August 2018 update Grouse Ridge Lookout ~ and Trail Head

Experience miles of Grouse Ridge trails for backpacking, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and swimming in many of the lakes.  

And take in the views!

One view from the ridge.  I bet if you zoom you could see Mt Shasta too.

Distance: 2 mi round trip or many more.
Difficulty:  Easy to moderate, according to your choice.  I have been comfortable taking an outdoorsy child who can hike at least 1 mile in downhill and then 1 mile out uphill. They would enjoy the lakes.  There may be some tree falls to climb over or go around, and strollers are out of the question. It is an excellent place for backpacking with youngsters.
Driving Directions:  Get onto Highway 20 West from Highway 80 west of Donner.  Turn right onto Bowman Lake Road, cross the South Fork Yuba River and turn right on Grouse Ridge Road (Forest Road 14). It is 6 miles. 

Advisories:  

• The road is dirt and we were happy to note that with a large lumber operation going on, the road is much improved most of the way.  There are wider spots to let lumber trucks get by. 
• Camping and hiking are free, no permit required.  In the fall be sure to check hunting season dates. 
• July 2018 cell service: Just before you enter the campground area, the dirt road turns to the left.  There is a large opening with a small u-shaped drive that some use for overflow camping.  We found that if we pull over there we get 1 bar on AT&T, enough to text and make a call! 
• Much of the year, cows live in the lake s basin. We woke up to gently mooing and cow bells in July.  In August we didn't see any of the cows. The ones who visited were friendly anyway!

One campsite guest at Milk Lake in Grouse Ridge, California, July 2018

Weather: Get a forecast here

This is the link to the forestry website.

July 2018 There were wildflowers in full bloom and large meadows of color to enjoy.  We encountered that rain that wasn't forecast.  Always go prepared for any weather.

Aug 2018  Our three day trip was excellent, as was our trip last month.  We hiked to Carr, Feeley, Island, Round, Long and Penner Lakes.  The weather was in the 70's and the skies were clear!  It was a red flag warning for smoke so we were prepared for less pleasant conditions, but the views were just as far and gorgeous as I have seen!

Round Lake in Grouse Ridge, California, August 2018

For my son's first backpacking trip, we toured
the Grouse Ridge area.  We started out with a warm up hike
to the old lookout, built in 1923.  Surprise!
It is being refurbished to offer as a rental.  In Aug 2018 we saw lights and I would use it. I came home and looked for links to rent it but was not successful.  Here is the link to the forestry website that would have information when it becomes available. Lookout rentals
In good weather, visitors might see all the way to Mt Shasta.
We did!

Grouse Ridge Lookout

To hike to the lookout, walk south up the dirt road that forks
uphill off of the dirt road to the trailhead parking.
There is a closed gate without parking,
so plan snacks and water for a mile or so
uphill along the road, and the return hike down.
Trust me ~ it is worth the extra time and effort!

Wildflowers are blooming in profusion, so get up there soon if you enjoy these seasonal shows!

We had the pleasure of some snow blankets to play on,
although who knows how long they will last.

Mt Shasta is back there if you can zoom, though it is just a blur, you can tell it is the snowy peak.

Views from Grouse Ridge Lookout.

After exploring and taking photos, we headed down
to start our backpacking trip. Near the trailhead,
there are car camping spots that have been greatly improved, and
are well marked with tables, campfire rings, and level tent spots.

Widow maker's truck hikers pass near the start of the trail.  Each trip, I photograph the truck, which used to be red!  Moral of the story:  Do not park under a dead tree! The truck was still there this week, August 2018.

Since my son was out for a first backpacking trip,
and most likely over-packed,
we needed a shorter hike.  Just hiking to Milk Lake
to set camp seemed great, then we could hike
to many other lakes without all the gear.

A view of Milk Lake from the use trail,
breaking off from the main trail at the tree fall.  

We missed this sign.
A tree has fallen that blocks the old trail to Milk Lake.
 July 2018: the trail to the lake is easier
to see. It is apparently well used and heads next to the sign posted in this photo.

Milk Lake from the north hillside.  That little patch of snow is under the trailhead.

Grouse Ridge Trails are well marked as a rule.
We weren't thrilled to keep going
not having seen Milk Lake, but we bravely marched onward.

The trails are mostly shady, and there are enough tree falls to rest here and there.

Round Lake, Grouse Ridge Lakes Basin, California

We set camp near Long Lake, but Round Lake
would be fantastic.  We spent time there swimming
wishing for our fishing poles.

The south side of Long Lake is pretty shallow and marshy,
but the up side is it is warmer water for swimming and we enjoyed it.
We packed up to hike out, but the smoke
we had noticed while swimming seemed thicker.

The wildflowers were still a treat, but you can see the grey
skies moving in.  My throat was scratchy.

On our way in we could see Mt Shasta, and on our way out,
we could hardly see the close mountain ranges.

This map shows Carr-Feeley TH and many of the lakes in the basin.
Print it and take an 8.5" x 11" pocket map to keep with you.

Here are some other trails in Tahoe National Forest:

Tahoe National Forest
2014-07	Loch Levin Lakes	6+ miles	Moderate (kids do it though)
2012-12	Snowshoeing PCT at Donner’s Castle Pass	9.3 mile loop	Strenuous
2012-12	Snowshoe PCT to Flora Lake	3.5 miles	Easy
2014-07	Crooked Lakes Trail at Grouse Ridge	1+ miles with many lakes and options	Easy to Moderate
2011-06	Carr & Feely Lakes Under Snow	5+ miles this trip	Variable
2013-07	Sugar Pine Reservoir	Whatever you choose	Easy
2012-11	Sierra Big Trees and Grouse Falls Overlook	1 mile each location	Easy
2012-09	Pioneer Trail near Spaulding Lake	Up to 25 miles; I did 5.7	Easy to Moderate
2012-10	Sierra Discovery Trail with Bear Creek Falls	½ mile est. interpretive loop & picnic area	Easy
2012-09	Sierra Discovery Trail	.7 mile	Stroller and WC friendly
2012-09	Mosquito Ridge Antique Bridge	3+ miles	Easy - Moderate
2012-08	Azalea & Flora Lakes near Donner	6 miles	Easy
2012-08	North Fork Middle Fork American River Mining Trail	4 miles	Easy - Moderate
2014-05	Grouse Ridge Glacier Lake Trail Milk and Downey Lakes are closest.	.5+ many optional miles to many lakes, all pretty close to each other!	Easy to Moderate Car camping available near the trailhead.

Here is the Table of Contents.  

Thank you for stopping by!  Happy Trails.

update July 16, 2016
Updated July 2018: notes about wildflowers, moving the template to the top, added a weather forecast link, note on Milk Lake trail improvement, cell reception and removed old truck notes.

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area

We saw numerous small groups of tule elk, beaver, otter, and signs of coyote, raccoon, and other wildlife, including a variety of birds. 

 This reserve is not too far from Fairfield. A map is provided to help you manage driving directions.



This reserve has hunting seasons for waterfowl, pheasant, Jr pheasant hunts, rabbit, tule elk, doves and falconry.

  The headquarters is open Monday - Friday 8-4:30, offering free literature and has a large mounted bird collection.  When the center is closed you can enjoy the outdoor kiosks for information.  Self-guided tours begin at the headquarters, taking the unpaved Grizzly Island Road for 7 miles and stopping at parking and walking or viewing areas.

Cormorants, when they swim you only see their head and neck.  Their bodies are submerged!

Grizzly Island has 8600 acres in the heart of the Suisun Marsh, the largest contiguous estuarian marsh, comprised of 84,000 acres, and where over 200 species of birds and a variety of endangered or threatened wildlife and plant species live.

Tule Elk tracks

Courtesy of Google Maps

The acreage is full of endemic species that can only live here.  Many are endangered

and protected. 

The pickle weed is the habitat element the harvest mouse
cannot live without.  It nests there and the plants have adapted to salty marsh
by pulling in lots of water, then sending the salt to the tips of their leaves.  In the fall they turn reddish colored and drop off, taking the salty residue with them. 

Wild things!

 



Otters like this type of area and left tracks and scat (poop).
 

In the distance you see the huge windmills.

Taking a trail guide book to help you and the kids determine what left the tracks makes a fun discovery adventure.  The tracks are often fresh, so it is likely you'll have the joy of viewing critters.

Animal Tracks

Animal Tracks



You can park and walk back into these areas along gated dirt roads.  Watch out for ticks though!

Animal Tracks

Animal Tracks

People like to fish in this area.  Bring the kids and the poles!

Probably raccoon tracks.  We also found rabbit, beaver, coyote, bobcat, otter and elk prints.

  Using binoculars, going for drives and taking short hikes feel like you have gone back in time.  The views are beautiful.  Kids will love all of the tracks they can find, and if you don't see wildlife, go slower!  The weather is cooler than the Sacramento Valley, and warmer than the beach.



 

Happy Trails and Come Again!  For more to do, check:

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Hikes by Titles and Locations

 

 

 

2018 updates Grouse Lakes Basin Trails

Spectacular views and many alpine lakes for fishing, swimming, camping, backpacking, hiking, and photographing!  

* If you click on a photo you will be able to view all of the photos enlarged.

Distance and difficulty:  Crooked Lakes Trail is about 7 1/2 miles, out and back but our experiences have been more of a freestyle hike so we could visit as many lakes as possible, and our miles hiked varies. Other websites rate it strenuous, but without a big elevation change and no bushwhacking necessary, it seems more of a moderate hike, and that being for distance. Nothing requires you to go too far though and lakes are close enough to adjust it to your own fitness level. Allow at least 6 hours if you use only Crooked Lakes Trail and make your final destination Rock Lake before you turn around. 
Elevation:  6,285 ft-6,900 ft.
Weather forecast link
Driving Directions: 

• I-80 to Hwy 20 (Nevada City) Exit 161
• Hwy 20 3.8 mi
• Right on Bowman Rd 8.4 mi
• Right on dirt road NF 17 (Called-Lindsey Rd) 2.9 mi or right on earlier dirt road following sign "Carr Feeley TH" for 4 miles.

Update 11-2012  The roads have snow and trucks are going up, but cars may have problems.  Also, be aware it is hunting season. 

Advisories: The gate is always locked and used only by personnel, so you pack your gear in. We found large cat tracks near our tent on one autumn trip.  Keep your food secure.  Permits are not required.  Let someone know your plans and the time of expected return. We paid at the trailhead to use the hike-in campground.

Notes: 

*** Update July, 2012: 

My grandson and I just got back from Carr-Feeley Campground as our basecamp for the Crooked Lakes Trail, and what a shock! Unlike the solitude I am accustomed to in that area, the parking lot was FULL. There were two large groups of backpackers, fishermen, dayhikers, and outdoors enthusiasts! Along the lakes and trails were a practical stream of people and some well-behaved dogs.
The campground wasn't being used except for us and a family at the other end. They were expecting to use the road you see on maps that goes to the Feeley Lake Dam. They brought kayaks for fishing but had not planned on having to carry them and all of their car camping gear back in. 

• Take food, water, and first aid.  I also suggest taking a warm layer as weather is unpredictable and we've used those layers unexpectedly!  Survivor Night on Crooked Lakes Trail   explains my cautionery note!

• The area is pretty level and the trails normally are in good shape, after a rough storm being the exception. A GPS is helpful on this hike to clarify your planned hike since there are numerous unnamed lakes and ponds that might confuse a newcomer.

• So that you can do some research, the lakes we go by include Carr, Feeley, Island, Long, Round, and Milk Lakes, and then you can go south to Sanford Lake or just beyond Milk lake you can go west to Downey Lake. We have taken Glacier Lake Trail heading northeast of Milk Lake and with a couple of creek crossings you can get to Glacier Lake.  I'll include a map at the bottom of the page.  

• Another option is to head north after Milk Lake and visit Lake 3, Middle and Shotgun Lakes to another junction heading west with a side trip south (on trail) to Penner, then back north then rejoin  the previous trail. Head west and then south hitting Rock and Lower Rock Lakes.  Return the way you came in.  That tour would be best left for backpacking!  

• We did hike north of the end of Crooked Lakes Trail to Culbertson Lake and the trail turned uphill on scree and was not at all worth the trouble. The view was nothing to shout about and the hike was an ankle twister.

• Remember that this is a popular deer hunting area so check your dates when planning your hike if that makes you uncomfortable.  Otherwise be advised to wear reflector materials to avoid any accidents!

These were taken in the fall and our campsite was at the backpackers camp near the Carr Trailhead.  There is a bathroom back in a ways.  As you can see, our tent was completely hidden from the trail but was close to it!  We were also near enough to the lake for water, but did indeed find large cat tracks the next morning so take your pepper spray and bear canister!

I want you to see what the trail is generally like.  It is visible and below are posted photos of the type of signs you can expect to see guiding your way.  You may go over some boulders now and then or rocky sections but they double as great places to hang out for sunning and swimming.

Actually new signs were placed in 2012.

When we allowed 3 hours to hike there it was just not meant to be.  Plan a whole day or use the backpackers camps for a base camp and choose different trails and lakes for each day you stay!  With all of those lakes and views, we stopped often for photos and a few splashes in inviting lakes.  We have enjoyed this area in every season, although in winter there are no road plows (we hiked in), and you can't get too far past the backpackers campground at Carr TH without snowshoes.  Below I loaded photos to show you the pleasures and the hazards of hiking up there in the winter!
This is one of my favorite places to hike or backpack.  Happy Trails!

Print this and keep it in your pocket for reference!

Look closely and see the under melt that can cause hikers to collapse the snow and get stuck, potentially hurt or drowned.  Nothing is really holding the snow together, so enjoy but take snow precautions and an ice ax.

These snowlines are hazards too.  People have been known to walk along the top, not realizing that nothing stable is under them. 

The lakes are gorgeous during winter but earlier this was a total snow blanket.  Another cautionary note about using proper equipment and having the skills for this kind of environment.

This is to show how deep the snow was, and impassable by vehicle.

Wildflowers even in snow!  Wonderful!

Peachy Hikers Table of Contents

Hikes By Locations

and other articles about this area:

• Carr Lake Under Snow
• Crooked Lakes Trail (Survivor Night)
• Grouse Lakes Basin Trails near Lake Tahoe
• Grouse Ridge Campground and Trail Head 11-2012   This is a car campgroud recently improved.  There isn't running water, but there is a vault toilet, and sites accessible by car.  There is a lookout tower ytou can also hike to from here, and access to Round Lake Trail, Glacier Lake Trail, and trails that connect to Spaulding Lake Trail and the Pioneer Trail.

No GPS tracks are posted here but the trails are marked as photographed above and just a map like I posted and a compass will serve you well. 

Happy Trails

Updated 11-2012
Updated July 2018: Added advisories about wildlife, rearranged advisories.  Crossed out outdated road conditions. Included a weather forecast link.