Red Cap Hole, in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, is a wonderful hike. What makes it a highlight is that it has very little elevation change, passes through some beautiful montane meadows, and makes a detour on the return leg to a secluded lake for a refreshing dip. It also traverses forest slowly recovering from the 1999 Megram Fire; be prepared for downed trees and brush impinging on the trail. If the trail beyond the end is ever reopened, it could be linked to Hike 49 to make an awesome loop, best done counterclockwise.
eBird list for hike & vicinity
Six Rivers National Forest Lower Trinity Ranger District: 530-629-2118
Erratum: The maximum elevation of this hike is 5450 feet, not 6450 feet.
The trail is not being maintained beyond Mill Creek Lake. Lots of downed logs and encroaching brush.
General maintenance was performed 2019 as far as the first junction with the Mill Creek Lakes Loop, and for about a half mile past, clearing it for hikers and stock; also the first branch of the loop to Lower Mill Creek Lake. The remainder of the trail has received no recent maintenance.
There’s a likely prospect of maintenance being extended farther along this trail at some point this summer.
This trail is currently closed to the public, due to the ongoing Red Fire.
Past Domingo Creek, ascending to Horse Trail Ridge Tr., Red Cap Hole Tr. was blocked by heavy brush. However, the Red Salmon Fire last summer burned over the entire length of the trail, and appears to have burned off all of that brush. It should be passable for now, though lots of burned up branches and logs should be expected along the way. A few days ago I hiked in to Red Cap Prairie starting from the north end of the Horse Trail Ridge Tr. I easily located the junction with the Red Cap Hole Tr. There’s even a south-facing sign along the Horse Trail Ridge Tr. marking the junction–but it’s missing an arrow pointing the correct direction to the stated destination, “Red Cap Hole.”
Horse Trail Ridge Tr. going on to Lookout Rock can be seen to be all clear of brush now, too. So Ken’s wish for the option of a grand loop hike has come true. People should just keep in mind that parts of the trail won’t be clearly worn in, so they’ll have to keep a sharp eye out for the correct route. Having a GPS track would be a good idea. Available at KlamathMountainTrails.us !