Caldwell Lakes

Trail Highlights

Trailhead location	Forest Road 41N74, Trinity Divide
Length	4.2 miles
Elevation gain / max	1,200′ / 7,100′
Difficulty	Moderate
When to go	May to October
Dogs allowed?	Yes, on leash

The hike to the Caldwell Lakes is on a trail upgraded since 2010.  It passes through thin and thick forests with a variety of wildflowers.  Views of Mt Shasta open up as you reach the lakes.  A good option to avoid the crowds at Heart Lake.

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Trail Details

The Caldwell Lakes Trailhead is on a very short forest road (41N74) that branches off FR17 just before it crosses Parks Creek (See detailed driving directions below)  The trailhead Kiosk is 120 feet up the dirt road from FR17.  The first mile or so of the trail was reconstructed since 2010, it is now a nice trail instead of the washed out road that it used to be.  The trail passes through a thin forest and goes along babbling brooks before ascending through a thicker forest to Lower Caldwell Lake.

Above Lower Caldwell Lake the trail climbs up onto an open slope before reaching Upper Caldwell Lake, which is ringed with wildflower meadows.  Upper Caldwell Lake might be considered two lakes connected by a very short stream.  Don’t miss the view from the outlet stream of Mt. Shasta.

Directions to the Trailhead

From I5 Edgewood Interchange (Exit 751) a few miles north of Weed

• Head northwest on Stewart Springs Rd (Old 99)
• After 0.4 mile, Turn left to stay on Stewart Springs Rd (Old 99 goes straight ahead)
• 4.3 miles from I5, Turn right onto Forest Rte 42N17 and immediately cross creek
• 9.7 miles from I5 you will be at unmarked 41N74 Caldwell Lakes Trailhead
  • It is the dirt road on the right just before creek crossing
• NO TRAILHEAD SIGN visible from Forest Rte 42N17
  • Walk 120 ft up dirt road (41N74) to trailhead Kiosk sign
  • Or drive a high clearance vehicle