Nanny Creek / Dry Lake Trail

The Nanny Creek/Dry Lake Trail lies within the McGowan Cross Country Ski Area, a network of forest roads that encompasses about 10 miles of ski trails during the winter months when these roads remain unmaintained and beneath snow.

The Dry Lake/Nanny Creek Trail itself follows Forest Road 29N22, which steadily climbs about 50 feet in elevation over the first 1.25 miles before becoming a mostly gradual downhill grade, weaving amongst creeks, dense forest, and open vistas of the southerly mountains. Portions of the road do receive very sporadic grooming, and the ski route is generally marked as easy; however, there are a couple of steeper portions and creek crossings that act as obstacles to an otherwise smooth glide down the road.

Other trails branch off from the Dry Lake/Nanny Creek Trail, including trails to nearby Christie Hill, though many are poorly marked, so it may be a good idea to go into your ski with a map, available here.

Though the trail comes to an end at Dry Lake Campground nearly 10 miles from the trailhead, variable snow conditions at the lower trail elevations contribute to this trail being a nice route where skiers can turn around wherever they determine a comfortable distance. 

Nanny Creek is crossed at about 1.85 miles, and less than a half-mile beyond that is an open vista of other mountain peaks visible over the forest of Jeffrey pines, with off-trail boulders making a good spot to sit and take in the view.

The McGowan Cross Country Ski Area is free to access, though there are no amenities of any kind at the trail. Bathrooms and drinking fountains can be found in the Visitor Center at Lassen Volcanic National Park's southwest entrance gate a couple miles up the road, though this requires a national park entrance fee.