Mount Shasta, California
Mount Shasta in California is a top destination for those keen on outdoor adventures. One must-visit is the Mount Shasta Summit Trail, a challenging hike that rewards with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Along the trail, hikers can view the unique rock formations and crystal clear rivers that make this area so special. Another top trail is the Castle Lake Trail, a moderate hike that leads to a stunning alpine lake. For a more relaxed activity, the Sacramento River offers opportunities for fishing and river rafting. Nearby, the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden is a unique attraction featuring large-scale sculptures in a scenic outdoor setting. For the best trails and outdoor activities, Mount Shasta is a must-visit.
Top Spots in and near Mount Shasta
-
Mount Shasta, CaliforniaNey Springs & Faery Falls
4.01.39 mi / 407 ft gainHidden just outside Mt. Shasta, the Ney Springs & Faery Falls hike is a short but rewarding adventure that combines local history with a striking natural setting. In less than two miles round-trip, you’ll pass the ruins of an old 19th-century resort before reaching a dramatic 50-foot waterf...Read more -
Mount Shasta, California
Black Butte
5.05.05 mi / 1608 ft gainBlack Butte is hard to miss from I-5 as it winds past the city of Mount Shasta. This lava dome formed roughly 9,000–10,000 years ago and isn't a cinder cone, though it does look like one. The rock that makes Black Butte was extruded instead of spewed, then broke apart as it cooled. The jumbled re...Read more -
Mount Shasta, California
Winter Summit Black Butte
5.05 mi / 2000 ft gainNote: February thru early March are great times to climb it for a winter ascent without snowshoes. If there is no snow seen from the south (e.g. on I-5 heading north to Mount Shasta City), don't be too worried. As long as there is snow on the surrounding peaks (e.g. Trinity Alps) around the same ...Read more -
Siskiyou County, California
Climb Mt. Shasta via Avalanche Gulch
5.011 mi / 7200 ft gainThe Avalanche Gulch route is the second easiest, non-technical route to the summit of Mt. Shasta after the Clear Creek Route, but is by far the most popular. Many people complete this climb in one day from the trailhead, but you also have the opportunity to overnight at Horse Camp (7,950 ft.) or ...Read more -
Dunsmuir, California
Mossbrae Falls
5.03.01 mi / 220 ft gainDisclaimer: Hiking to the falls is trespassing. Fines can be as much as $300. If you choose to hike to the falls, you're doing so at your own risk so please be cautious and cognizant of your surroundings. If you live anywhere near Northern California or Southern Oregon, you may have heard about ...Read more -
McCloud, California
Gray Butte
3.27 mi / 646 ft gainMount Shasta is an incredible mountain in Northern California that offers a great variety of activities. The Gray Butte trail is one of the more beautiful trails in the area, and it's not too long (2.8mi, ~2h). We arrived at Shasta by late afternoon, so it was a great hike to do when golden hour ...Read more -
McCloud, California
Panther Meadows Campground
5.0The Panther Meadows Campground is located in the timberline on Mt. Shasta. The free campsite has 10 sites with a fire ring and a table. The elevation of the campground is 7,500 ft, making it the highest campground on Mt. Shasta. Summer nights can get pretty cold, so make sure to bring proper atti...Read more -
Dunsmuir, California
Heart Lake in the Klamath Mountains
4.52.38 mi / 636 ft gainScenes like this are rarely so accessible. Heart Lake is nestled in a bowl below Castle Peak, on the edge of the Castle Crags Wilderness just west of I-5 and the city of Mt. Shasta. The parking lot and trailhead are both located on the shore of Castle Lake, a much larger lake that is stunning in ...Read more -
Dunsmuir, California
Castle Lake
Castle Lake in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is a glacial lake with picturesque views of Mt. Shasta. In the middle of the lake, researchers float a platform in the middle of the lake to study the lake's environment. This is a great destination to swim to. Nearby Hike:Heart Lake is a great ...Read more -
Mount Shasta, California
Porcupine Lake and Toad Lake
4.03.47 mi / 738 ft gainPorcupine Lake and Toad Lake is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Mount Shasta, California.Read more -
Castella, California
Hike Crags Trail to Castle Dome
4.45.1 mi / 2135 ft gainOne of the gems in the Shasta area, Castle Crags. You can spot these dramatic granite towers from a distance and their jagged formations beckon climbers and hikers alike. Imagine a slice of the Dolomites plucked out of Italy and placed in Northern California. Crags Trail to Castle Dome winds up t...Read more -
McCloud, California
Mt. Shasta via Clear Creek Route
11.43 mi / 7615 ft gainThe least technical route to the summit of Mt Shasta begins at the Clear Creek Trailhead (elevation 6390 ft). Please note that although this is a less technical route, this is still dangerous and there have been deaths on Mt. Shasta because of falling rock. To start this, you should be a good hik...Read more -
Pacific Crest Trail, California
Dead Falls Lake Trail
5.07.76 mi / 1165 ft gainThe Dead Falls Lake Trail is perfect for families, dog, and all adventurers. In the spring and summer, there are gorgeous and abundant wildflowers. There is a perfect lunch spot at Deadfall Lake. Close to the gargantuan Shasta, Mount Eddy is the highest peak in the Klamath Mountain. Mount Eddy ...Read more -
Siskiyou County, California
Climb Mt. Shasta via the Hotlum-Bolam Ridge
10 mi / 7200 ft gainThe Hotlum-Bolam route follows the ridge between the Hotlum and Bolam Glaciers on Shasta's north side. It's an intermediate route that isn't much more technical than the south side routes, except for icy sections and possible late-season open crevasses. For this reason it's a popular alternative ...Read more -
McCloud, California
Middle McCloud Falls
4.82.49 mi / 243 ft gainJust 4 hours north of San Francisco, McCloud Falls offers a quick hike and swimming hole for those looking for something less crowded than Burney Falls. McCloud Falls has 3 tiers, but the middle section offers the best views by far. Getting Here To get here, park at the Fowlers Campground which...Read more -
McCloud, California
McCloud Middle Falls Short Trail
3.00.79 mi / 85 ft gainMcCloud Middle Falls Short Trail is located near McCloud, California. This route makes for an abbreviated version of the longer Middle McCloud Falls adventure which is 2.5 miles roundtrip. The parking area has an established parking lot and a vault toilet. The shorter trail with minimal elevati...Read more
