Patterson Lake [Suggest Edits]

Description

Patterson Lake is a 13-mile round-trip run from the Pine Creek Trailhead, and there is a 2,500 ft. elevation gain from the trailhead to the lake. At approximmately 2.5 miles, the trail becomes difficult to follow near a creek crossing, but is easily located after one crosses the creek. There is water along the route but it must be treated due to grazing cattle.

At mile 5, the Pine Creek Trail intersects with the Summit Trail which leads north to the lake. The easterly view from the Summit Trail looks out over the Great Basin into northern Nevada. The Summit Trail traverses the spine of the South Warner Mountains. The north facing basaltic cliffs of Warren Peak drop steeply into Patterson Lake forming a spectacular bowl. Several good but overused campsites can be found near the lake.

All-Day Run: The trail to the lake departs from the Pine Creek Trailhead in Modoc National Forest. From Alturas, drive south for 18 miles on US 395 to the tiny community of Likely. From there, head east on Jess Valley Rd. (FR 64), then north on West Warner Rd. (FR 5) to FR 42N058 to access the trailhead. The paved/dirt/gravel roads from US 395 are in excellent condition, and the trailhead can be accessed with any type of vehicle.

Gem Type: Lake