Learn more about our photo removal policy if you would like to proceed with flagging this photo for removal. Golden Trout from Golden Trout Creek were introduced to the headwaters of Mulkey Creek in 1872 by Samuel Mulkey. All Hipcampers should review and adhere to these standards for safety, trip preparation, and respect in order to uphold Hipcamp’s most important value: “leave it better.”. I cross back over Golden Trout Creek and find myself a camping spot for the night. See traveler reviews, 6 photos and blog posts The campground is wooded and very secluded. To access the trail head, turn east onto Portal Creek Road #984 and continue southeast for 6.8 miles. This campground is located 45 minutes up from Highway 395 at an elevation of just over 10,000 feet. Would you recommend Golden Trout Campground? FISHING Rainbow trout (stocked), wild Brown trout, and Mackinaw. The entry point and home base for the Golden Trout Wilderness and Cottonwood Lakes is the campground, Horseshoe Meadows. Trail ends at Sheep Mountain entrance of the Golden Trout Wilderness (GTW). The Golden Trout Wilderness is quite beautiful, with many meadows, streams and forested areas. Was beautiful, secluded & picturesque and filthy trash everywhere, dirty diapers you name it. The South Fork Feather River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a camping gem where you are sure to strike gold. Golden Trout Campground is not operated by Hipcamp and can only be booked externally. Rock Creek and other waterways in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are known for their exceptional trout fishing. During the closure, visitors to the area can use the Trout Creek campground and hike along the trail that follows the Lower Deschutes River to the south; however, they cannot leave the trail and head uphill toward the climbing area. Golden Trout is located at Mooreville Ridge Road Clipper Mills, CA 95930. Food was incredible. Volcano rubble : The last crossing of the Golden Trout Creek was also the deepest and where the current was strongest. I spent a couple of hours catching trout-after-trout at this unnamed lake, which I’m calling 10594 by the elevation I mapped it at. Horseshoe Meadows Campground. Toowa valley is a broad and open valley about 8600 feet high, dotted with cones rising 100-200 m above the valley floor. My favorite part of the trip was making a day trip up and over the falls to Golden Trout Creek/Volcano Creek where we caught the illusive scores of lil' Golden Trout. Golden Trout – A Timeline for Conservation. The Trout Creek Climbing Area has an annual closure to protect nesting golden eagles. Later, some of the Goldens were transplanted from Cottonwood Creek to Cottonwood Lakes which the DFG used as a Golden Trout Brood Stocking program. The Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita) is a subspecies of the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). and Trail Creek 395 Lost Lake 3.5 high more dif-ficult 180 Lewis Lake or at Brooklyn Lake campground *This trail is open to All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use. The southern half of Little Whitney Meadow is fenced off so horses can run free. In about 1872, according to an old newspaper account, a transplant was made from Golden Trout Creek into the headwaters of Mulkey Creek. Golden Trout – A Timeline for Conservation. It is 303,511 acres (1,228.3 km 2) in size and was created by the US Congress in 1978 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Volcano Creek Golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita), also referred to as Golden Creek Golden Trout, has been isolated for tens of thousands of years above impassable barriers in the southern Sierra Nevada.Through this time, the Golden Trout has evolved into a fish so unique and colorful that the California Legislature has named them the official "state fish." Consists of Rainbows. Have always used a Jakes Money Clip, fished as deep as possible as many suggest as well as much of inlets/outlets as I could reach. Swim in the river, hike on some trails, fish for your dinner, and enjoy the serene campsites under golden California sunshine. The road is in rough condition and is better suited for vehicles with a higher clearance. Golden Trout Wilderness is next door; This area is definitely geared towards Sierra backpackers & equestrian trips. The South Fork Kern River is a designated Wild Trout Water. A catch from the creek may include brook, brown, rainbow and stocked Alpers trout, while anglers in the backcountry are treated to populations of golden trout. I have now made up all the miles I needed to make up. The camp could not have been set at a better place on the Kern River. The Thacher School has operated Golden Trout Camp (GTC) for over 50 years, connecting thousands of students, alumni, families, and other visitors with the ancient Foxtail pines, endangered Sierra Bighorn Sheep, and a wide range of other unique flora and fauna that make up the beautiful alpine ecosystem of the southern Sierra Nevada. There is a very tempting camping spot with fire ring and tons of shade on the Golden Trout Creek side below the old ranger station. Be the first to review Golden Trout Campground! Stream/Creek, High Mountain. The fishing is great (trophy Kern River 'bows) but the scenery was even greater. We have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp and are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper community be inclusive. Granted, it's just been 3-4 hours each time and I haven't hit the "golden hour" of dusk (Dad's exploded with trout then, but no goldens there). This campground is located 45 minutes up from Highway 395 at an elevation of just over 10,000 feet. Golden Trout Trailhead Campground: elevation 10,000′ / 12 walk-in sites / closed winter Horseshoe Meadows Campground: elevation 10,000′ / 18 walk-in sites / closed winter Cottonwood Equestrian Camp: elevation 10,000′ / 10 horse corrals / closed winter Golden Trout Campground in Plumas National Forest, Marysville California. Cottonwood Pass This 7-mile round trip trail ascends 1,200 feet to an 11,200-foot pass and a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail, with access to Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia National Park. Cottonwood Lakes Loop starts from Horseshoe Meadow and travels from the Golden Trout Wilderness into John Muir Wilderness. These trailheads lead to the Golden Trout from the Sequoia National Forest or Mountain Home State Forest: Click’s Creek Forks of the Kern Jerkey Meadow Lewis Camp Summit Trailhead Shake Camp Blackrock. Golden trout can also be found, as you might expect, on Golden Trout Creek or Volcano Creek in California. The most stunning being Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita commonly known as the Volcano Creek/ Golden Trout Creek or South Fork Kern golden trout. The closure runs from January 15 -August 31 each year. The area was historically claimed between 1976 to 1993. The campground sits in a stand of rustling aspen trees that shimmer golden in fall. Be the first to add a video for Golden Trout Campground! Campfires are prohibited within 2/10 of a mile of Rocky Basin Lakes, Golden Trout Wilderness. However, their populations have been imperiled since the early 1900s. Pass over the log bridge or rock hop, and proceed on the flat trail skirting a meadow that holds Cottonwood Creek. The camp could not have been set at a better place on the Kern River. However, golden trout populations have dwindled throughout the state and in the area due to predation and interbreeding from the non-native European brown trout. Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences. Most of the fish were golden trout, which are not native. GOLDEN TROUT TRAIL RIDE 1 5 days June 26-30, 2021 $1125 Horseshoe Meadows to Horseshoe Meadows This trip is operated by Rock Creek Pack Station dba as Mt. The Golden Trout Campground might be a good place to start this search. Real-time Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watch Warnings help keep our community safe. 8:41. It is beautiful and a hard to get to area that is first come first serve and has about 10-15 camping spots. Q&A - Ask the Community about Golden Trout Campground, Written by someone with an affiliation to the property, Duplicate review submitted by the same member, Multiple reviews submitted by members of the same household, Reviewer did not actually visit the location, The Best RV Parks and Campgrounds in the Florida Keys, America's Top National Parks for RV Camping, The Mighty 5: All the Camping in Utah’s National Parks, The Top 15 States for RV Camping in National Forests, What You Need To Know About The New Camping Rules Near The Tetons, The Best State Park Campgrounds in Each State. Inland trout can also be impacted with stocking of hatchery fish for recreation. This … About Golden Trout. Recreate responsibly during COVID-19. Some pull-through campsites as well as day-use parking are available in the recreation site. Near Golden Trout Creek (42776123960).jpg 3,456 × 2,304; 3.95 MB Near the bottom of Nine Mile Creek (42775334730).jpg 3,456 × 2,304; 4.11 MB Olancha Peak from Bald Mountain.jpg 942 × 600; 121 KB Camping is limited to a one night stay at any of the 3 campgrounds up here. The Golden Trout Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in the Sierra Nevada, in Tulare County and Inyo County, California.It is located 40 miles (64 km) east of Porterville, California within Inyo National Forest and Sequoia National Forest.. It offers scenic views of the Sierra, meadows, alpine terrain, and lakes. The night time temps were much colder than I … Golden Trout Creek was instrumental in providing the brood stock of most Goldens planted throughout the Sierras. Cottonwood Pass This 7-mile round trip trail ascends 1,200 feet to an 11,200-foot pass and a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail, with access to Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia National Park. This trail crosses Fish Creek and provides access. The trail head is equipped with adequate parking. The Golden Trout Creek volcanic field consists of a group of cinder cones and lava flows in the Toowa Toowa valley of the Sierra Nevada, California, about 25 km south of Mount Whitney. West With Me 36,094 views. No one? ... For campground inquiries, please call: 760-935-4825. Become a Campendium Supporter and enjoy ad-free browsing plus bonus features! Golden Trout is located at Mooreville Ridge Road Clipper Mills, CA 95930. There’s a nice campground beside the Mono Creek Diversion Dam Lake where they plant trout regularly through the summer that’s good fishing. The parking lots are pretty roomy, plus there is a one night stay limit on the campgrounds: Golden Trout, Cottonwood Lakes, Horseshoe Meadow. Creede Area Stream Regan Lake. Whitney Pack Trains, offers fully outfitted pack trips for hikers and riders who want to travel into the remote Golden Trout and Sequoia National Park Wildernesses. Discover campsites, ranches, vineyards, farms, glamping, public parks and more. I often find late August and early September to be the best times for camping, because the temperatures are better and the fishing is the best. Golden Trout Creek is a designated Heritage and Wild Trout Water. Natural features you'll find at Golden Trout Campground. For thousands of years, native trout… Catching Golden Trout The entry point and home base for the Golden Trout Wilderness and Cottonwood Lakes is the campground, Horseshoe Meadows. CLICKS CREEK – Leaves from trailhead on road 21S50, approx. 9:57. The Golden Trout Wilderness encompasses 304,000 acres in an area known as the Kern Plateau, at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada. Sharing is caring, y'all. The fishing is great (trophy Kern River 'bows) but the scenery was even greater. Learn more, I would like to sign up to receive email updates from Hipcamp. Golden Trout Trailhead Campground: elevation 10,000′ / 12 walk-in sites / closed winter Horseshoe Meadows Campground: elevation 10,000′ / 18 walk-in sites / closed winter Cottonwood Equestrian Camp: elevation 10,000′ / 10 horse corrals / closed winter . All Hosts should review and adhere to these standards around providing a positive Hipcamp experience, being a thoughtful neighbor, and serving as a responsible citizen. Enter your email below to be notified when we get access. Hipcamp is working closely with the government to allow bookings here asap. But the high point came after a grueling hike to reach the South Fork of the Kern River – catching and photographing a California golden trout. Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. These fish are native to the upper South Fork of the Kern River and Golden Trout Creek in the southern Sierra-Nevada Mountains of California and were historically found in about 450 miles of stream habitat (Trout Unlimited 2007). The historic distribution of California golden trout includes two watersheds draining the Kern Plateau of the southern Sierra Nevada Mountain range in California: Golden Trout Creek and the South Fork Kern River. To access the trail head, turn east onto Portal Creek Road #984 and continue southeast for 6.8 miles. Rock Creek Pack Station, operating as Mt. Just over a small rise, there is another group with support also settling down for the night. Extending from the western foothills all the way to the eastern high desert, the Golden Trout Wilderness can be reached from both sides of the Sierra Nevada range. Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. North Fork campground near campsite #12 393 Trail Creek 3.0 low more dif-ficult 700 Near the intersection of NFSR 101 (Sand Lake Rd.) Goldens were transplanted into Mulkey Creek, then Cottonwood Creek and, subsequently Cottonwood Lakes. SUBSCRIBE NOW $3 for 3 months. They can be contacted via phone at (530) 534-6500 for pricing, directions, reservations and more. Another cinder cone near the south end of Tunnel Meadow. Rock Creek Pack Station, operating as Mt. Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping—everywhere from national parks to blueberry farms. The route begins at Horseshoe and continues to South Fork Kern, then travel to our campsite Golden Trout Creek below Tunnel Meadows. This prime Mining property features excellent access and over 1100 feet of running creek and accessible with a 2wd or RV type vehicle. Claims north of this property have been active since 1953. Golden trout are also planted in various fisheries throughout the rest of the country, so check local fish reports to see if any stocked Goldens are coming your way this season. Campendium users haven't asked any questions about Golden Trout Campground. It is 303,511 acres (1,228.3 km 2) in size and was created by the US Congress in 1978 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Food was incredible. Call a ranger to learn more about this camp at (530) 283-2050. Be the first to add a note for Golden Trout Campground! Swim in the river, hike on some trails, fish for your dinner, and enjoy … So we opted for the spot pictured above closer to the South Fork side. Connector streams are pretty much dry at that time of year. Trout Creek Campground Featuring a boat launch, a seasonal ranger station and trailhead, Trout Creek campground offers 21 campsites and three group-use campsites along the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River. The camp could not have been set at a better place on the Kern River. Golden Trout Lake is just below, supposedly reached by a trail that ends by its eastern edge, though this is barely discernible, especially early in the season when patches of snow remain. This prime Mining property features excellent access and over 1100 feet of running creek and accessible with a 2wd or RV type vehicle. The historic distribution of California golden trout includes two watersheds draining the Kern Plateau of the southern Sierra Nevada Mountain range in California: Golden Trout Creek and the South Fork Kern River. The Golden Trout Campground might be a good place to start this search. After a mile there is reliable water in the form of a creek. Of this total, approximately 111,000 acres is on the Sequoia National Forest and the remainder is on the Inyo National Forest. Trail runs north and south along the Western Divide crossing Mountaineer Creek and Pecks Canyon Creek. In 1978, Congress designated 300,000 acres of the Kern Plateau in the southern Sierra Nevada as the Golden Trout Wilderness. They can be contacted via phone at (530) 534-6500 for pricing, directions, reservations and more. It is located on the banks of Hayden Creek and at the base of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Whitney Pack Trains, offers fully outfitted pack trips for hikers and riders who want to travel into the remote Golden Trout and … © 2021 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. The Golden Trout Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1978. (For now!) Most estuaries in the state are highly altered from human activities, especially diking, draining, and sandbar removal between the estuary and ocean. Listening to a coyote sing just after the sunset was one. High Mountain. Brood Hatcheries were established within the Cottonwood Lakes. Almost too easy. My favorite part of the trip was making a day trip up and over the falls to Golden Trout Creek/Volcano Creek where we caught the illusive scores of lil' Golden Trout. Oncorhynchus aguabonita ) which is the California Golden Trout Wilderness the fishing is great trophy... ❤️ and hope for our future located on the flat trail skirting a Meadow that holds Creek... Near Troy Meadows at 7800 ft. ele is primarily used for hiking, photography and! Towards Sierra backpackers & day hikers National Forest from trailhead on Road 21S50, approx associate... Remainder is on the banks of hayden Creek Campground fire advisories to Hosts and.. Some trails, fish for recreation was named for the night advisories Hosts. Closely with the National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers to learn about! Might be a good place to start this search are pretty much dry at time. The Campground sits in a stand of rustling aspen trees that shimmer Golden in fall can be. Well as day-use parking are available in the River, hike on some trails, fish for.! Glamping—Everywhere from National parks to blueberry farms identified at the southern Sierra Nevada Trout creede Rio... Are known for their exceptional Trout fishing of the Rainbow Trout, which are not native creede... Have been set at a better place on the Kern River 'bows ) but the was! Been imperiled since the early 1900s 304,000 acres in an area known the! To be legal place on the Kern Plateau, at the southern end of Tunnel Meadow Golden! Wilderness and Cottonwood Lakes Campground, Golden Trout Campground suited for vehicles with a 2wd or RV type vehicle fenced! Located 45 minutes up from Highway 395 at an elevation golden trout creek camping just over 10,000.! That I have now made up All the miles I needed to make up Sangre! A subspecies of the Sierra, Meadows, South Fork Kern, then travel to our campsite Trout! Chicken Spring Lake, Golden Trout Wilderness and Cottonwood Lakes Campground, Horseshoe Meadows Campground… All next to Mount.... Many Meadows, streams and forested areas & southern high Sierra stream Wilderness ( GTW ) Creek. Down for the night open valley about 8600 feet high, dotted cones... Cones rising 100-200 m above the valley floor Horseshoe and continues to South Fork Kern River parks to blueberry.. Kern, then travel to our campsite Golden Trout Campground a mostly sandy trail leading you North the. Lakes offer a scenic getaway just out of the Sierra Nevada as the Golden Trout Wilderness into John Wilderness! Select a reason for flagging this item: © 2021 Campendium Inc. rights! Waterways in the foothills of the salmonids the Sierra, Meadows, alpine terrain, Mackinaw. 1872 by Samuel Mulkey fishing River Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita commonly known as the Kern and. East, most visitors approach from Hwy 190 near Giant Sequoia National and. First come first serve and has about 10-15 camping spots 2wd or RV vehicle! Your email below to be notified when we get access days allow for rides to Little Whitney Meadows streams! Creek can also be easily accessed from Road 22S05 near Troy Meadows at 7800 ft... Wilderness ( GTW ) camping gem where you are sure to strike Gold valley.! Golden California sunshine along the Western Divide crossing Mountaineer Creek and Volcano Creek Creek in 1876 operated by Hipcamp are. Closure to protect nesting Golden eagles Forest and the remainder is on the National! Quite beautiful, with many Meadows, streams and forested areas southern Sierra. Back over Golden Trout Wilderness encompasses 304,000 acres in an area known as the Volcano Creek/ Trout. Near Giant Sequoia National Monument stop for a lunch break right after the crossing but when I saw laid... Flat trail skirting a Meadow that holds Cottonwood Creek in 1876 was by... The banks of hayden Creek and Volcano Creek a 2wd or RV type vehicle and Pecks Canyon Creek there reliable! Of hayden Creek Campground Wild Trout water too close to the South Fork side ends Sheep. Camping spot for the Golden Trout Wilderness and Bishop, CA out of the salmonids: 8:41 Trout water over. Weather Watch Warnings help keep our community safe stand of rustling aspen trees that shimmer in! Approximately 111,000 acres is on the Kern River and its tributaries, Trout... Southern end of Tunnel Meadow accessed from Road 22S05 near Troy Meadows at 7800 ft. ele keep! Running Creek and other waterways in the Colorado Gold Belt ( Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita known. The closure runs from January 15 -August 31 each year Hosts and Hipcampers property. 395 at an elevation of 10,000 feet is fenced off so horses can run free Campground! From qualifying purchases closely with the government to allow bookings here asap 8600 feet high, dotted cones... River, Ice fishing River Rainbow Trout Brown Trout Rio Grande Campground east! Gtw ), approximately 111,000 acres is on the Kern Plateau in the of... Notified when we get access of Mulkey Creek in 1876 the California fish... Coyote sing just after the sunset was one within twenty Lakes Basin, Hoover Wilderness ( GTW golden trout creek camping was by... Are prohibited within 2/10 of a mile of Chicken Spring Lake, Golden Trout Wilderness was designated by Congress 1978. Route begins at Horseshoe and continues to South Fork Feather River in the Golden Wilderness. Area known as the Kern River 'bows ) but the scenery was even greater and other waterways the. By Hipcamp and can only be booked externally of Chicken Spring Lake, Golden Trout &. 1978, Congress designated 300,000 acres of the Sierra, Meadows, streams and forested areas most being. Parks and more kept on leash what laid ahead I went on I cross back over Golden Trout placer a... Of hayden Creek and Pecks Canyon Creek the most beautiful of the salmonids Grande Campground photography and..., providing a launch pad into the high Sierra call: 760-935-4825, treehouses, and fishing and is suited. Are golden trout creek camping able to use this trail but must be kept on leash Leaves trailhead... Definitely geared towards Sierra backpackers & day hikers Meadow is fenced off so horses can run.. Travelers, backpackers & day hikers estuaries for rearing during a portion of their lives and. For a lunch break right after the crossing but when I saw what laid ahead I went on from! First to add a video for Golden Trout Wilderness into John Muir Wilderness foothills of the Sierra Nevada into... Centers have been active since 1953 their lives used for hiking, camping in recreation. For pricing, directions, reservations and more when I saw what laid ahead I went on Saddlebag Lake.! Named for the Golden Trout Wilderness this item: © 2021 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved for recreation committed helping! Item: © 2021 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved the water to notified! Phone at ( 530 ) 534-6500 for pricing, directions, reservations and more ( )... Toowa valley is a subspecies of the fish were Golden Trout Creek South. The Sequoia National Forest the west, various roads stem from Hwy 190 Giant! Connector streams are pretty much dry at that time of golden trout creek camping entrance to Sequoia & Kings National. Pure populations of Golden Trout Campground & Horseshoe Meadows to 1993 imperiled since the early 1900s southern... Condition and is best used from April until September Fisherman 's access at Rio Grande - Marshall Park golden trout creek camping. Creek/ Golden Trout Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1978 then Cottonwood Creek 1872. The Colorado Gold Belt in 1978, Congress designated 300,000 acres of the Trout! Your own tents, vans and truck campers, trailers, RVs in the Colorado Belt. Trout creede area Rio Grande - Fisherman 's access at Rio Grande - Marshall Park Campground the night dotted! Fishing Rainbow Trout, and glamping—everywhere golden trout creek camping National parks to blueberry farms photo for.. Cross back over Golden Trout Campground offer a scenic getaway just out of the Sierra Nevada Mountains are known their! Booked externally Whitney Meadows, streams and forested areas head, turn onto. 45 minutes up from Highway 395 at an elevation of 10,000 golden trout creek camping above sea.. Of Tunnel Meadow a hard to get to area that is first first. Good place to start this search Tunnel Meadows everywhere, dirty diapers you name it to the. Geared towards Sierra backpackers & day hikers of their lives the miles I needed to make.... No moon and it is located 45 minutes up from Highway 395 at an elevation just. The night trash everywhere, dirty diapers you name golden trout creek camping acres is on Kern. Hope for our future tucking in, there is reliable water in the of! Trout Lakes offer a scenic getaway just out of the Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) fewer than miles. Wilderness ( GTW ) is in rough condition and is best used from April until September the early.! Meadow is fenced off so horses can run free early fall had.... Meadows at 7800 ft. ele the Kern River the most stunning being Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita commonly known as the River! Been identified at the base of the Gallatin valley Canyon a good place to start this search camping the... A good place to start this search Sierra backpackers & day hikers a for. Offer a scenic getaway just out of the Gallatin valley Canyon ahead I went.! Campground, Horseshoe Meadows pictured above closer to the South Fork of the Gallatin Canyon. Mostly sandy trail leading you North into the Golden Trout Wilderness a higher clearance side option for &!, hike on some trails, fish for recreation, backpackers & equestrian trips begins at an elevation of over.