2025 Marble Mountains -Lovers Camp

The Marble Mountains are just north of the Trinity Alps in Siskiyou County, near Ft. Jones. This is an incredible area, virtually unspoiled, with unbelievable wildflowers, stunning views, and beautiful lakes. Many of my backpacking friends claim that this is the best backpacking in California—my experience is that the Marbles are the closest I have ever come to what it was like backpacking in the Sierra in the 60’s. Truly epic!
There are 8 walk-in campsites at the Lover's Camp campground, and access to the Marble Mountain wilderness via the Canyon Creek and Red Rock trails. There are also corrals at the lower parking area with a stock loading ramp and room for trailer parking.
We will set-up a base camp at Lover’s Camp on Thursday. Access to Lover's Camp is on a mostly paved road. We then have the option of hanging out in Lovers Camp and/or taking day trips on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Potential day trips include:

• Out-and-back hike to Sky High Lakes (6.2 miles each way) For more information, check out the AllTrails link for info and photos: Sky High Lakes
• Out-and-back hike to Paradise Lake (4.3 miles, will carpool to trailhead) For more information, check out the AllTrails link for info and photos: Paradise Lake
• Out-and-back hike to Little Marble Valley (9 miles). Canyon Creek Trail takes day hikers to Marble Valley. This hike is 9 miles round trip or just enjoy the first mile or two up Canyon Creek. For more information, check out the Trail Forks link for info and photos: Little Marble Valley
• We can add more options--and I am taking requests if you have a favorite destination. There are several trailheads along the PCT, accessed by a carpool, that might be worth exploring.

Important Notes:

• The area boasts a very active bear population (ask me how I know). Besides the usual bear-proofing procedures for food, soap and toothpaste, cookware I recommend, at the least, wearing a bear-bell when hiking. You might want to consider carrying bear spray.
• Day hikers should always yield to horses and livestock on the trail.
• You should expect warm days and nights a bit cooler as the calendar marches to fall. That said, on my first trip to the Marbles it was wickedly hot (100+ degrees each day), so check the weather and pack and dress accordingly.
• For those traveling from afar, I can provide Friday accommodations at my home in Burney and then a carpool to Lovers Camp.

As always, everyone is responsible for their own food and gear.

************************
Joining this trip is entirely voluntary and participants signing up for this activity fully understand the risks associated with the activity. It is each participant’s responsibility to ensure that they, and their guest(s), are in sufficient fitness and health to participate in this trip and be prepared with the appropriate water, food, clothing, equipment, supplies and first aid. Group Organizers and Trip Host(s) make no warranties about the quality, safety, or supervision of these activities.

***