Dismal Swamp offers solitude and spectacular scenery at the end of a mountainous drive. Far from dismal, the basin is an emerald oasis in the heat of summer and a blaze of gold in the autumn. Surrounded by lodgepole pine and sage brush uplands, it shelters a riparian community including bog birch, aspen, and wet meadows. Rolling uplands stretch away to the north into Oregon. The more adventurous can continue on along a rocky track into the head of Twelve-mile Creek and eventually around to the south rim of Mt. Bidwell to look out over Surprise Valley and the high desert of Nevada. From there, the open basins atop Mt. Bidwell, which seem so broad, become small in the vast land around them.

The most unique feature of Dismal Swamp is its vegetation. Bog birch (Betula glandiosa ), a plant rare in California, grows along stream banks and the wet meadows. Riparian songbirds are abundant. The construction and maintenance activities of beaver can be found, even if the creators are a bit more elusive. Mule deer can also be encountered. Those with patience and luck might catch a glimpse of an elk, a rare resident now but on the increase.

Directions from Ft. Bidwell: Dismal Swamp may be reached by way of Forest Road 2 going north for 10 miles. On the crest between Pine Creek and Bidwell Creek, turn north on Forest Road 48N21 about one mile. The roads are steep with switch backs and best driven in a high-clearance vehicle. Trailers and motor homes are not encouraged.

Directions from New Pine Creek, OR: Go 8 miles east until you're on the crest between Pine Creek and Bidwell Creek, turn north on Forest Road 48N21 about one mile. The roads are steep with switch backs and best driven in a high-clearance vehicle. Trailers and motor homes are not encouraged.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: June through October .