Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
-908.00 ft (-276.76 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
10.00 mi (16.09 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The trail to Thomes Gorge is found in the sparsely populated eastern foothills of California's Coast Range. Thomes Creek tumbles out of the Mendocino National Forest and passes through the gorge as if it was a gate into the Northern Sacramento Valley. This trip is certainly worth the effort as it combines very interesting scenery with unique geology, botany, and history.

The trail begins in the thick of a chaparral plant community; an ecosystem including chamise, manzanita, and yerba santa that becomes increasingly rare this far north. The trail wraps around a few rock outcroppings that provide a great view of the surrounding foothills. On a clear day, Lassen Peak is visible to the northeast.

In about a mile and a quarter in from the trailhead you pass Mud Flat Road. This is a section of the historical Nome Cult Trail, also known as the Koncow Trail of Tears. In 1863, Native Americans from the Sacramento Valley were forced to march over 100 miles from Chico to Round Valley on a route that passes the present day trail.

Water is available at the Bowers Creek crossing 2.3 miles into the hike. The trail continues through brushy areas impacted by fire before skirting Dead Rabbit Pond, a seasonal vernal pool. The majority of elevation change occurs during the last mile as you descent toward Thomes Creek. The trail ends underneath the gaze of an impressive rock formation that towers over the gorge and nearby gravel beaches. The local geology here showcases metemorphic rocks from an exposed section of the Franciscan Assemblage, the formation responsible for much of the terrain of the California Coast Ranges. A good campsite can be found on the south side of the creek.

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Winter hiking option. Solitude. Great views.

Cons

Hot in summer. Little shade.

Trailhead Elevation

2,049.00 ft (624.54 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Geologically significant

Suitable for

Horseback

Location

Nearby Adventures

Northern Sacramento Valley, California

Comments

04/29/2017
Did this as a backpacking trip 4-29 to 4-30-17. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Nice views of Lassen and Brokeoff, pretty creeks, and the gorge was roaring (could not possibly have gone into it). A couple of nice campsites near Thomes Creek, but otherwise camping on brush. There were at least 4 groups of people backpacking in the area and camping this past weekend. Was already getting pretty hot even this early in the season -- mid 80s in the day, 50s at night.
Anyone know if there's fishing on this trip? Going in a few weeks and would love to bring a Tenkara rod.
03/31/2017
Pros: Easy to find the trailhead, had it all to ourselves and well maintained trail. Cons: An extremely boring hike scenery wise. Long for very little payoff. I won't be returning to this one. Also it should be noted that the climb is closer to 2,000 feet and not -900 ish.
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