Salmon Summit NRT

The Salmon Summit Trail is a 6.2-mile round-trip backcountry trail in the Six Rivers National Forest near Forks of Salmon and Orleans, California. While the road you'll drive on to reach this trail may have some loose terrain for your car to traverse, once you're on foot, you'll enjoy a moderately easy and peaceful hike. During your trek, you'll experience serene and quiet surroundings, as this low-traffic trail often gives visitors the feeling of being utterly alone with nature.

This out-and-back hike takes most visitors about a half-day to complete, and during the summer, you may spot equestrian users on the trail as well. During the winter, the Salmon Summit NRT is used for cross-country skiing, although the path is most pawpular from July to October.

The beginning of the trail will take you through areas with tall bushes before you reach the woods and an abundance of Douglas firs. Once you emerge from the forest area, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the peak ahead of you.

Your leashed dog can trot alongside you on this trail, and when you get about 2.7 miles into your hike, you'll see a sign pointing you toward Red Cap Lake. If you follow this sign, you'll arrive at a small body of water with scenic views that's home to a variety of wildlife. Continue from this point to reach the trail's summit, where you can take in views of Mount Eddy and Mount Shasta. To get back down, you'll descend the way you came.

Don't forget to bring drinking water for you and Fido for this trek, and a supply of doggie bags is always a good idea, too! To keep this low-traffic trail in such good condition, always clean up after your pet and remove any garbage you bring into the park.

This beautiful high-country trail is sure to become a new favorite spot for you and your dog to hike together!