Wilderness
Silver Lake as seen from above on the PCT in the Bucks Lake Wilderness
One of our nation's greatest treasures is the National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. Wildernesses are lands designated by Congress to be protected and preserved in their natural condition, without permanent improvements or habitation.
In the Wilderness, preservation of the land, its natural processes, native vegetation and wildlife is the first priority of management. Human use is secondary. All mechanized equipment and vehicles are prohibited (including mountain bikes).
Please follow regulations associated with Wilderness areas and always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep these areas wild, clean, and pristine.
Maps are available for these areas.
Bucks Lake Wilderness
Bucks Lake Wilderness was established by the California Wilderness Act of 1984. The wilderness encompasses 21,000 acres, and is located near the northern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Elevations in the Bucks Lake Wilderness range from 2,000 ft. in the Feather River Canyon to 7,017 ft. at Spanish Peak. The top of the escarpment which the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses unfolds a spectacular view of the forest to the east and north. An impressive view of Mt. Lassen is visible on clear days.
The Bucks Lake Wilderness has a broad diversity of topography and vegetation. Ground cover varies from brush fields to conifer stands, oaks and pure red fir stands. Several small lakes are scattered across the eastern portion of the Wilderness. Along the western slope are small meadows and quaking bogs hidden among the dense stands of red fir.