California · Hiking

Big Smokey

3.4 mi
round trip
521 ft
climb
2,728 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–Jun, Oct–Nov
best months

Is Big Smokey open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Lassen National Forest. It doesn't name Big Smokey, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Lassen National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Big Smokey is a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike in the Almanor Ranger District of Lassen National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises about 520 feet from a low point of 2,345 feet to a high of 2,728 feet. The route is rated moderate, and the trail surface is natural. Bikes and horses are both allowed. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby De Sabla weather station show May highs around 74°F and October highs around 74°F, while July and August average about 91°F. Nearby options include the Moak hike about 3 miles away and the Lassen Trail Ishi about 3.3 miles away. For an overnight stay, Black Rock campground is about 5.6 miles off, and Deer Creek offers canoeing about 5.9 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Feb–Jun, Oct–Nov

    Best time to visit Big Smokey

    Best months: February–June and October–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      53° / 35°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 35°

      12 wet

    3. Mar

      60° / 37°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      66° / 40°

      9 wet

    5. May

      74° / 47°

      7 wet

    6. Jun

      84° / 53°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      91° / 58°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      91° / 57°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      86° / 53°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 46°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      59° / 38°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      51° / 34°

      13 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at De Sabla, CA, 16.9 mi away at 2,710 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.