Helen Lake - 10'000 feet level – Thumb Rock loop from Helen Lake

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

California

Siskiyou County

Helen Lake - 10'000 feet level – Thumb Rock loop from Helen Lake

Hard

4.9

(4435)

19,404

hikers

Helen Lake - 10'000 feet level – Thumb Rock loop from Helen Lake

06:22

7.07km

1,100m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Last updated: August 1, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 220 m for 6.72 km

Waypoints

Start point

Get Directions

40 m

Helen Lake - 10'000 feet level

Highlight • Lake

Preferred snow camp site for ascents on Avalanche Gulch

Tip by

1.79 km

Thumb Rock

Highlight • Natural Monument

Iconic Rock at the top of the steepest section of the Avalanche Gulch route

Tip by

2.43 km

Steep section along Avalanche Gulch and Casaval Ridge /West Face routes that seems to demoralize some climbers after having successfully reached the upper shoulder of the mountain. But after crossing this you reach the summit plateau

Tip by

3.36 km

Mt Shasta summit 🌋 (4321m)

Highlight • Summit

Tallest free standing Cascade volcano in California.
For a winter snowshoe/crampon ascent route via Casaval Ridge and descent via standard Avalanche Gulch route see: komoot.com/tour/9090975
For an AT ski ascent …

Tip by

3.95 km

Misery Hill

Peak

7.07 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.54 km

334 m

174 m

Surfaces