I did around 15 miles and ascended 5500 feet on December 7th during a hike out and back to Grizzly Lake. The lake is accessed via China Gulch Trail, which is located in a remote section of the Trinity Alps southeast of Cecilville in Siskiyou County. I started the hike at sunrise and immediately encountered incinerated forestland, where trees in some sections are burnt down to the size of toothpicks due to wildfire occurring during the summer of 2021. Tree debris was scattered everywhere, and the soil had a soft clay like texture due to intense roasting under the fire. Otherwise, I ascended a ridge, and after its crest, descended into a valley and worked my way across increasingly complex terrain toward Grizzly Lake. Grizzly Creek produces abundant waterfalls, and could be a worthy photography objective during a future trek. Scenery opens up during the last mile to the lake, and the final challenge involves passage across a boulder field, followed by a 100 foot scramble up a series of gullies. From the gullies, I followed granite slabs a short distance and reached the lake. The weather was warm for December, and I spent 30 minutes soaking up rays before returning back to my truck, which I reached just after sunset.
YouTube video is here. Google map location is here.
