Inskip Hill

After being cooped up in the house for the holidays, we really needed some fresh air. A trip to Inskip Hill in the rain was the perfect remedy.

It was raining, which provided a nice atmosphere.

At about 2700 feet we were high enough to be inside the clouds surrounding the mountain, which added to the area’s mystique.

The trail topped at 3132 feet, at which point the road was gated. The remaining trail belongs to the State. I would estimate another few hundred feet on foot and you’ll be on your way to a nifty lookout tower.

The travel up the hill is not all that exciting unless you stop by the caves. Watch out for wildlife  Eric was confronted by a deer on his way back to the car from the caves. See the article on how to find them.

Looking northwest on the way up provides a beautiful view of Black Butte and surrounding geologic formations.

Near the top of the trail, before the gate, brush and trees are thick, so there are only a few spots to take in the view.o

I will admit that coming down is much more fun. There are steep areas to add speed and curves just sharp enough to feel a little dangerous, but predictable enough to be comfortable.

There are several trails that lead off of the main road. Two are mapped and supposedly lead to radio equipment.

There are many undocumented offshoots along the way that are prime for exploring. If you find anything interesting let me know about it. One, pictured to the left, was freshly cut and quite rough for a stock 4x4. We found the bulldozers that made it parked at the end. There was a large volcanic formation that could have been more lava tubes.

If it is raining, the terrain is still firm and well maintained.

There was no weather related trail damage and the road is wide – no scratching your SUV due to foliage overgrowth.

I would recommend the Inskip Hill trail if, for nothing else, to drive through the water-filled potholes the size of your car.

When the weather is better, I plan to return to get you some photos from the lookout tower.

To find Inskip Hill, take Hwy 36 from Red Bluff, CA east to Lanes Valley Road just past Paynes Creek. Turn left on Lanes Valley Rd. and drive approximately 3/5 mile where you’ll find the trailhead on the left. It’s labeled on a tree with a hard to read sign that says Inskip Hill.