Late October light comes in low and gold, and the air up at the lakes smells of pine and cold water. It's picnic weather for a little while longer. Here's where to spread the blanket, what to pack from Etna, and the wine to bring, made right here in town.
Where to spread the blanket
The walled garden at Blossom. The easiest spot is also our favorite: a walled garden made for slow afternoons and staying out for the stars, with deer, birds and squirrels for company. Phones in the basket. This is the era of presence.
Etna City Park. In town, for an easy lunch between errands.
Etna Summit. Sawyers Bar Road climbs 10.5 miles from Etna to the summit at 5,956 feet, where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses. It's a trailhead with parking and little else, so walk a short way along the trail and find your spot.
Taylor Lake. Just past the summit, about 13 miles from Etna via Sawyers Bar Road and Forest Road 41N18. A 0.6-mile round trip with 50 feet of gain, wheelchair accessible, brings you to a lake at about 6,500 feet. It's short enough to carry the whole basket.
Kangaroo Lake. From Callahan, take the Callahan-Gazelle Road about 10 miles to Rail Creek Road, then about 8 miles more. A quarter-mile paved trail runs down to the water, day use is free, and the Forest Service lists vault toilets.
Prefer to keep moving? Pack the basket for a golden-hour loop from our Scott Valley drives guide.
What to pack from Etna
Bread: a loaf from Farmhouse Bakery or the weekend sourdough at Sugar Magnolia's Farmstand & Bakery (ask which breads are dairy and egg free), or Little Whisk Baking Co.'s sourdough if you ordered ahead.
From Ray's Food Place: apples or pears, cucumbers, carrots, olives, nuts, and a can of white beans to toss with lemon, olive oil and parsley. Hummus too, if they have it. Check chocolate labels for milk.
Tacos: from the Patitos taco truck, once you've asked the lard question.
The rest: a blanket, a warm layer, a thermos of tea from the house, and a bag for every scrap you'll carry home.
The local wine: Iruai
My pick for the basket is Iruai (say ear-oo-eye), natural wine made right here in Etna, at about 3,000 feet in what the winemakers call the California Alps. Iruai is the Shasta word for Scott Valley, and the winery gives 1% of its profit to the Shasta Indian Nation. The current release includes a 'Moonstones' Chenin Blanc, a 'Sylvan' Trousseau and a 4 Diamonds Vineyard Gamay: bright, easy-drinking bottles made for a blanket and a view. The New York Times has named Iruai one of ten California wine producers worth getting to know.
The winery opens to the public only for special events, so order your bottles to arrive at home before your trip. If you avoid animal products strictly, ask the winery about fining, which can use egg, milk or fish products. Not drinking? Sparkling water and a lemon make a fine toast.
Picnic rules
Leave No Trace. Pack out everything, peels and crumbs included. Stay on the trail, leave the wildflowers and stones where they are, and give the deer plenty of room.
Fire. Through Oct 30, 2026, a Klamath National Forest fire order limits where campfires are allowed, and you need a California Campfire Permit even for a camp stove. Make it a no-cook picnic.
Alcohol. Rules can vary by site, so read the posted rules at the trailhead or bulletin board before you open a bottle.
The drive. Mountain roads and wine don't mix. Whoever drives stays sober, and there's no taxi or ride-share in Scott Valley. Or uncork it in the walled garden, where getting home is a walk across the lawn.
Good to know
Taylor Lake's season runs through October, and snow is possible late in the month. Snow also decides access at Etna Summit and closes the road to Kangaroo Lake. Check conditions before you drive up.
High-country afternoons cool fast in late October. Bring layers and something warm to drink.
The valley's maples and oaks turn in the second half of October; our fall color guide has the details.
On Saturday, we'll pack plant-based lunches for longer lake hikes.
See open dates and prices for your stay at Blossom Sanctuary, and save an afternoon for the garden. Join the Sovereign Circle free through December 31, 2026 for the member rate and a gift with your first stay.
