California · Hiking

Lower South Fork

7.6 mi
round trip
1,127 ft
climb
2,150 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–May, Oct–Nov
best months

Is Lower South Fork open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It doesn't name Lower South Fork, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

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

Lower South Fork is a 7.6-mile out-and-back hike in the Hayfork Ranger District of Shasta-Trinity National Forest, about 4.6 miles from the town of Hyampom, California. The route runs along the Trinity, California Wild and Scenic River and is managed by the Forest Service. The trail is rated hard, with an elevation gain of 1,127 feet from a low point of about 1,525 feet to a high of about 2,150 feet. The surface is natural, and the route is open to both horses and bikes. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 78°F and October highs around 74°F, while July and August average in the mid-90s. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the route run cooler. Nearby options include the Wintoon Flat hike about 3.8 miles away and the Butter Creek and East Creek canoeing spots, both within about 4.7 miles. Big Slide Campground is about 8.2 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Apr–May, Oct–Nov

    Best time to visit Lower South Fork

    Best months: April–May 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

      50° / 34°

      15 wet · 1 snow

    2. Feb

      55° / 35°

      14 wet

    3. Mar

      62° / 37°

      14 wet

    4. Apr

      69° / 39°

      11 wet

    5. May

      78° / 44°

      7 wet

    6. Jun

      86° / 48°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      97° / 53°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      95° / 52°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      89° / 47°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 41°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      57° / 38°

      12 wet

    12. Dec

      48° / 34°

      15 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Big Bar 4 E, CA, 18.5 mi away at 1,253 ft. The station sits about 900 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.