01
Classic Scott Valley hike
Cliff Lake via Shackleford Creek Trail
Shackleford Creek Trailhead West Of Fort Jones • Alpine Lake Day Hike With Steady Climb • Best Classic Route
A local favorite that rewards a moderate climb with a turquoise alpine lake cupped in granite walls.
From the Shackleford Creek trailhead, this trail climbs steadily through open forest and meadows before delivering you to Cliff Lake’s striking blue water. It feels wild but not remote, making it a good fit for strong beginners and intermediates who want a real mountain setting without an all-day push. Go early in the season for wildflowers, or later in summer if you’re planning to swim.
02
High-country overnight
Sky High Lakes
Marble Mountain Wilderness Southwest Of Fort Jones • Lakes Basin Backpacking And High-Country Ramble • Best For Weekend Backpackers
A classic Marble Mountain basin with multiple lakes, big views, and enough mileage to feel like a proper backcountry escape.
Most hikers reach the Sky High Lakes from the Lover's Camp trailhead, working gradually up canyon to a hanging basin dotted with tarns and polished rock. It is manageable as a long day hike, but the area really shines as an overnight, with plenty of spots to tuck a tent above the water. Expect a mix of shaded forest walking and open traverses with wide views over the Marble Mountain Wilderness.
03
Lush loop adventure
Big Blue Lake Loop
Russian Wilderness South Of Town • Forest-And-Lake Loop Through Classic Granite Country • Best Scenic Circuit
A satisfying loop from Taylor Lake that strings together high-country forest, granite knobs, and the aptly named Big Blue Lake.
Starting from the Taylor Lake trailhead, the loop rolls through mixed conifer forest and pockets of open granite as it circles toward Big Blue Lake. The route feels varied without being technical, with enough up-and-down to keep your legs honest but not so much that it overshadows the scenery. It’s a smart choice if you like loop hikes that never repeat the same view twice.
04
Waterfall wander
Kelsey Creek Trail to Maple Falls
Kelsey Creek Drainage Northwest Of Fort Jones • Shaded Creekside Hike To A Small Waterfall • Best Spring Hike
A gentler outing that follows a lively creek to a pretty falls, ideal when snow still lingers higher up.
The Kelsey Creek Trail keeps you close to the water, weaving between mossy rocks, ferns, and tall timber as you head toward Maple Falls. Elevation gain is modest and the tread is generally forgiving, which makes this a good pick for mixed-experience groups or anyone easing into the season. In spring and early summer, the combination of cool shade, rushing water, and the falls at the turnaround feels refreshingly immersive.
05
Summit day challenge
Etna Mountain Summit
Near Etna, Southeast Of Fort Jones • Steep Summit Trail With Big Ridgeline Views • Best For Strong Hikers
A demanding climb to a broad summit that surveys Scott Valley, surrounding wilderness peaks, and distant ridgelines.
The Etna Mountain route wastes little time gaining elevation, switchbacking through forest and brush before breaking out onto more open slopes. As you climb, views expand over Scott Valley and the complex jumble of Marble Mountain and Russian wilderness ridges beyond. It’s exposed in spots and better suited to fit hikers, but the sense of standing above the whole region makes the effort feel well spent.