After enjoying my first day trip to Deadfall Lakes, I asked my father-in-law, Roy, about other fun hiking options in the Trinity Mountains. Roy recommended hiking to Cement Bluff along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). He also suggested walking from Cement Bluff to Bluff Lake. Roy has a long history in Siskiyou, and he always has the best hiking tips.
On a chilly June morning, my husband Logan and I drove from Yreka to the Parks Creek Trailhead. We started our trek around 8 am because we wanted to spend the day outside. Also, a full day on the trail gave us time to wander, admire the views, and to take plenty of photos.
When we arrived at Cement Bluff, we decided to forgo hiking to Bluff Lake because the descent was relatively steep and rocky. Plus, we wanted to conserve our energy for the walk back to the car. Instead of walking through the rocks, we ate a leisurely picnic on the bluff, enjoyed the expansive views, admired the lake, and listened to the chirping birds.
The hike was roughly 10 miles roundtrip, relatively flat, the scenery was gorgeous, and it was the perfect way to unwind after a long work week.
Some of my favorite experiences from our day trip included:
—Meeting “Forest Ninja”—a PCT thru-hiker—on the trail
—Finding a quiet lunch spot that overlooked Bluff Lake
—Taking a short nap after lunch
—Walking through vibrant green meadows
—Spotting views of Mount Shasta from the trail
When I showed my father-in-law photos from our hike, he explained that he fished the lake when Logan was younger because Cement Bluff was an easy landmark to find. If Logan got lost exploring the area, he would be able to find his way back to the lake using the bluff as a guide. Now that is a smart dad!
Happy hiking!
PRO-TIPS
Good Eats: In the mood for a delicious meal? Read about my favorite eating haunts in Yreka and Mt. Shasta. Both towns are close to the Stewart Mineral Springs Resort and offer a variety of options that will satisfy your hiker hunger.
Lake & Hiking Information: The USDA Forest Service has information about Bluff Lake here. Hike Mt Shasta has a helpful article about hiking to Cement Bluff via the PCT here. Also, you can find driving directions to the Parks Creek Trailhead at the bottom of the post.
