Ides Cove Loop Trail

Ides Cove Loop Trail is a loop hiking route in the Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness (Northern California). It’s mapped as a horse-and-foot compatible “path” network route (ref: 9W04) with good visibility along the tread and a ground surface.

In distance and time, the loop runs about 7.4 miles (11.9 km) and is commonly planned as a half-day hike (around 3.5 hours). Elevation gain is on the order of 1,394 ft (425 m), so expect sustained climbing rather than a short wander.

Route character is remote and designed as a short long-distance member route: it’s described as a gateway loop that connects into the Bigfoot Trail corridor at Mile 0 and can also link with the South Yolla Bolly Trail for longer wilderness travel.

The loop frequently features Square Lake as a key waypoint—an alpine lake setting below Mount Linn. The area around the lake sits in open grassy fields/meadows that transition up into pine and fir forest and back down through lower-elevation chaparral.

Seasonal planning matters here: snow can linger into early June on some north-facing sections, and after midsummer water may be harder to find, so carry enough between reliable sources for your party.

Trail work is an ongoing part of keeping the gateway walkable in wilderness conditions; restoration activity has included reopening and clearing multiple miles of the Ides Cove Loop Trail (including 2025 work clearing fallen logs and rebuilding fire-damaged trail tread).

More information: Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness, Sections Archives - Bigfoot Trail, Ides Cove Loop Trail | California | California - Hiiker