South Fork Coffee Creek Loop

The South Fork Coffee Creek Loop is a wonderful hike for adventurers seeking a challenge. Put your navigational skills as well as endurance to the test as you explore the primitive route deep into the Trinity Alps. Traveling this sequestered route deep into the wilderness, it is a good idea to bring a bear bell or canister as this is bear country! Additionally, we encourage hikers to head out in the early morning to allow plenty of time to get back to the trailhead before nightfall—especially if you wish to take a soak in Trail Gulch Lake along the way! Don’t forget to pack plenty of water or a filter to keep hydrated along the way! Note the route is not well signposted and overgrown, so use the trail GPS.

The South Fork Coffee Creek Loop travels northeast along a steep path, setting out from the trailhead. This route is obvious and easy to follow for the first few miles. The further you climb, the more overgrown you will find the path. Using the trail GPS, you will ultimately confront an intersection; veer left here. Now traveling northwest through the gulch of the South Fork Coffee Creek, you will eventually climb up a saddle to the northwest of Deadman Peak before dipping into the basin. Here you will merge onto the Trail Gulch Trail to Trail Gulch Lake.

On a hot day, this is a great spot to cool off. After soaking, follow the Trail Gulch Trail up the easternmost ridge before diverting south down an unmarked path. Using the trail GPS, you will eventually reconnect with the South Fork Coffee Creek. From here, head south, retracing your steps all the way back to the trailhead.