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

  • Forks of Salmon, California

    Grizzly Lake via China Gulch Trailhead

    4.4
    14.6 mi / 5112 ft gain
    Grizzly Lake is in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The lake is know for its brilliant waterfall flowing from the lake's surface straight off the side of a cliff and roughly 600 feet down to the meadow below. Grizzly lake is located in some of America's most amazing and remote alpine wilderness, incl...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Backpack Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lake

    25 mi / 4448 ft gain
    The Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes trail features many beautiful lakes, meadows, and an area that resembles a jungle. Dogs are able to use this trail. This trail can be done as a day hike, an overnight, or a three-day backpacking trip. If you choose to make it a three day, the meadows ...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Stuart Fork Trail to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes

    5.0
    27.06 mi / 4213 ft gain
    The trail begins just past the Trinity Alps Resort, a private collection of cabins near Weaverville, CA. Hikers wanting an early start can spend the night at the Bridge Camp Campground, located next to the trailhead. The path starts out wide and level, following an old road to the wilderness bou...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Stuart Fork to Alpine Lake

    16 mi / 4265 ft gain
    Nestled in the heights of the Trinity Alps, this hike to Alpine Lake is not for the faint of heart. Before embarking on this adventure call the Weaverville Ranger station to check snow levels as well as the flow of the Stuart Fork River. If you are too early in the summer season the snowpack wi...
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  • Redding, California

    Flanagan and Chamise Peak Trail

    5.0
    4.64 mi / 906 ft gain
    The Flanagan Trail to Chamise Peak is a family-friendly hike with moderate slopes and excellent views. The trail winds through shaded woodland, offering glimpses of Shasta Dam, Lassen, and the Sacramento River. Though long, it’s manageable for all ages, with a bench halfway up and a picnic tabl...
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  • Junction City, California

    Backcountry Camp in the Canyon Creek Drainage

    9 mi / 2600 ft gain
    The first half of the Canyon Creek Drainage is one of the most popular destinations within the Trinity Alps, but the second half goes largely unexplored and uninhabited by sojourners. Four peaks – Thompson Peak, Wedding Cake, Mt. Hilton, and Sawtooth Peak – surround the basin and offer adventurer...
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  • Junction City, California

    Scramble Thompson Peak

    4.0
    22.7 mi / 6100 ft gain
    This adventure begins at the Canyon Creek Lakes in the Trinity Alps wilderness. Park at the Canyon Creek Trailhead near Junction City and hike the well-maintained and easy-to-follow trail for 8 miles. Once you reach the Canyon Creek Lakes, your off-trail adventure officially begins. I’d recommend...
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  • Junction City, California

    Canyon Creek Lakes

    4.4
    14.35 mi / 2605 ft gain
    Numerous starting points with over 550 miles of trail and easily 50+ different featured trails depending on length and what type of activity you are are looking for. One of the more popular trails, and rightfully so, is Canyon Creek Lakes Trail. This 16 mile roundtrip hike has an overall elevatio...
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  • Fort Jones, California

    Sky High Lakes in the Marble Mountains

    5.0
    11.88 mi / 2070 ft gain
    The Marble Mountains are part of the Klamaths, a biologically and geologically diverse range of peaks and ridges often overshadowed by its western neighbors in the Cascades. The Marble Rim is the signature feature of this subrange, a white wall of rock that glimmers in the sun. The nearby Sky Hig...
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  • French Gulch, California

    Crystal Creek Falls

    4.0
    0.7 mi / 98 ft gain
    From Redding pass the visitor center on highway 299 and pass the lake. Make a left turn on to Crystal Creek Road. Follow this road for about 2 miles. There will be signs to make a left turn to Crystal Creek Falls. This is less of a hike and more of a walk. The trail is paved. It is less than a ha...
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  • Redding, California

    Hilltop Trail Head to Sundial Bridge

    4.0
    2.27 mi / 167 ft gain
    Hilltop Trail Head to Sundial Bridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redding, California.
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  • Tulelake, California

    Explore the Catacombs at Lava Beds National Mounument

    5.0
    Once you reach the Lava Beds National Monument stop by the visitors center to pay your fees, grab a map, and empty your bladder. From there you will drive your car to each cave entrance.The Catacombs are considered the most difficult and longest cave system at the Monument and is the sixth cave s...
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  • Redding, California

    Arboretum Loop Trail

    3.5
    2.07 mi / 43 ft gain
    Arboretum Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Redding, California.
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  • Tulelake, California

    Spelunking in the Golden Dome Cave, Lava Beds National Monument

    5.0
    Once you reach the Lava Beds National Monument stop by the visitors center to pay your fees, grab a map, and empty your bladder. From there you will drive your car to each cave entrance.Golden Dome Cave is the third cave on the cave loop. The entrance is about 25m from where you park. You will en...
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