Fen Trail

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Overview

Trail Features

Dogs
Allowed
Fees
None
Kids
Allowed
Route
Out and Back
Users
Hikers Only
Length
2
Parking
Yes
Surface
Dirt and Rock
Bathrooms
Yes
Elevation Gain
600
Difficulty
Beginner
Trail Hours
All Hours
Parking Hours
All Hours
Water Fountains
None
Vending Machines
None

The Fen Trail at Kangaroo Lake is a secluded, 2-mile (round-trip) mountain hike that connects to the Pacific Crest Trail and overlooks the pristine, glacial Kangaroo Lake. This high-elevation one-way trail (starting at 6,000 ft.) is easy to moderate in difficulty with an elevation gain of 600 feet. The trail takes about two hours to complete and features an array of unique flora, including rare California Pitcher Plants, beargrass, Indian paintbrush, lupine, and Trinity Phacelia, among others. The trail sets out at the Kangaroo Lake Campground, which offers free parking and day-use (camping overnight is $15), and the entire area features stunning views and glacial rock formations. Bring the family and spend the day, or stay overnight in one of the sites overlooking the lake! Dogs are welcome on a leash, and the lake is frequently stocked with rainbow trout—so don’t forget the fishing poles! Note that access to Kangaroo Lake Campground is limited in the winter months, opening in early June or when snowmelt allows road access.

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Description

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History

Both the Kangaroo Lake Trail and the Fen Trail are part of the Klamath National Forest and are located 8 miles from the tiny, almost-ghost-town of Callahan (population 50). Callahan features just one general store, which is your best bet for picking up supplies if you didn't bring them with you. The store attaches to a saloon if you're looking for a drink or a bite to eat in an old-school, Old-West atmosphere. There are a few shuttered historical sites in this tiny square including the Callahan Ranch Hotel (built in 1854), a post office, and other remnants of the town's heyday during the gold-rush era.

The Klamath National Forest Reserve was created by Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. It was renamed the Klamath National Forest in 1907 and includes four designated wilderness areas (Marble Mountain Wilderness, Russian Wilderness, Red Buttes Wilderness, and Trinity Alps Wilderness).

Kangaroo Lake itself is a glacial cirque, formed during the last Ice Age. It features granite rocks as well as ultramafic rocks--which are igneous and formed deep in the center of the earth. Due to their high iron content, these rocks appear red from weathering on the surface.

The Kangaroo Lake camping and day-use area has recently been developed for wheelchair access and features a paved trail that leads partly around the lake. There is a fishing platform and a boat launch for non-motored boats. Picnic tables abound at this pristine campground and there is also a small beach area by the edge of the lake.

Sources

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