Hiking Project Logo

An easy, old road followed by a steep descent into Bingham Lake in the Russian Wilderness.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.2

Miles

2.0

KM

Point to Point

7,387' 2,252 m

High

7,117' 2,169 m

Low

270' 82 m

Up

286' 87 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Swimming · Views

Generally accessible in late June to October.

Description

The first mile of the Bingham Lake Trail follows a level and easy old road in fair condition with outstanding views of privately-owned Jackson Lake, the Trinity Alps, Mount Shasta, and the surrounding area. The trail then ascends to a saddle via a steep, unmaintained trail and drops very quickly and steeply to the back end of Bingham Lake. It may be possible to hike around the northeastern side of the lake to reach the outlet and the Pacific Crest Trail, but it appears somewhat landslid and difficult to follow.

Bingham Lake is a less-visited scenic lake just off the Pacific Crest Trail, but without a formal trail along the outlet to reach the PCT. Expect very cold water for swimming and some snow into July. The Bingham Lake Trailhead is at 7000 feet in elevation; Road 40N82 is in poor shape and requires a high clearance 4WD vehicle. A beautiful campsite at the parking area offers great views and night-sky exposure.

Contacts

Shared By:

Dara Zimmerman with improvements by BK Hope and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 4 votes

#10813

Overall
  4.3 from 4 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
75%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,014

in California

#10,813

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,745 Since Jul 29, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
67%
33%
0%
0%

Photos

Bingham Lake, Russian Wilderness
Oct 13, 2017 near Fort Jones, CA
Bingham Lake Trail
Oct 22, 2017 near Fort Jones, CA
View of privately owned Jackson Lake and Trinity Alps Wilderness in the background from the Bingham Lake Trail.
Oct 22, 2017 near Fort Jones, CA
Looking southeast toward Mount Shasta and Pacific Crest Trail from Bingham Lake Trail.
Oct 22, 2017 near Fort Jones, CA
View of Bingham Lake from crest of trail, looking down at steep descent to lake.
Oct 22, 2017 near Fort Jones, CA
Bingham Lake Trail
Oct 22, 2017 near Fort Jones, CA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.