Kelsey Creek Trail
The Kelsey National Recreation Trail is a lightly used singletrack path that follows Kelsey Creek up to Paradise Lake in Marble Mountain Wilderness. The trail travels through lush forest with subtle remnants of the gold mining days when mule trains moved cargo along the route. Maple Falls is a scenic waterfall at 4.0 miles in, and is a good picnic spot and potential turn around point for hikers looking for a shorter hike. Views of King’s Castle marble outcrop can be had toward the top of the trail. This section of the trail ends where the Pacific Crest Trail intersects the Kelsey National Recreation Trail at Paradise Lake, which is not as outstanding as many of the lakes nearby, but can be a good camping spot.
Category: Difficult
Distance: 6.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 6,500 feet
Route Type: Out and Back
Directions:From Fort Jones travel northeast on Scott River Road approx 19 miles to Bridge Flat River Access. Turn left and follow the signs to Kelsey Trailhead.
Highlights: Beautiful fall colors and wildflowers, views of lakes and waterfalls
Photo Credit: North Coast Journal
