Follow the Doe Flat Trail for about 1.5 miles and take the Buck Lake Trail .2 mile to a high elevation lake. Enjoy excellent fishing in the quiet solitude of the Siskiyou Wilderness.
This trail is on the Klamath National Forest.
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead elevation: 3900 feet
Buck Lake elevation: 4300 feet
Trailhead is usually inaccessible by vehicle during the wet season (November/December to mid-June, rarely into July) because of snow blocking the road.
Map of 2005 Reroute of Doe Flat Trail - PDF
Smith River NRA Trail Report - Doe Flat, Buck Lake, & Devil's Punchbowl Trails, 7-2014 - PDF
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Gate is open all year. Vehicle access to the trailhead may be blocked by snow during the wet season, usually November to mid-June. |
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Fees: | No fee. |
Permit Info: | No wilderness permit is required. A California Campfire Permit is required for campfires, outdoor camp stoves, gas lanterns, or barbecues. Obtain a free permit at any Forest Service office. |
Best Season: | July through October |
Busiest Season: | July and August |
Closest Towns: | Gasquet, California. |
Water: | Available from small creeks along trail and at lake; treat before drinking. |
Restroom: | Vault toilet at Doe Flat Trailhead, no toilet at lake. |
General Information
Directions:Travel east on Hwy 199 for about 10 miles (mile post 24.85). Turn right at Little Jones Creek Rd (a.k.a. FS 16 and FS17N05) and stay on the paved road for about 10 miles to interserction of FS 16N02. Turn left on 16N02 and drive about 3.5 miles: road ends at the trailhead (Doe Flat Trailhead).
Driving Time to trailhead from the Smith River NRA visitor center in Gasquet is 1.2 hours.
Parking:
Large parking lot at Doe Flat Trailhead.
General Notes:
There are three walk-in campsites with fire rings and picnic tables at the trailhead.