There are some places in Northern California you have to see to believe, and the rare natural wonder that is Statue Lake is one of them. Tucked away in the pristine Russian Wilderness, this little-known lake is named after the countless rock formations that surround it. Sculpted by thousands upon thousands of years of geologic forces, seeing this mountain lake is an otherworldly experience that’s so worth the trek.
Composed of over 12,000-acres, Northern California's Russian Wilderness is a wonderland of towering granite peaks, glacial valleys, and 100-miles worth of hiking trails for exploring it all.
You could spend a lifetime uncovering all of the hidden gems in this rugged wilderness area, but Statue Lake should definitely be a priority. The lake itself is a beauty, but it's the otherworldly surroundings that will have you in awe from the moment you lay eyes on it.
The lake can be found west of the town of Callahan and a moderate, 4-mile hike is required to reach it. There's no official trail to the lake. Instead, you'll start at the Music Creek Trailhead before hopping on the Pacific Crest Trail the rest of the way.
Rated as moderate, you'll likely work up a sweat as you traverse the switchbacks that lead you across 1,000-feet in elevation gain. However, the views of the never-ending wilderness that completely surrounds you is more than worth it.
The last section of the hike departs from the official PCT trail and leads you right up to Statue Lake. This short, half-mile cutoff trail isn't well-marked but a faint dirt path is still visible from those who have made the trek before. Look up and keep an eye out for the "statues" that mark the lake's destination.
Once at the lake, you'll be greeted by a scene that looks straight out of Middle Earth. A massive wall of smooth rock formations and boulders completely encircle the pristine Statue Lake. It's positively stunning!
Statue Lake is an absolute beauty and seeing it with your own eyes is definitely an experience to remember. For more information about the Statue Lake Trail and how to find it, see the trail map here.
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