Cedar Creek Trail – South Warner Wilderness
Location: South Warner Wilderness,
Length: 6.4 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Features: hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, nature trips, bird watching, forest, wild flowers, wildlife, skiing
About the Cedar Creek Trail
The Cedar Creek Trail in the South Warner Wilderness, part of the Modoc National Forest near Cedarville, California, is a 6.4-mile out-and-back trail with moderate difficulty. It features a 790-foot elevation gain and is accessible for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and running.
The trail is known for its scenic beauty, passing through diverse landscapes including western juniper, ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, white fir forests, and tall grass prairies. It’s also a great spot for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
The trail has two trailheads: the Lower Trailhead, accessible via Hwy 299, and the Upper Trailhead near Cedar Pass Snow Park, which doubles as a Nordic trail in winter for snowshoeing or skiing. The trail follows an old highway through juniper forests, with willows, aspen, and ponderosa pine adding variety. Interpretive brochures are available at both trailheads for added context.
Access Tips:
- Lower Trailhead: From Alturas, take US Hwy 395 north for 5 miles to Hwy 299, then east for 16 miles to the trailhead sign. Parking is available 3 miles east of the ski hill, with restrooms on-site.
- Upper Trailhead: From Alturas, go north on US Hwy 395 for 5 miles to Hwy 299, then east for 13 miles to the Cedar Pass Ski Hill. The trailhead is just east of the ski hill.
Note: Winter access may require snowshoes or skis, as roads and trails are not maintained during this season. Secure food and gear in vehicles to prevent wildlife issues.
Other Trails In The Modoc National Forest
This area is great for long hikes, quick stroll and even backpacking.
The Modoc National Forest, encompassing the South Warner Wilderness, offers a variety of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and backpacking. Below are some notable trails:
- Mill Creek Falls Trail:
- Length: ~1 mile round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Features: A short trail leading to the scenic Mill Creek Falls, located at the southwest edge of the South Warner Wilderness at the Mill Creek Falls Campground (County Road 64). It connects to the Clear Lake Trail for those seeking a longer hike to a wilderness lake popular for fishing and wildlife viewing.
- Best For: Families, casual hikers, and anglers.
- Summit Trail:
- Length: Varies (stretches from Pepperdine Campground to Patterson Camp)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features: Traverses large meadows, pine forests, and aspen groves, with access to Patterson Lake and other trails. Offers scenic views of notable peaks like Emerson Peak and Squaw Peak. Follows Leave No Trace principles due to federal wilderness regulations.
- Best For: Backpacking, hiking, and wilderness exploration.
- Red Tail Rim Trail:
- Length: ~20 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features: A shared trail in the Big Valley Ranger District, suitable for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Known for its scenic backcountry views, this trail is accessible earlier in the season due to lower elevation. Recent maintenance has improved trail conditions.
- Best For: Multi-use trail enthusiasts.
- Slide Creek Trail:
- Length: Varies (access to Mill Creek Basin and other trails)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features: The most popular horseback riding trail in the South Warner Wilderness, starting at Soup Springs Campground. Offers short rides or longer backcountry adventures with connections to Mill Creek Trail and Summit Trail.
- Best For: Equestrian riders and backpackers.
- Pine Creek Trail:
- Length: Varies (starts at Pine Creek Trailhead to Summit Trail junction)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features: Passes through forests, meadows, and Pine Creek Basin to the crest of the South Warner Range. Highlights include rock formations, lakes, sagebrush, aspen groves, and views of Alturas Valley and Mount Shasta. Dogs are allowed.
- Best For: Hikers, bird watchers, and those seeking diverse scenery.
- Little Mt Hoffman Trail:
- Length: Varies (moderate trail)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features: Starts at Headquarters Campground in the Medicine Lake area and leads to a point east of the lookout. A well-groomed trail suitable for hiking and biking, offering scenic views and access to the only beach in Modoc National Forest at Medicine Lake.
- Best For: Day hikes and biking.
- Owl Creek Trail:
- Length: Varies
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features: Located in the heart of the South Warner Wilderness, recently cleared of logs and brush. Offers remote wilderness hiking with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act supporting maintenance.
- Best For: Wilderness enthusiasts and backpackers.
Additional Notes:
- Many trails in the South Warner Wilderness (e.g., Summit, Pine Creek, Slide Creek, Owl Creek, North/South Emerson) have been recently maintained, improving accessibility.
- Trails are often shared with equestrians; hikers should step off the downhill side and speak calmly to avoid startling horses. Always carry a topo map and compass, as some trails are not well-marked.
- The Warner Mountain Ranger District is ideal for late summer/fall hiking due to snow-capped peaks and meadows, while lower-elevation trails in Big Valley and Devil’s Garden Districts are better for spring/early summer.
Top 3 Adventure Hacks
1) Prepare for Variable Conditions and Leave No Trace
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- Why: The trail’s moderate 790-foot elevation gain and diverse terrain (juniper forests, prairies) require preparation for changing weather, especially in winter when it becomes a Nordic trail. The South Warner Wilderness mandates Leave No Trace principles, including camping 100 feet from water sources and burying waste 200 feet away.
- How: Bring a topo map, compass, and adequate water (at least 1L per person, more in summer). Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix or granola bars and secure food in vehicles to avoid wildlife encounters. Check weather forecasts and avoid hiking in extreme heat. For winter visits, bring snowshoes or skis, as roads and trails are not maintained.
2) Start at the Upper Trailhead for an Easier Hike:
- Why: The Upper Trailhead at Cedar Pass Snow Park offers a 3-mile downhill hike to the Lower Trailhead, making it less strenuous for casual hikers or runners. This direction is ideal for enjoying the trail’s scenery, including wildflowers and wildlife, without the uphill challenge.
- How: Access the Upper Trailhead via Hwy 299 (13 miles from Alturas) and arrange a shuttle or second vehicle at the Lower Trailhead to avoid hiking back uphill. Pick up the interpretive brochure at the trailhead to enhance your experience with insights into the area’s ecology and history.
3) Engage with Wildlife and Scenery Safely:
The Cedar Creek Trail is also trailed by horses. It’s a rule to give way the horses as they pass the trail.
- Why: The trail’s diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife (e.g., birds, deer) and offer stunning views of the South Warner Wilderness, often called the “Switzerland of northeastern California.” However, encounters with horses or wildlife require caution.
- How: Bring binoculars for bird watching and maintain a safe distance from wildlife. If meeting equestrians, step off the trail on the downhill side and speak calmly to avoid startling horses. Use sun protection (hat, sunscreen) due to limited shade, and start early to avoid midday heat. Join events like National Trails Day (June 3) at the Upper Trailhead to learn more about the area and connect with other outdoor enthusiasts.
Additional Notes:
- Always tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time.
- Check trail conditions before heading out, as recent maintenance has improved access, but some areas may still be rugged.
- For more information, visit the Modoc National Forest website (www.fs.usda.gov) or contact the USDA Forest Service for updates on trail status and regulations.
Enjoy your adventure on the Cedar Creek Trail and the Modoc National Forest!