Cache Creek Wilderness

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Cache Creek Wilderness is part of the more than 109 million acres that make up the National Wilderness Preservation System. This California desert sits on 27,294 acres and is controlled by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is a government agency that is responsible for managing federal lands to preserve them. The Wilderness features Cache Creek, which flows to the east toward the Sacramento River and Capay Valley, creating a steep-sided canyon throughout most of the region. The steep walls of the canyon sometimes open to thick, grassy meadows with dotted valley oaks, and you can access Kennedy Flats, Baton Flat, and Wilson Valley. You'll also find several steep tributaries, including Crack Canyon, Rocky Creek, Dry Creek, and Trout Creek, that feed into the creek within the Wilderness. Rough chaparral-covered hills dominate the larger part of the wilderness outside the popular river canyon.

Lots of fun activities are available at the Cache Creek Wilderness area any time of the year. You can participate in horseback riding, hunting, hiking, and white water rafting, among others. The Sacramento River flows through the wilderness area and is ideal for cooling off during summer or when fishing. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of the towering mountains nearby. The elevation around the wilderness area ranges between 750 feet and 3,000 feet above sea level, which is excellent news for rock climbing enthusiasts and experienced hikers. You can also view different wild animals, such as elks, coyotes, black bears, deer, mountain lions, and different bird species. If you are searching for "BLM camping near me" in California, Cache Creek Wilderness is the perfect getaway for you and your family.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Lynch Canyon Trail

This five-kilometer, out-and-back trail is located near Williams, CA approximately 52 minutes northeast of Cache Creek Wilderness. Lynch Canyon Trail features small streams and ponds and is ideal for all skill levels. This lightly trafficked trail offers a wide range of activity options, and nature lovers can access it throughout the year. Horses are also allowed.

Length: 3.17 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Judge Davis Trail

This out-and-back trail is situated near Williams. Visitors can access the Judge Davis Trail trailhead in Williams by taking Highway 20 to the west about 32.1 kilometers to mile marker 46.07. The lightly trafficked route features a small river, and you can access it at any time of year. Travelers can use this route for various activities, including hiking and biking.

Length: 10 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Ridge Spur Loop through Cache Creek Ridge Trail

This lightly trafficked trail situated near Clearlake, which is a half-hour southwest of Cache Creek Wilderness, features beautiful wildflowers. The Ridge Spur Loop is 11.6 kilometers long, and you can access it all year. Travelers can use this loop trail for horse riding, running, and hiking.

Length: 7.20 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

You and your family can enjoy many fun activities when visiting Cache Creek Wilderness during the summer season. If you love fishing, you can catch some rainbow trout and smallmouth and largemouth bass in the Sacramento River. You can also enjoy white water rafting at this BLM site, but you'll need to carry your gear to enjoy this sport. Visitors can also swim in the nearby rivers or Cache Creek itself.

Wildlife Viewing

Cache Creek Wilderness is home to various wild animals, including rare species. During your visit, the common animals you'll spot include elk, coyotes, deer, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, badgers, raccoons, beavers, river otters, gray foxes, and mountain lions. If you are lucky, you may also get the chance to see endemic tule elks or bald eagles. Remember to carry a pair of binoculars so that you can see the different birds that reside in this natural area.

Hunting

Hunting is among the most popular activities in Cache Creek Wilderness. The good news is that you do not need to have a hunting pass to enter this natural area. However, you need to carry proper safety gear and appropriate hunting weapons during your trip. The game species sought after by hunting enthusiasts include black bears, blacktail deer, wild pigs, mourning doves, wild turkeys, elks, California quails, and gray squirrels.

Horseback Riding

If you love horses and would like a relaxing way to explore Cache Creek Wilderness, consider horseback riding. Most of the trail loops around this natural area are well-maintained for your safety and that of your horse. The management of this area has no horses available for visitors. Therefore, you need to bring your own. Since this BLM site is close to the desert, avoid riding your horse during the summer season when it's extremely hot.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

RV camping lovers can camp in nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds since Cache Creek Wilderness has no developed facilities. You can park your recreational vehicle at Clear Lake State Park, an RV park with over 140 campsites that's located an hour to the west of Cache Creek Wilderness in Kelseyville. These Bureau of Land Management camping spots are located within four campgrounds — Kelsey Creek, Upper Bayview, Cole Creek, and Lower Bayview. The camping sites are available by reservation only, and they accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet long. This park provides amenities like storage boxes, picnic benches, fire pits, and modern restrooms, but no hookups are available.

Free Camping

The management of Cache Creek Wilderness does not allow dispersed camping in the area. However, primitive camping lovers can head to Deer Valley Campground, which is an hour and a half northwest of Cache Creek Wilderness. This Bureau of Land Management free camping area provides one vault toilet, fire pits, and picnic tables but doesn't offer hookups. Camping at this BLM campground is on a first-come, first-served basis, and you can only stay at one site for a maximum of two weeks.

RV Rentals Near Cache Creek Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Cache Creek Wilderness BLM trip

The journey to Cache Creek Wilderness is an easy one. You will find paved roads throughout your journey along with brown road signs that lead you to the entrance. However, you need to check the BLM site's website to be aware of the current weather conditions and any road closures. This way, you'll avoid any added stress if you were to encounter unexpected detours, difficult terrain, and sharp turns.

The wilderness area is quite primitive and doesn't allow any automobiles. However, there are enough parking spots near the BLM area's boundary. Remember to pack your trailer or recreational vehicle appropriately with enough changes of proper clothing, footwear and other important items.

BLM RV camping at Cache Creek Wilderness provides nature lovers with unmatched opportunities for solitude, fun-filled recreational activities and unforgettable camping experiences. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

When exploring Cache Creek Wilderness, avoid confronting the wild animals and birds to ensure your safety. Leave the natural vegetation, rocks, and other items of interest in this area the way you found them to help preserve the natural beauty of the BLM site. Be considerate of the other travelers exploring the area by controlling your pets, avoiding excessive noise and keeping the surroundings clean. Also, remember to check the fire restrictions in the BLM area to know what's expected of you. By following these rules, you can help the management preserve the site's beauty and natural environment.

Cache Creek Wilderness Location

Visitors can access Cache Creek Wilderness via the Judge Davis Trailhead by taking Highway 20 to the west around 20 miles to mile marker 46.07 from Interstate 5. The trail parallels State Highway 20 for the initial 80 yards and later cuts through the hills. Visitors can also reach the wilderness area using the Redbud Trail. Take Highway 20 from Interstate 5 for approximately 29 miles to the Redbud Trailhead. You can also get to the Redbud Trailhead from Clearlake Oaks by driving east for around 17 miles on State Highway 20.

Ready to visit the Cache Creek Wilderness? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.