Four glacial cirques, granite lakes, no permit lottery, and almost nobody on the trail. NorCal's best-kept secret.
A taste of the Trinity Alps. NorCal's answer to the Sierra, with deep green forests, wildflower meadows, and granite lakes that feel completely different from the Eastern Sierra. The Four Lakes Loop visits a chain of beautiful lakes at a comfortable pace. Far from the crowds of Tahoe or Yosemite, this is where Northern California locals go to escape.
Start: Long Canyon Trailhead
End: Long Canyon Trailhead
Water: Streams along trail
Steep, sustained climb up Long Canyon gaining 4,300ft in 6 miles — don't underestimate it. Trail is well-defined but relentless above the switchbacks. Deer Lake offers good camping with views west into the Trinity Alps at 7,400ft.
Water: Deer Lake, Diamond Lake, Luella Lake, Summit Lake
Drop packs and hike the loop connecting Deer, Diamond, Luella, and Summit Lakes — each with its own character. Diamond is the deepest blue; Luella the most secluded. Bring a filter and swim in all four if the weather holds.
Water: Streams
Steep return down Long Canyon, mostly descent on the same trail in. Knees earn their rest on this one. Short window for lingering — the 4,300ft descent takes 3–4 hours with a loaded pack.
Siligo Peak scramble, additional lakes off-trail
Free permits with no quota; alternative access via Stoney Ridge or Swift Creek trails; fewer crowds than Sierra; lots of optional side trips, including Siligo Peak, Seven Up Peak, and Echo Lake.
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