O'Brien, California
The best trails and outdoor activities in O'Brien, California offer a variety of scenic adventures. One of the top attractions is the Boulder Creek Falls trail. This 5.5-mile hike is moderately difficult with a stunning waterfall as the payoff. The trail winds through lush forest, past unique rock formations, and along the banks of Boulder Creek. Another must-visit is the Bailey Cove Trail. This easy 3.1-mile loop is ideal for bird watching and offers views of Shasta Lake. For those interested in fishing, the nearby Sacramento River is a top spot for rainbow trout. O'Brien also offers opportunities for rafting and kayaking. Whether you're a hiker, angler, or just someone seeking outdoor adventures, O'Brien, California has something for you.
Top Spots in and near O'Brien
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Shasta County, California
Camp out at Manzanita Lake Cabins in Lassen Volcanic NP
Deep in the Lassen National Forest is the beautiful and surprisingly one of the least visited National Parks, Lassen Volcanic National Park. On the north entrance of the park, you will find the beautiful Manzanita Lake Cabins and Campground with the gorgeous blue lake in the foreground. Getting ...Read more -
Shingletown, California
Hike the Chaos Crags Trail
3.8 mi / 915 ft gainManzanita Lake campground is located about 1/2 mile past the Northwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The trailhead is located just before the campground sites about 0.1 mile off of the main road and marked with a sign (including a map) and a few parking spaces. The trail starts o...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 -
Platina, California
Hike to Massacre Natural Bridge
5.01 miNatural Bridge is a historic/geologic site located near Hayfork, CA off Wildwood Road near Chanchelulla Peak in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. To get there take Hwy 36 or 299 to Hwy 3/Hayfork, then take Wildwood Road to Forest Service Road 31N19 (unpaved)- Natural Bridge is a mile or two off...Read more -
Old Station, California
Subway Cave Lava Tubes
5.00.65 mi / 33 ft gainThe Subway Cave Lava Tube is located at Old Station in the Lassen National Forest. About 26 miles south of Burney, CA. If coming from the North, it is on Highway 89 (Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway) on your left right before Highway 44. If coming from Redding, about 60 miles away, you would enter th...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Visit Sulphur Works at Lassen Volcanic NP
4.02 mi / 200 ft gainLassen Volcanic National Park is a wonderland of lush pine forests, arid rocky terrain, boiling lakes, snow-capped peaks, and extremely diverse wildlife. I recommend at least a week to explore this underrated national park, but if you are only driving through, you can still enjoy some of the won...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Bumpass Hell Trail
4.72.71 mi / 502 ft gainDue to hazardous snow and ice, Bumpass Hell Trail closes during the spring and may not open until July. From the Bumpass Hell Parking Area, the trail traverses the rocky slopes of Bumpass Mountain. The trail slowly ascends 200 feet with views of the valley to the west and Lassen Peak to the nort...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Lake Helen in Lassen Volcanic NP
5.0Lake Helen is a glacial lake in Lassen Volcanic NP. The park's winter season starts in October and runs through June. Lake Helen can be found thawing mid-June. The turquoise blue of the water comes from the minerals in it, and is mesmerizingly beautiful when thawing in pools over a snowy Lake ...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Summit Mt. Lassen via the Northeast Face
5.08 mi / 4000 ft gainThis route is perfect for those with some mountaineering skill looking to challenge themselves on either a long day climb (10-12 hours) of one of California’s most iconic peaks. 1: The approach (1500 feet of elevation gain) For the best chance of summiting, start very early, around 2-4 am. Most ...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Lassen Peak
4.44.66 mi / 1936 ft gainOne of my personal favorites and a hidden gem of California that keeps circling my mind is the Lassen Peak Trail. Don't let the trail map (2.5 miles one way) deceive you and make you think this is a short trail. The elevation gain is is 2000 feet from the parking lot to the end of the peak. The a...Read more -
Tehama County, California
Brokeoff Mountain Trail
4.06.93 mi / 2474 ft gainPeaking above the volcanic valley at 9235 ft, Brokeoff Mountain is only second in height to Mt. Lassen in the national park they share. Brokeoff was once a part of a larger volcano called Mt. Tehama that erupted, eventually leading to its collapse. The event left a rugged volcanic rim, now con...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Devastated Area Interpretive Trail
2.00.5 mi / 16 ft gainDevastated Area Interpretive Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Old Station, California.Read more
