Walk-Up6/10
Canyon Creek
Access to Canyon Creek Lakes. Self-issue wilderness permit....
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Walk-UpOvernightHigh Demand
Stuart Fork Trailhead Permit
Northern California's premier alpine backpacking destination—follow the Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes in the heart of the Trinity Alps Wilderness.
“Trek through old-growth forest and wildflower meadows to glacier-carved cirque lakes beneath the jagged granite peaks of Northern California's hidden Alps.”
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Stuart Fork Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelHigh7/10
CostFree
Max Group Size25 people
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level7/10
LocationCA
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
27 miles
Elevation Gain
4,500 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
3-4 days
Difficulty
ModerateElevation Range
2,900 - 5,900 ft
Highlights
- •27 miles round trip over 3-4 days with approximately 4,500 feet of elevation gain
- •First 9 miles are gentle; final 4 miles to Emerald Lake are steep and brushy
- •Morris Meadow offers spectacular base camping in a wide glacial valley
- •Route to Sapphire Lake requires scrambling over granite slabs (no maintained trail)
- •Old-growth forest with excellent fishing opportunities
Best Time to Visit
June through October. Late June and July offer peak wildflowers in Morris Meadow. August and September have more stable weather and fewer mosquitoes. Snow may linger at the lakes into early July.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Rattlesnakes—common throughout the watershed, particularly at lower elevations
- !Black bears—active around Morris Meadow; proper food storage essential
- !Heat—summer temperatures can reach 90s; start early
- !Brushy trail—upper sections are overgrown; long pants recommended
- !Route-finding to Sapphire Lake—no maintained trail; follow cairns
How to Get This Permit
1
Check availability requirements
Walk-up permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends.
2
Visit the ranger station
Go to the designated permit office or ranger station. Bring ID and know your planned itinerary.
3
Have backup plans
Popular trailheads may be full. Know alternative routes or dates in case your first choice is unavailable.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand3/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation2/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Intermediate backpackers comfortable with moderate distances and some route-finding. Good introduction to Trinity Alps Wilderness.
Recommended Experience
Prior overnight backpacking experience recommended. Scrambling to Sapphire Lake requires comfort on Class 2 terrain.
Not Recommended For
Those uncomfortable with brushy, overgrown trails or basic scrambling over granite.
About This Permit
The Stuart Fork Trail to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes is a 27-mile out-and-back backpacking route in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The trail follows the Stuart Fork of the Trinity River through old-growth forest, passing Morris Meadow before climbing steeply to two stunning cirque lakes.
Most hikers complete this as a 3-4 day trip, with Morris Meadow serving as a popular base camp for day trips to the lakes. The wilderness permit is free and self-issued at the trailhead.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Trinity Alps are California's best-kept wilderness secret—a rugged range with the feel of the Sierra Nevada but a fraction of the crowds. The Stuart Fork trail to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes is the wilderness's signature route, following a pristine creek through the largest roadless area in California outside the Sierra Nevada. Many consider this Northern California's finest backpacking destination.
The Route
From the Stuart Fork trailhead, the path follows its namesake creek through a cathedral of old-growth conifers. The grade is gentle for the first 9 miles, crossing Deep Creek and Deer Creek on log bridges before reaching Morris Meadow—a vast glacial valley where deer and bears patrol at dawn.
Beyond Morris Meadow, the trail steepens dramatically. Portuguese Camp offers a shaded respite before the final push. The path grows faint as it climbs through willows and brush, following cairns over granite slabs.
Emerald Lake appears suddenly—a deep turquoise pool surrounded by near-vertical granite walls. For those seeking more, a cairned scramble leads 500 feet higher to Sapphire Lake, larger and deeper, with remnants of 19th-century mining dams still visible along its shores.
The Feeling
The Stuart Fork trail has a different character than the granite-dominated Sierra. Here, the forest is denser—ancient Douglas fir, sugar pine, and incense cedar shade the creek where steelhead and trout rise. Morris Meadow opens like a revelation after miles of forest—a broad glacial valley ringed by jagged peaks. And then, suddenly, the vegetation falls away and you're scrambling over granite slabs to Emerald Lake, tucked into a cirque that would be famous if it weren't so wonderfully remote.
Trailhead Information
Stuart Fork Trailhead
2,900 ft elevationPrimary access point for the Stuart Fork drainage and Emerald/Sapphire Lakes.
Restrooms
Water Available
No Service
Parking
Dirt parking area. Can be crowded on summer weekends but rarely full.
Getting There
From Weaverville, head north on Highway 3 and turn left on Trinity Alps Road. Pass Trinity Alps Resort and continue 2 miles on dirt road to trailhead.
Nearest Services
Trinity Alps Resort has limited supplies. Weaverville (20 miles) has full services and the ranger station.
Rules & Regulations
- •Free wilderness permit required (self-issue at trailhead kiosk)
- •California Campfire Permit required for all stove use
- •Group size limited to 25 people
- •Camp at least 100 feet from water and trails
- •Wood fires allowed but discouraged at high elevations
Gear Checklist
Required
- Bear canister strongly recommended (hanging method permitted but difficult)
- California Campfire Permit (free, available online)
- Water filter (creek water throughout trail)
- Long pants for brushy sections above Morris Meadow
- Sturdy footwear for granite scrambling to Sapphire Lake
Recommended
- Trekking poles for creek crossings and steep terrain
- Fishing gear (trout abundant in Stuart Fork and lakes)
- Gaiters for brushy upper sections
- Bug spray (mosquitoes can be fierce near meadow)
- Extra water capacity for dry upper section
Key Landmarks
↑
4,500ft
Gain↓
4,500ft
Loss⛰️
5,900ft
High📏
14.0mi
Distance📐
3.9%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•8 landmarks
Landmarks (8)
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Stuart Fork.
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🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →
Stuart Fork FAQ
How do I get a Stuart Fork permit?
Stuart Fork permits are obtained through a walk-up system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Stuart Fork?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Stuart Fork permit?
This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Stuart Fork permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise at Emerald Lake illuminates the granite cirque walls in golden light. The surrounding peaks catch alpenglow before the sun reaches the lake itself.
Best Light
Morning light is best at the lakes due to their orientation. Morris Meadow is spectacular at any time but particularly atmospheric at dawn when deer are active.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early/late season see far fewer visitors. Most hikers only go to Morris Meadow—the lakes are significantly less crowded.
Classic Shots
- 📍Emerald Lake with granite cirque reflections
- 📍Sapphire Lake from the scramble route above
- 📍Morris Meadow panorama with Sawtooth Ridge
- 📍Stuart Fork Creek through old-growth forest
- 📍Wildflowers in Morris Meadow (late June-July)
Can't Get a Stuart Fork Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Morris Meadow Base Camp
Easier AlternativeCamp at Morris Meadow and day hike to the lakes, avoiding the need to carry a full pack up the steep upper section.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Easier hiking but requires longer day trip to the lakes and you miss camping at the cirque.
Canyon Creek Lakes
Same AreaAnother premier Trinity Alps destination with less elevation gain but equally stunning scenery.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Shorter approach but smaller lakes. Different character—more accessible but still remote.
Caribou Lakes
Same AreaAccessed from a different trailhead, Caribou offers a more remote alternative with fewer visitors.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
More solitude but longer approach and less dramatic cirque scenery.
Other Trinity Alps Permits
Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list