California · Hiking

Jackass Gulch

7.8 mi
round trip
2,258 ft
climb
4,437 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Jackass Gulch open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 2 alerts for Klamath National Forest.

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

Jackass Gulch is a hard hike in the Salmon River Ranger District of Klamath National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The route is an out-and-back that climbs from about 2,166 feet to 4,437 feet, a total gain of 2,258 feet over roughly 7.8 miles. The most comfortable months for a visit are late spring and early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Callahan, which sits well below the trail, show May highs around 73°F and September highs around 83°F, with July and August peaking near 90°F. That station's figures are not adjusted for the higher elevation of the trail. Nearby options include the Little North Fork and Garden Gulch Trail hikes, both within about 4 miles, and the Redbank campground at 4.4 miles. Paddlers can head to the North Fork Salmon River, about 4.9 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Jackass Gulch

    Best months: March–June and September–October. 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

      48° / 28°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      53° / 30°

      12 wet

    3. Mar

      59° / 32°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      65° / 35°

      10 wet

    5. May

      73° / 40°

      8 wet

    6. Jun

      81° / 45°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      90° / 51°

      3 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 49°

      2 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 43°

      3 wet

    10. Oct

      70° / 36°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      54° / 31°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 28°

      13 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Callahan, CA, 16.8 mi away at 3,085 ft. The station sits about 1,400 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.