Name: Maidu Lake Trail #1446
Rating: 3.0

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · Swimming · Wildflowers

This trail enters the Mount Thielsen Wilderness and the usual federal wilderness area regulations apply here: practice Leave No Trace (LNT) backcountry skills and ethics; camp 100 feet from fragile areas, bury human waste at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. This trail is closed by snow between November and May. Wilderness permits may be required for both day use and overnight stays from Memorial Day Weekend until Oct. 31. Free permits are self-issued at the trailhead.

Description

The Maidu Lake Trail #1446 starts on Forest Road 9772 at the east end of Miller Lake, traverses along the north side of the lake, then climbs along Evening Creek, over the divide (and across the Pacific Crest Trail) and down to end at Maidu Lake and the eastern end of the North Umpqua Trail #1414. June and July are heavy mosquito months at Miller Lake, so be prepared.

Until its junction with the Miller Lake Trail #3725 at the west end of Miller Lake, the #1446 is basically a level trail that provides fishing access to the lake. Past its junction with the #3725, the trail makes an easy climb to the saddle at the head of the North Umpqua River drainage. Here it crosses the Pacific Crest Trail and makes a short (0.8 miles) descent to Maidu Lake.

The #1446 provides easy access from the east to both the Pacific Crest Trail and the eastern end of the North Umpqua Trail #1414. Those interested in getting to the Pacific Crest Trail or Maidu Lake more directly should use the Miller Lake Trail #3725, starting from the Digit Point Campground on the south side of the lake, to connect with the #1446 at the west end of Miller Lake.