barrel springs surprise valley back country byway in northeastern california and western nevada, shadowed by the glory of the south warners, mountains, and the south warner wilderness in the modoc national forest of california .

Emerson Creek Campground
in the Warner Mountains

The south Warner Wilderness
in the Modoc National Forest of California

Emerson Creek Campground offers 4 campsites, 3 of them spaced together on the banks of Emerson Creek and the other set off by itself somewhat. There is a vault toilet, but no potable water. Each campsite has a picnic table. Upon entering, the trailhead giving access to several hiking trails is on the right. A Modoc National Forest map can be found there as well.

... and the Warners climb

We camped in a beautiful spot, beside Emerson Creek. The dogs found the creek as soon as we parked. It offered an inviting trail, which we willingly followed. It wasn't long, but it lead to the stretch of creek featured in the photo above. Before that stretch, the trail snaked between some brushy trees, the kind that grow in the floodplains of the drier areas. I looked up and saw this Emerson Peak, as I assume, knowing there is a mountain with that name and that we were standing beside Emerson Creek when I looked up and saw it.

barrel springs surprise valley back country byway in northeastern california, shadowed by the glory of the south warners, mountains, and the south warner wilderness in the modoc national forest of california .
Hiking trails accessed from Emerson Creek Campground

The information given below has been taken from the website for the Modoc National Forest. But for one instance, I have not been hiking on any of these trails. Sadly, the USFS is in the process of "upgrading" their sites, and I have learned to my chagrin that one cannot take the information relayed there as given. I can recount examples of gross errors. One I reported to the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest months ago, and I do know this forest fairly well, or at least parts of it, has not been fixed yet. I think this is blatant irresponsibility, myself. I don't upload a website until it's done. Especially when one is up that is functioning. Anyway, the information given below is intended to give an idea. We're going back in a few days and attempting a couple of trails. If I find I need to update this information, I will. Still, one should contact a representative from the Modoc National Forest before going into the wilderness or at least look at a map. If you want to, you can visit a local branch of the Modoc National Forest in Cedarville. It's easy to find, just off of California hwy 299 when you come into town from the Cedar Pass: Warner Mountain Ranger District office - 385 Wallace St. Cedarville, CA 96104 .

  •   North Emerson Hiking Trail

    North Emerson hiking trail is 4.37 miles, and steep with lots of switchbacks. The trail is timbered except near top by North Emerson Lake, where fishing is poor. Find only limited campsites near the trail and access to a Natural Bridge.

    North Emerson hiking trail ties in with Owl Creek and Summit Trails.

    Hiking from Emerson Creek Campground to North Emerson Lake takes 3 hours.

  •   South Emerson Hiking Trail

    South Emerson hiking trail junctions with North Emerson Trail in 1.5 miles. A good day hike, this trail is heavy timber throughout the trail length. It connects with Bear Camp Flat Trail, as well as North Emerson Trail. which then continues to South Emerson Lake. South Emerson Hiking Trail also connects with the Summit Trail.

    According to the website for the Modoc National Forest, North and South Emerson hiking trails combine to form a loop, making a nice day hike of 3 miles. A suggestion would be to take the South Emerson Trail going up and return via the North Emerson Trail.

  •   Bear Camp Flat Hiking Trail

      Bear Camp Flat hiking trail connects with the South Emerson Trail.

A bit of important information: The Forest Service follows a proscription in the south Warner Wilderness that allows lightning struck fires to burn. If you happen to be in the wilderness and this happens, get out.

Protect our National Forests and Wilderness Areas. Leave NO Trace!

Forward ~ Hiking along Emerson Creek in the South Warner Wilderness of the Modoc National Forest.

Back ~ Beautiful vision enroute to Emerson Campground in the South Warner Wilderness.

USFS: Modoc National Forest. Want to hike? South Warner Wilderness of the Warner Mountains.

Directions from Cedarville, California to Emerson Creek Campground and the South Warner Wilderness.

 barrel springs surprise valley back country byway in northeastern california, shadowed by the glory of the south warners, mountains, and the south warner wilderness in the modoc national forest of california .

Explore Surprise Valley and the Warner Mountains: Directions, Map & Scenery: Mountains, hot springs, wildlife viewing, south Warner Wilderness Area, hiking trails and more.

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