- Region
- CA, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- California campfire permits are available …
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Ukiah Field Office
Plan with verified data
Cache Creek Wilderness trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
Photos of Cache Creek Wilderness
How to get there
Cache Creek Wilderness lies east of Clear Lake in eastern Lake County, California. Reach the principal trailheads from Highways 20 and 16. For Buck Island access just east of the wilderness boundary, take Yolo County Road 40 south from Highway 16 at a point 9 miles south of the Highway 16/20 intersection, or 5 miles west of Rumsey. Cross Cache Creek and continue 5 miles to the Buck Island/Langs Peak turnoff, then follow the road 5 miles down to Buck Island. Four-wheel drive is recommended for this approach.
- Redbud Trailhead
On Highway 20, 5 miles east of the Highway 20/53 intersection or 13 miles west of the Highway 20/16 intersection.
- Judge Davis Trailhead
On Highway 20, 14 miles east of the Highway 20/53 intersection or 4 miles west of the Highway 20/16 intersection.
- Cowboy Camp
On Highway 16, 1 mile south of the Highway 16/20 intersection.
- High Bridge
On Highway 16, 4 miles south of the Highway 16/20 intersection.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
CA, USA · United States
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Surfing
A creek canyon surrounded by chaparral
Cache Creek Wilderness protects 27,294 acres east of Clear Lake in eastern Lake County. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, it entered the National Wilderness Preservation System in 2006. Its center is a 17-mile stretch of Cache Creek, where steep canyon walls occasionally give way to grassy openings and scattered valley oaks. Baton Flat, Wilson Valley, and Kennedy Flats are examples of these broader meadow settings. Dry Creek, Rocky Creek, Trout Creek, and Crack Canyon feed the main drainage through steep tributary terrain. Away from the creek, rugged chaparral-covered hills dominate. That contrast matters for trip planning: a creek-centered landscape does not mean gentle walking or continuous streamside access. Choose an outing around the terrain and available access rather than assuming the canyon offers an easy through-route.
Walking, camping, and watching wildlife
Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife watching are ways to explore Cache Creek and its surrounding hills. The larger Cache Creek Natural Area supports a year-round population of bald eagles and a notable herd of tule elk, making binoculars useful even on a walking-focused visit. Streamside willow and alder contrast with hills carrying manzanita, oaks, gray pine, and chaparral. Watch animals from a distance and avoid approaching them for photographs. For an overnight trip, use durable camping surfaces, pack out waste, and leave plants and archaeological material undisturbed. The area contains documented archaeological sites as well as sensitive native plants. Give both space, and keep the emphasis on observing rather than collecting. Steep hills and canyon terrain favor a conservative itinerary with time for the return climb.
Access, wilderness rules, and fire planning
Road access is concentrated along Highways 20 and 16, with Redbud, Judge Davis, Cowboy Camp, and High Bridge providing named starting points. Buck Island has vehicle access just east of the wilderness boundary, with four-wheel drive recommended. Inside designated wilderness, motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are generally prohibited. BLM lists no fees for Cache Creek Wilderness. Fire planning needs a separate check: the Ukiah Field Office issued an updated Fire Prevention Order effective June 5, 2026, because of increased wildland fire danger. Confirm current restrictions before bringing or using fire-related equipment; a campfire permit does not override restrictions. California campfire permits are available free through BLM, USFS, and CAL FIRE offices or online through Ready for Wildfire. Contact the Ukiah Field Office at (707) 468-4000 for current guidance.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Cache Creek Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 38.9651, -122.4797
- Latitude (DMS)
- 38° 57′ 54.3″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 122° 28′ 47.0″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Cache Creek Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The Cache Creek Wilderness is centered on a 17-mile stretch of Cache Creek, flowing from Clear Lake in eastern Lake County. The prominent feature within the wilderness is Cache Creek, which runs east towards...
Key takeaways
- Region: CA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 38.965, -122.480
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Cache Creek Wilderness
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
Animals around Cache Creek Wilderness
A creek canyon surrounded by chaparral
Cache Creek Wilderness protects 27,294 acres east of Clear Lake in eastern Lake County. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, it entered the National Wilderness Preservation System in 2006. Its center is a 17-mile stretch of Cache Creek, where steep canyon walls occasionally give way to grassy openings and scattered valley oaks. Baton Flat, Wilson Valley, and Kennedy Flats are examples of these broader meadow settings. Dry Creek, Rocky Creek, Trout Creek, and Crack Canyon feed the main drainage through steep tributary terrain. Away from the creek, rugged chaparral-covered hills dominate. That contrast matters for trip planning: a creek-centered landscape does not mean gentle walking or continuous streamside access. Choose an outing around the terrain and available access rather than assuming the canyon offers an easy through-route.
Walking, camping, and watching wildlife
Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife watching are ways to explore Cache Creek and its surrounding hills. The larger Cache Creek Natural Area supports a year-round population of bald eagles and a notable herd of tule elk, making binoculars useful even on a walking-focused visit. Streamside willow and alder contrast with hills carrying manzanita, oaks, gray pine, and chaparral. Watch animals from a distance and avoid approaching them for photographs. For an overnight trip, use durable camping surfaces, pack out waste, and leave plants and archaeological material undisturbed. The area contains documented archaeological sites as well as sensitive native plants. Give both space, and keep the emphasis on observing rather than collecting. Steep hills and canyon terrain favor a conservative itinerary with time for the return climb.
Access, wilderness rules, and fire planning
Road access is concentrated along Highways 20 and 16, with Redbud, Judge Davis, Cowboy Camp, and High Bridge providing named starting points. Buck Island has vehicle access just east of the wilderness boundary, with four-wheel drive recommended. Inside designated wilderness, motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are generally prohibited. BLM lists no fees for Cache Creek Wilderness. Fire planning needs a separate check: the Ukiah Field Office issued an updated Fire Prevention Order effective June 5, 2026, because of increased wildland fire danger. Confirm current restrictions before bringing or using fire-related equipment; a campfire permit does not override restrictions. California campfire permits are available free through BLM, USFS, and CAL FIRE offices or online through Ready for Wildfire. Contact the Ukiah Field Office at (707) 468-4000 for current guidance.
Route options
- Hiking from Redbud Trailhead
Use Redbud as a starting point for a walking outing. Confirm the trail alignment and intended turnaround with a wilderness map before departure; plan for the area's steep hills and canyon terrain rather than assuming an easy creekside walk.
- Hiking from Judge Davis Trailhead
Judge Davis provides another Highway 20 starting point. Select an itinerary using a wilderness map and current agency guidance, allowing enough time and energy to return through rugged terrain.
Sample itineraries
- Redbud Trailhead day hike · 1 day
Start at Redbud Trailhead on Highway 20 for an out-and-back hike. Use a wilderness map to choose a route suited to the group rather than assuming a creek destination is an easy walk. Allow time for the return through steep, chaparral-covered terrain.
- Judge Davis hiking and wildlife day · 1 day
Begin at Judge Davis Trailhead on Highway 20. Plan a map-based out-and-back with time for bird watching and landscape photography. Carry binoculars for distant wildlife viewing, and choose a turnaround that leaves enough daylight for the return.
- Cache Creek backpacking overnight · 2 days
Plan an overnight from a designated access point after confirming trail conditions and camping guidance with the Ukiah Field Office. Select the route and a durable camping surface using a wilderness map. Keep mileage conservative in the steep hills, pack out waste, and check fire restrictions before departure.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Check recent rainfall and creek conditions before planning canyon travel. Cache Creek and its steep tributaries require cautious route choices; do not assume a crossing will be manageable. Pack rain protection and choose a turnaround that avoids committing to uncertain water.
Summer
Summer
Plan conservatively for heat in open meadows and chaparral-covered hills. Carry sufficient water and sun protection. Increased wildland fire danger has prompted a BLM Fire Prevention Order; check current restrictions before using any flame.
Fall
Fall
Do not assume cooler weather ends fire restrictions. Check current BLM guidance and the forecast before departure. Allow for shorter daylight when planning travel through steep hills and canyons, and carry layers for changing temperatures.
Winter
Winter
Prepare for cold or wet weather according to the forecast. After rainfall, reassess creek crossings and canyon plans rather than relying on a fixed itinerary. Carry waterproof layers and leave enough daylight for a conservative return.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Check recent rainfall and creek conditions before planning canyon travel. Cache Creek and its steep tributaries require cautious route choices; do not assume a crossing will be manageable. Pack rain protection and choose a turnaround that avoids committing to uncertain water. |
| Summer | Summer | Plan conservatively for heat in open meadows and chaparral-covered hills. Carry sufficient water and sun protection. Increased wildland fire danger has prompted a BLM Fire Prevention Order; check current restrictions before using any flame. |
| Fall | Fall | Do not assume cooler weather ends fire restrictions. Check current BLM guidance and the forecast before departure. Allow for shorter daylight when planning travel through steep hills and canyons, and carry layers for changing temperatures. |
| Winter | Winter | Prepare for cold or wet weather according to the forecast. After rainfall, reassess creek crossings and canyon plans rather than relying on a fixed itinerary. Carry waterproof layers and leave enough daylight for a conservative return. |
Permits, fees & closures
California campfire permits are available at BLM, USFS and CAL FIRE offices or through Ready for Wildfire. Check current fire restrictions separately. Confirm other trip-specific requirements with the BLM Ukiah Field Office at (707) 468-4000.
Fees: BLM lists no fees for Cache Creek Wilderness. California campfire permits are free.
Official source: Cache Creek Wilderness - California - Bureau of Land Management · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Steep canyon walls, cliffs and rugged hills can make travel demanding. Choose routes using a wilderness map and avoid exposed edges.
- Cache Creek includes whitewater, and steep tributaries feed the canyon. Assess water conditions before approaching crossings; do not treat the creek as an easy walking route.
- Wildland fire danger can affect trip plans. BLM issued an updated Fire Prevention Order effective June 5, 2026; confirm current restrictions with the Ukiah Field Office.
- Open meadows and chaparral-covered hills warrant careful heat, sun and water planning. Adjust effort to the forecast and the group's water supply.
- Black bears and mountain lions occur in the broader Cache Creek area. Keep wildlife distant, secure food appropriately and avoid approaching animals for photographs.
What to pack for Cache Creek Wilderness
- Wilderness map and compass
- Offline navigation with backup power
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Water supply matched to route and forecast
- Water treatment if collecting creek water
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Insulating layer and rain shell
- Shelter and sleeping system for overnight trips
- Wildlife-resistant food storage appropriate to agency guidance
- Waste bags
- Meals that do not require a fire
- Binoculars
- Camera with a zoom lens
Cache Creek Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Cache Creek Wilderness, and what is the landscape like?
- The BLM-managed wilderness lies east of Clear Lake in eastern Lake County, California, and covers 27,294 acres. It centers on a 17-mile stretch of Cache Creek, with steep canyon walls, grassy openings such as Baton Flat and Wilson Valley, scattered valley oaks and rugged chaparral hills.
- Where can a trip begin?
- Listed access points include Redbud and Judge Davis trailheads on Highway 20, plus Cowboy Camp and High Bridge on Highway 16. Redbud is 5 miles east of the Highway 20/53 intersection; Judge Davis is 14 miles east of that intersection.
- Can vehicles reach Buck Island?
- Vehicle access to Buck Island is just east of the wilderness boundary, and BLM recommends four-wheel drive. The approach uses Yolo County Road 40 from Highway 16 and the Buck Island/Langs Peak turnoff. Confirm road conditions before committing to the drive.
- Are bicycles or motorized vehicles allowed in the wilderness?
- Motorized equipment and mechanical transport are generally prohibited in designated wilderness. This includes bicycles, motor vehicles, motorboats, wagons and carts. Vehicle access outside the boundary does not authorize driving into the wilderness.
- Can a campfire permit be used during fire restrictions?
- Check the current Fire Prevention Order before planning any fire. A campfire permit does not replace checking applicable restrictions. Contact the BLM Ukiah Field Office at (707) 468-4000 for specific questions.
- What activities are available besides hiking?
- Activities include camping, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, picnicking and wildlife viewing. The Cache Creek area also supports whitewater rafting and nature photography. Confirm activity-specific requirements and current conditions before departure, and leave archaeological sites and natural objects undisturbed.