Siskiyou Wilderness

The forested mountains, valleys and meadows of the Siskiyou Wilderness in Del Norte, Humboldt and Siskiyou counties of northwestern California offer vistas of incredible beauty, diverse scenery and limitless opportunities for solitude. The Wilderness, named for the mountains that cross it, is administered by three national forests: Six Rivers, Klamath and Siskiyou. Rain falling in the Siskiyou Wilderness (from 40" on lower eastern slopes to 200" on the high western slopes) drains into three watersheds: the Smith, Klamath, and Illinois Rivers. The Siskiyou Wilderness is unique in that some parts can be accessed year round in the lower elevations, providing opportunities for recreation not found elsewhere. July through mid-October is the best time to travel in the wilderness, although severe weather can occur in any month. Access to some trails may be restricted to summer months because of snow and/or seasonal road closures to prevent the spread of Port-Orford-cedar root disease. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s.