caribou wilderness

If your are a dog lover and have large dogs this isn't the place to go! the staff is intimadated of large breeds and there people skills are about 3rd grade instead of talking there yellers, at 65 years old it , just doesn't work! VERY RUDE STAY AWAY!

Read everyone's review and wanted to add my 50 cents It has been a few years before despite my date. Noticed that someone said bugs and springtime/early summer visits are very buggy-extra strong repellent may not defend you. My son managed to rack up an amazing amount bug bites.Great spot for training Boy Scouts which I was doing. Always have a good topo map when out in a wilderness area like this with a compass and know the difference between true North and Magnetic North. Nearby Silver Lake is a sight to behold and lots of fat trout. Trails are mostly easy with a map (no Philmont nor Yosemite back country for sure). Mountain lions and Bears can be around- so be aware make noise so not to surprise a bear -never turn and run from a big cat- just act big and aggressive.

My brother loaned us a book with a teeny map, and some directions. A real trail map would have been a lot better. None were available at the parking area, but I did see someone who had one later. We were there for 5 hours (I hike slowly) on a holiday weekend and saw perhaps a dozen people and four dogs (not on leash). There were horses on the trail there - we saw evidence - but not the horses and riders. We also saw a campsite at one of the Hidden Lakes, but no people there either - and their stuff was scattered about. With such limited traffic out there, I guess they weren't too worried about leaving their tents, backpacks, etc out there. My brother, a much faster hiker than I, did the loop in 3.5 hours a few days earlier. He didn't swim - we did. The trails are sort of marked, but obstructed with dozens of fallen trees so they are hard to follow at times, and you have to climb over or around the fallen trees. I'm talking BIG trees. Most of the trails are shaded, so even though you are doing plenty of climbing up and down, at least you have some shade. There is one outhouse-style toilet near the parking area, and it was out of toilet paper so be sure to bring your own. I'd recommend bringing 32 oz of water per person. There is water in the lakes, but you'd have to sanitize it. Wear and bring bug spray. There are lots of bugs and some mosquitoes in places. Wear sunscreen - not all of the trail is shaded. Highlights: beautiful lakes - it is challenging to get into them to swim, but we did in two of them. the water is cold in early July. We also saw lots of wildflowers and small butterflies. The meadows are gorgeous. On the drive out we startled a doe and her fawn. The road in is parly paved, and partly dirt. Some of the paved road has potholes and the dirt road has plenty of rocks, and part of the road is really one lane, so drive cautiously. On the way in we passed two pickup trucks loaded with firewood - there are lots of roads (for logging?) off the main road. If you want a safe wilderness experience, this is a good one.

The Caribou Wilderness has a network of easy walking trails. I have ridden my horse in this are many time. The trails are poorly maintained, which can be a problem for horses. Also, bring plenty of mosquito repellant, particularly early in the year. Fishing is good in the high lakes. I'm not sure if Fish and Games stocks them anymore. California is in such bad shape that the state charges exorbitant fishing license fees but provides few meaningful services.

This lake is a "best kept secret". It is small but serene, like a miniature Lake Tahoe. It is so peaceful there, and a perfect place for a day of kayaking and BBQ. My husband and I take our boys there a few times every summer!

If you like different scenery this is worth a look

Lot's of bugs, hard to find campsites, and horse manure everywhere. There are much better places to hike and camp in the area. I would avoid Caribou.

Good hiking, spectacular scenery that is far enough off the beaten path that it is never crowded.

I went on a 9 day camping trip which consisted of a 50 mile hike with Troop 315 of Middletown, Ca. I had such a great time camping out there. My troop and I went swimming at the lakes saw a baby black bear and climbed to the top of the old volcano and into the center. I miss those times dearly and I hope that I will get another opportunity to visit the Caribou Wilderness again.Jason LewisTroop 315Middletown, Ca 95461