Where to hike with a dog in Lake County: Redbud Trail

Heading down to Baton Flat with Cache Creek in the distance.

This trail has everything: views of water, birds, and wildflowers for you to soak in while your dog enjoys miles of roaming space.
If you go in the winter you might see bald eagles, as Cache Creek is one of their favorite spots to fish, but right now might be the best time to go because the Redbud Trail is known for its wildflowers.

The parking lot for the trailhead is located right off eastbound Highway 20 about an hour from Ukiah. The services there are only pit toilets and garbage cans.
The trail heads first through a meadow toward the hills, then gradually winds upward through what can look like moonscape in the winter.
About a mile and a half up, you hit a trail junction and some glorious views of Cache Creek. To the right is the Perkins Creek Trail, which continues up and along the saddle for miles. To stay on the Redbud Trail and eventually reach the creek at Baton Flat, turn right. Whichever direction you choose, the views along this section of the trail are spectacular.
After another mile and a bunch of switchbacks that head down the mountain you’ll reach Baton Flat, where it’s a lot easier to hear the water than reach it.
When the flows are low enough to cross, you can continue on another three miles to Wilson Valley, but I didn’t dare cross the creek when I went. It was nerve-wracking just watching the dog take a dip.

Pausing in Baton Flat with Cache Creek to the right.

Words to the wise:
• Based on the hoofprints I saw, you will likely share the trail with elk, and I did encounter some horseback riders. But save for only one other human, I had the trail to myself on a weekday.
• Unless you go very early in the day, this trail can’t be fun in the summer as it must get blazing hot and there is no water available for humans.