Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (Highway 140 to Forest Road #700)

This is a unique section of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The trail winds along the western flank of Brown Mountain crossing rugged lava flows on a cinder trail surface. There are good views of Brown Mountain, Robinson Butte, and Mt. McLoughlin in this section. Alternating between thick stands of mixed conifer forest and open vistas, the trail also passes several isolated stands of quaking aspen. During the late summer huckleberries are abundant the last two miles of the trail. There are no water sources along the way. Beginning at the parking area off Highway 140 a short 0.2 mile access trail leads to the PCNST. At this junction, turn left (south) and follow the trail along the Cascade Canal for half a mile to Highway 140. The trail crosses the Highway and continues for half a mile to the junction with the High Lakes Trail. It is about 1.6 miles to the Fish Lake Resort area to the west. Continuing south, the trail begins a five mile traverse over the Brown Mountain lava flows, gaining 800 feet in elevation. Once leaving the lava flows, the trail enters a dense conifer forest. Solomon seal, princess pine and huckleberries blanket the forest floor. A small campsite is reached just prior to the junction with Brown Mountain Trail (8.6 mile point). From this junction the trail continues south another two miles to forest road #700. This is the ending point for this hike. Some may wish to extend the trip to the trailhead on the Dead Indian Memorial Road 1.9 miles further south.