Lake County High Point Trip Report
Crane Mtn (8,456 ft)
Date: September 13, 2001
Author: Trapper Robbins
FS3915 no longer hits route 140 where shown on the Forest Service and Delorme maps. Instead, FS3915
and FS3910 leave 140 together east of the old FS3915 junction. The turnoff from 140 is well signed --
follow the Willows CG signs. From route 140 (0.0 mile), turn south on FS3915. FS3915 quickly turns west
staying on pavement (away from FS3910) and then back south. Continue to road FS4001 (12.2 miles) and
turn right. Follow this to the end (15.8 miles). Continue on rough road #015 to Crane Mountain Trailhead
(approximately 18 miles).
Road #015 is somewhat rough. We drove our Subaru Outback slowly over the first 1.2 miles without much
problem but mid-way up the road (at around 7600 feet) we hit a stretch of deep potholes. We might have
been able to get past this but it was pouring rain and we decided not to push it. After these potholes,
the road improves back to the same level as before them.
When going up road #015, you first pass a trailhead on the right (north) and soon thereafter you come to the
desired trailhead going left (south) towards Crane Mountain. Note that this trail is signed as trail #106,
not #161 as shown on the Forest Service map; the signpost also has a National Recreation Trail emblem.
Also, this trail leaves before the end of the road.
Previous report gives a description to summit from trailhead. Crane Mountain has 3 BMs on top and a
register in the summit cairn.
The Willow Campground is pleasant. We camped under a huge ponderosa pine. The pump was disabled
when we were there (no water).