The Seven Lakes Trail climbs 1,700 feet to a saddle before dropping into the basin below. The trail is quite dusty by midsummer from heavy weekend horse and hiker use. Mosquitoes are very bad from the first of July through mid-August. Cliff Lake is overused and visitors are encouraged to choose another location to camp. The King Spruce and Alta Lake trails form a 9.1 mile loop with the Seven Lakes Trail. It is possible to enter by one route and leave by another.

Note: Always camp at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, and trails. Please practice "no-trace" camping. This will increase the carrying capacity of the land and it will allow each visitor a chance to experience the solitude they seek in this special area. Horses must be kept at least 200 feet from lakes. There is no grazing permitted near lakeshores. Visitors should be aware that water in the wilderness and backcountry areas may not be safe to drink. Water is not tested and should be purified before drinking.

Directions: From Butte Falls, Travel east on Highway #821 one mile out of town until you reach the Prospect-Butte Falls Highway (#992). Turn north and travel 9 miles to Forest Service road #34. Turn east and continue for 8.5 miles to road #3780. Follow road #3780 4 miles to the trailhead

Elevation: 5000 feet

Ending Elevation: 6200 (end feet

Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet

Distance: 6.1 miles

Usage: Very Heavy

Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous

Visitor Information