Hike to Deadfall Lakes & Stay in Weed, CA
Deadfall Lakes is the perfect place to cool off and relax during summertime. A few years ago, I hiked to the lakes with my husband—Logan—and my mother-in-law. We had an adventure-filled day that included a long and challenging trek to the lake, and an easy and fun walk back to our car.
The Hard Hike
We began our hike at the Deadfall Meadow Trailhead, and because of the recent rainfall, water was everywhere. The meadow was a muddy mess, so we had to be careful not to slip on the trail. We crossed two small streams and then a creek as we walked up the path.
We crossed the first two streams by carefully walking across rocks and logs. The creek, however, was a different story. The creek was about two feet deep, so we took our socks and shoes off and slowly crept through the cold water barefoot. As I crossed the stream, I held onto branches and a log, and my mother-in-law held onto Logan’s hand.
After a short break, we put our socks and shoes on and plodded up the hill. From the meadow to the lake, we hiked two miles, and according to my Fitbit data, we climbed 95 floors! I loved climbing up the trail. However, we should have looked at the topography on the map while we were planning the hike. Getting to Deadfall Lakes via the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a much easier route.
When we arrived at the lake, we enjoyed a late lunch, and gorgeous lake and mountain views. The excellent food, company, and scenery made the hard trek to the lake worth it.
The Easy Hike
The hike out was a breeze because we took the PCT toward the Parks Creek Trailhead. Thanks to the PCT trail maintenance volunteers, the path was flat and well maintained.
However, our route out of the lake bypassed the Deadfall Meadow Trailhead; where our car was parked. Once we reached the Parks Creek Trailhead, one of us would have to walk down the road about a mile to retrieve the vehicle. I secretly hoped another hiker would offer us a ride down the hill.
We took a water break on the side of the trail, and as we talked, two hikers—Kim and Eric—meandered toward us. We said hello, talked about our day and how beautiful it was outside, and Kim asked us where we were going. We told her about our dilemma, and she immediately offered to give us a ride to our car. We accepted the offer!
As we walked toward the trailhead, Kim and I chatted about hiking in Siskiyou, how Logan and I met, and where we went to college. It turned out that we were all CSU, Chico alumni, which warranted a round of high fives.
Kim and Eric saved us from hiking down a steep road in the fading daylight, and sore legs. We were incredibly grateful for the ride to our car.
Hiking Inspiration
The hike to Deadfall Lakes was challenging. However, walking back to the car via the PCT was relatively easy. Plus, the scenery, mountain views, and our picnic at the lake inspired us to plan another day hike to Deadfall Lakes via the PCT. We also took the same route to Mt. Eddy.
Happy hiking!
PRO-TIPS
Lodging: Stay at the Hi-Lo Motel in Weed, CA. It’s relatively close to the trailhead (about a 45-minute drive), and the hotel is cozy and cute.
Good Eats: The Hi-Lo Cafe is an excellent option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you stay at the Hi-Lo Motel, you won’t have to travel far for food because the restaurant is on-site.
Another great dining option is Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. It’s a sweet place to enjoy a glass of beer and a good meal after a long day on the trail.
Hike Information & Safety: If it’s been a heavy snow year, the best time to hike to Deadfall Lakes is after July 1. However, if it’s a light snow year, you can hit the trail in May.
Before hitting the trail, prepare for your trek. Get driving and trail directions, a trail map, and pack extra clothing and food in your day pack.
I recommend beginning your hike at the Parks Creek Trailhead (not the Deadfall Meadow trailhead) because the PCT is well maintained and easy to navigate. Directions to the trail can be found here.
And don’t forget to bring water and food! If you need picnic supplies and snacks for the trail, purchase good eats at Grocery Outlet in Weed.
Keywords
adventure, Deadfall Lake, discover siskiyou, Hi-Lo Motel, hike, Mt. Shasta Brewing Co., PCT, siskiyou, walk, Weed
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Hike to Deadfall Lakes & Stay in Weed, CA
Deadfall Lakes is the perfect place to cool off and relax during summertime. A few years ago, I hiked to the lakes with my husband—Logan—and my mother-in-law. We had an adventure-filled day that included a long and challenging trek to the lake, and an easy and fun walk back to our car.
The Hard Hike
We began our hike at the Deadfall Meadow Trailhead, and because of the recent rainfall, water was everywhere. The meadow was a muddy mess, so we had to be careful not to slip on the trail. We crossed two small streams and then a creek as we walked up the path.
We crossed the first two streams by carefully walking across rocks and logs. The creek, however, was a different story. The creek was about two feet deep, so we took our socks and shoes off and slowly crept through the cold water barefoot. As I crossed the stream, I held onto branches and a log, and my mother-in-law held onto Logan’s hand.
After a short break, we put our socks and shoes on and plodded up the hill. From the meadow to the lake, we hiked two miles, and according to my Fitbit data, we climbed 95 floors! I loved climbing up the trail. However, we should have looked at the topography on the map while we were planning the hike. Getting to Deadfall Lakes via the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a much easier route.
When we arrived at the lake, we enjoyed a late lunch, and gorgeous lake and mountain views. The excellent food, company, and scenery made the hard trek to the lake worth it.
The Easy Hike
The hike out was a breeze because we took the PCT toward the Parks Creek Trailhead. Thanks to the PCT trail maintenance volunteers, the path was flat and well maintained.
However, our route out of the lake bypassed the Deadfall Meadow Trailhead; where our car was parked. Once we reached the Parks Creek Trailhead, one of us would have to walk down the road about a mile to retrieve the vehicle. I secretly hoped another hiker would offer us a ride down the hill.
We took a water break on the side of the trail, and as we talked, two hikers—Kim and Eric—meandered toward us. We said hello, talked about our day and how beautiful it was outside, and Kim asked us where we were going. We told her about our dilemma, and she immediately offered to give us a ride to our car. We accepted the offer!
As we walked toward the trailhead, Kim and I chatted about hiking in Siskiyou, how Logan and I met, and where we went to college. It turned out that we were all CSU, Chico alumni, which warranted a round of high fives.
Kim and Eric saved us from hiking down a steep road in the fading daylight, and sore legs. We were incredibly grateful for the ride to our car.
Hiking Inspiration
The hike to Deadfall Lakes was challenging. However, walking back to the car via the PCT was relatively easy. Plus, the scenery, mountain views, and our picnic at the lake inspired us to plan another day hike to Deadfall Lakes via the PCT. We also took the same route to Mt. Eddy.
Happy hiking!
PRO-TIPS
Lodging: Stay at the Hi-Lo Motel in Weed, CA. It’s relatively close to the trailhead (about a 45-minute drive), and the hotel is cozy and cute.
Good Eats: The Hi-Lo Cafe is an excellent option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you stay at the Hi-Lo Motel, you won’t have to travel far for food because the restaurant is on-site.
Another great dining option is Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. It’s a sweet place to enjoy a glass of beer and a good meal after a long day on the trail.
Hike Information & Safety: If it’s been a heavy snow year, the best time to hike to Deadfall Lakes is after July 1. However, if it’s a light snow year, you can hit the trail in May.
Before hitting the trail, prepare for your trek. Get driving and trail directions, a trail map, and pack extra clothing and food in your day pack.
I recommend beginning your hike at the Parks Creek Trailhead (not the Deadfall Meadow trailhead) because the PCT is well maintained and easy to navigate. Directions to the trail can be found here.
And don’t forget to bring water and food! If you need picnic supplies and snacks for the trail, purchase good eats at Grocery Outlet in Weed.