HASKELL PEAK (8,107') CLASS 1

Location: 8 miles NE of Sierra City, CA

ROUTE A
Drive: Take Gold Lake Road to the signed "Haskell Peak Road" also marked "09 N.F." This point is 3.9 miles north from Bassetts Junction (junction of Gold Lake Road and Highway 49), or 13.8 miles south from the Highway 89 and Gold Lake Road junction. Take the excellent gravel road east, passing a sign "Howard Creek 4 Chapman Saddle 10." Drive 8.5 miles on the main dirt road, ignoring several spur roads marked, "Dead end road Not maintained" to a sign, "Haskell Peak Trail." Mileage signs indicate the distance. Park at a signed, dirt parking spot, a few hundred feet further. There is room for maybe ten cars.
Climb: Follow the signed trail up north with its few "trail" signs and markers. Watch for mud early in the season. Come eventually to a saddle from which the rocky highpoint is to the right (northeast). Follow the main trail that circles around to the immediate north of the summit, then head directly south, over rocks, for the rock ring and huge cairn that marks the top.

WINTER SKI ASCENT: It is possible to drive about 2 miles east from Bassetts Junction on Highway 49 to Haskell Creek Homesites and park. A trail may be found, if not snow-covered, which climbs up to the Haskell Peak Road. One turns right (east) if following the trail, to come to Route A trailhead. In a cold spell during or after a heavy storm, this would make a fine, steep, powder, tree run. As this route is south-facing and very brushy, plenty of snowfall will be necessary to make a good tour feasible.

TRIP STATS: Route A, 1,100 feet gain, 1.5 miles one way; winter ski ascent from Highway 49, 2,350 feet gain, 3.5 miles one way.

Notes: Haskell Peak is the highest point in the local area bounded by Gold Lake Road, Highway 49, and Highway 89. The view of Sierra Buttes to the west is very good. This is one of the easiest peaks in this guide.

Back to Northern Sierra Peaks Home Page