
Campbell Lake Trail
High Country South Of Etna • Moderate Forest-And-Lake Mountain Hike • Great For A Classic Weekend Outing
Campbell Lake sits in a tucked-away basin reached by a moderate trail that mixes shady forest walking with open views across the surrounding ridges.
The route climbs at an even, manageable grade, making it a popular choice for hikers who want a bit of a workout without the commitment of an overnight trip. As you near the lake, the trees thin and the scenery opens up, with granite outcrops and quiet coves inviting long breaks or a picnic. It’s the kind of trail locals return to in different seasons to watch the snow melt, the wildflowers peak, and the larches turn color in fall.