Kelsey Trail (Elbow Springs-Lake Harrington)

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This information is a public record of the 1989 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Kelsey Trail (Elbow Springs-Lake Harrington)

USDA Forest Service Backcountry Trail
  • Length
    10.75 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back

This trail is basically a ridge top trail and provides spectacular views.

  • Historic Smith River. Photo by USFS.
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Location: At SW edge of Smith River NRA, c. 20 mi. SW of Crescent City.

  • States: California
  • Counties: Siskiyou

This is the trailhead for the Kelsey National Recreation Trail leading into the Siskiyou Wilderness and providing access to Bear Lakes. The Kelsey Trail once stretched from Crescent City inland to Fort Jones. It was a main supply route in the 1850s for the fort and brought much-needed supplies to the miners in the goldfields. Water is scarce on this trail. Not recommended for stock use. The turn-off is labeled Bear Lakes.

Note: A wildfire burned through the portion of the Siskiyou Wilderness accessed by the Elbow Springs trailhead in 2017. You may encounter numerous fallen trees along the Kelsey Trail.

Accessibility Information

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Allowed Uses:

Hiking/Walking

Public Contact

Patrick Garrahan
USDA Forest Service
P.O. Box 19
Happy Camp, CA 96039
[email protected](530) 493-1718

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): 4400
  • Elevation (high): 5200
  • Elevation (cumulative): --

  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • Surface (primary): Soil
  • Surfaces (additional): Soil

  • Tread Width (average): 24"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --

  • Tread Grade (average, percent): 5
  • Tread Grade (maximum): 15
  • Running length (maximum): --

  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    May 31, 1989
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