Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday

Dining

The area offers a variety of savory cuisine to suit every ones palate, from traditional to fascinating international fare. The bountiful flavors found in Mt Shasta restaurants are influenced by the cooking styles of American, Italian, Mexican and regional Asian cuisines. Dining establishments range from elegant restaurants with candlelit meals, to family dining in a hospitable atmosphere. We have restaurants and dining within walking distance, and quite a few of them deliver.

Fishing

Siskiyou County remains a premier destination for fishermen. The McCloud River is famous the world over for its spirited, gorgeous redband trout, and the Upper Sacramento River remains a favorite for its miles and miles of easy access.The Klamath River's steelhead still quicken the pulse, and a variety of other rivers, small streams, reservoirs and alpine lakes attract conventional and fly fishermen alike.Fishing, When it comes to fishing there are very few places prettier than Siskiyou County.FishingOut on the lake, photo © Mark GibsonWorld-class trout fishing has made Southern Siskiyou County a favorite destination for fishermen. Wild rivers and streams feature both wonderful riffles and deep pools suitable for waders or bank fishermen. High mountain lakes offer clear water and plenty of fish both summer and winter. The Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery, one the oldest operating hatcheries in the West, plants trout in the nearby lakes and streams. To fish you must have a current California Fishing License in full view and be familiar with Dept. of Fish and Game regulations. Local regulations and limitations may apply to specific streams.Lake FishingLakes are open all year although some are inaccessible during winter months. Many lakes contain wild trout and are also stocked with hatchery-raised trout.Lake fishing, photo © Mark GibsonLake Siskiyou — From the central Mt. Shasta exit off I-5, turn west to stop sign at Old Stage Rd. and turn left. Keep right onto W. A. Barr Rd. to Lake Siskiyou about 3 miles west of Mount Shasta. Fed by five clear, mountain streams, Lake Siskiyou's 430 acre recreational waters are held by Box Canyon Dam at the south end. Boat fishing and trolling is great any time of year with speeds limited to 10 mph. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort, 3 miles west of Mount Shasta on W. A. Barr Rd., offers a boat ramp with marina, boat rentals, and free fish cleaning station. North Shore Road off W. A. Barr Rd. is an unpaved road leading to several fishing access areas. Please park in designated areas. The lake offers Rainbow, Brown trout, Bass and Crayfish. Anglers bait options may include power bait (red, orange, green, rainbow or sparkle), nightcrawlers, garlic marshmallow and salmon eggs. Try a “smorgasbord” of marshmallow and worm on one hook. Use a sliding sinker above a BB line weight 18 inches from your hook and bait.Boat trolling from January to June produces 18 inch natives. Best lures are rapalas, rebels, broken back, black, silver, and small trout imitations. Also try black & green wooly buggers, bingo bugs, humdingers, ford fenders with worm. Lines for early season trolling should be 10-15 feet below surface. After mid-July, drop lures to 15-35 feet to colder waters.Castle Lake — From I-5 central Mt. Shasta exit, follow directions to Siskiyou Lake. Cross Box Canyon Dam and turn left onto Castle Lake Rd. and drive 7 miles to the lake at end of road at 5200' elevation. Formed by glaciers 10,000 years ago, Castle Lake is held by a pine-covered granite bowl. This 47 acre lake is 120 feet deep next to a steep rock wall. Above the lake are the beautiful lofty spires of Castle Crags State Park Wilderness Area.You'll find gold shiners, brook and rainbow trout. Best baits are salmon eggs, roe, mini-crawlers, red worms and bright-colored power bait. Ice fishing during the winter is truly rewarding lifetime experience. Break the ice for fishing holes with an auger, axe or shovel. Dress warmly and bring a lawn chair. Check with the Mt. Shasta Forest Service Ranger office (530) 926-4511 for road conditions and ice conditions. Ice skaters enjoy the lake also. Take your camera to capture a spectacular view of Mt. Shasta on the road's Vista Point turnout. A Forest Service campground located about 1/2 mile down the road is open during the summer. No camping is allowed next to lake due to the sensitive alpine ecology and bank erosion.Lake fishing, photo © Mark GibsonGumboot Lake — From the central I-5 Mt. Shasta exit, follow directions to Lake Siskiyou on W. A. Barr Rd. Continue past the lake on paved South Fork Rd. for about 15 miles. Bear left at Gumboot Lake entrance sign at 6050' elevation.A high alpine lake on south slope of Mt. Eddy, Gumboot Lake is 7 acres and about 18 feet deep. This reedy lake is rimmed by a grass shore and pine trees. A Forest Service campground is available with 3 sites but no running water. A great place for a family outing. Stocked with rainbow trout, the fly fishing is very good at times. No motor boats are allowed but it is easily fished from the shore. There is no winter access due to snow on the road. Check conditions and access with the Forest Service in early summer as the ice can linger into June at higher alpine lakes.McCloud Reservoir — Take Hwy. 89 to McCloud. Turn right (south) onto Squaw Valley Rd. Drive 10 miles to Lake McCloud boat ramp or continue to the Lake McCloud Dam. Held by a large dam, Lake McCloud is deep, incredibly blue/green and very cold. McCloud River's clear waters flow into the lake at the north end. Steep banks and scarce parking areas make shore angling challenging, although dam reached by the lakeshore road is easily accessible and productive. Boat fishing is recommended both winter and summer. A public boat ramp and boat trailer parking area is at the Squaw Valley Road approach to the lake. Troll deep during the warm summer months with bait or lures.Lake Shastina — From Mount Shasta, drive 8 miles north on I-5 to Weed central exit. Turn right onto Weed Blvd., then right onto Hwy. 97. Continue to Lake Shastina Golf Course sign; then turn left onto Big Springs Rd. Turn left onto Jackson Ranch Rd., then right at fishing access sign to the lake.Lake Shastina offers a public boat ramp and limited bank fishing. Surrounded by private property, permission for fishing access has not been granted by property owners. Shoreline is rocky with sagebrush. As an agricultural irrigation reservoir, Lake Shastina can drop significantly by the end of summer.Fishing is best by boat. You can fish for a wide variety including trout, bass, crappie and catfish.Sacramento RiverTo preserve the ecosystem of the river, please observe these special fishing regulations. You must:

• Use barbless hooks or artificial lures. Barbless hooks can be made by pinching down barbed hooks.
  
• Observe zero limit – catch and release. To release a fish, gently hold it upside-down underwater and remove the hook. If the hook is swallowed, simply cut the line and release the fish.
  
• Carry a visible fishing license.
  

Always wear good fishing or wading shoes and light clothing. You may not need waders, but watch your step as the rocks can be slippery. Since the water is cold, watch for hypothermia on cool days.Catch of the day, photo © Mark GibsonCantara Loop

Zero limit: catch & release

Drive south on Old Stage Rd. from Lake St. and turn right on unpaved Cantara Rd. to access parking at bottom of hill. A beautiful rocked-walled canyon with deep pools, rapids and riffles to challenge your fishing skills. Fish the immediate area or walk along the banks.Dunsmuir Access Points
Limit: Five trout; barbed hooks
Catch & keep area extends in Dunsmuir from Scarlet Way bridge to the mouth of Soda Creek near Castle Crags State Park.Within the Dunsmuir city limits are a variety of fishing access areas easily reached by car and a short walk. Many can be fished both from the bank and in the river.In Dunsmuir, you may keep 5 fish. Anglers may use flies, lures or bait with barbless hooks and occasionally catch 20 inch rainbow trout. Remember, these fish are big because they are smart. Fish the riffles and pocket water behind rocks. Get the bait down deep in both riffles and pocket pools. Learn to read the water, position your lure in the river so it's attractive to a hungry fish. The big, wild rainbows like to observe and select the best food and will not grab every fishing lure or fly anglers toss in. “To catch fish, you need to think like a fish.”The upper Sacramento River watershed has been a treasure of many varieties of amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds and animals. Unfortunately in 1991, a railroad chemical spill killed most of the fish in the river. Through careful controls, natural recovery has been encouraged and the wide diversity of life is being reestablished quickly. You are invited to tour the Sisson Museum in Mount Shasta to see a large wall mural depicting the ecosystem of the river.Precaution: The railroad follows the river canyon, so please use caution when walking on or near the tracks. Never climb through or under a stopped train as it may suddenly move.Soda Creek, Sacramento River
5 fish limit – barbless hooks only.
Take Soda Creek exit off I-5 which is about 3 miles south of Dunsmuir. Anglers can catch and keep fish only to the mouth of the Soda Creek.Castella, Sacramento River
Zero Limit: Barbless flies or lures only.
Cross bridge to east side of river about 6 miles south of Dunsmuir. Riffles and small pools within Castle Crags State Park which offers picnic facilities and fine hiking trails. Foot bridge over river. The Crags are 225 million years old.Sweetbriar, Sacramento River
Zero limit: barbless flies or lures only.
Take Sweetbriar Exit off I-5 about 8 miles south of Dunsmuir. Walking on the big boulders requires good balance and sure footing. You can walk down the railroad tracks and wade back up the river fishing the riffles and pot holes behind the rocks. Use wet-weighted flies to work base of rip-rap.McCloud River
The McCloud River is the most popular attraction on the district. Fishing, swimming, camping and spectacular scenery are among the many attractions offered along the river. The McCloud River is the only fishery in California which supports the now rare Bull Trout, also know as the Dolly Varden Trout. Actually a member of the Char family, it is found between Lower Falls and Shasta Lake. Because it is considered an endangered species by the State of California, it must be released if caught.Lower Falls, McCloud River
5 fish limit, barbed hooks.
5 miles east of McCloud off Highway 89 at Fowlers Campground. Spectacular waterfall and deep pool with excellent fishing in riffles and rapids above and below the falls. Stocked with Rainbow trout, German Brown trout and Brook trout. Watch your footing on loose rocks and steep rocky ledges. Pool is a swimming hole during the summer.Larkin Dam, McCloud River
5 fish limit, barbless hooks only.
From Hwy. 89 about 5 miles east of McCloud turn at Upper McCloud River Area sign. Turn left on unpaved River Loop Road to Lakin Dam sign. Follow signs to fishing access parking lot. Clear, cold water behind dam flows through reedy area providing excellent bank fishing. Wood fishing platform provides easy handicapped access near parking lot or take short trail to the dam. Good bird viewing area too.Cattle Camp, McCloud River
5 fish limit, barbless hooks only
11 miles east of McCloud off Hwy 89. Turn on Upper McCloud River Loop Road to Cattle Camp fishing access. Wide swimming hole and gravel bar “beach” provides easy access to river. Walk up or down river from there for more secluded fishing. Popular for summertime family outings. Restroom available plus picnic tables.Ash Camp, McCloud River
2 fish limit, single barbless hook, no bait.
From Lake McCloud, continue around the lake, cross the dam turning right on unpaved road for about 1 mile. Provides easiest access to the lower McCloud River but is difficult to wade both up and downstream. Not stocked below McCloud Dam to Lady Bug Creek.Ah-Di-Na, McCloud River
2 fish limit down to Lady Bug Creek, single barbless hook, no bait.
Follow the road around Lake McCloud. Follow road signs to Forest Service Ah-Di-Na campground. Fish deep when water has off-color. Get weighted wet fly down to fish by adding weight to leader. Fish the riffles and pools behind the rocks. Smart trophy fish will make your day exciting and challenging. The Preserve and An-Di-Na are on the site of an old Wintu Native American camp.McCloud River Preserve, McCloud River
Zero limit, single barbless hooks, artificial lures only. No bait.
Limited to 10 people a day, first-come, first-serve. From Hwy. 89 at McCloud, turn south on Squaw Valley Rd. to Lake McCloud and follow signs to Ah-Di-Na Campground. Park in campground and walk down the road and trail to the McCloud River Preserve Cabin near the river. There is no road into the Preserve. All wildlife is protected here through the Nature Conservancy. This area is famous for trophy-size Rainbow, Brown, and protected Dolly Varden trout.Ice fishing on Castle Lake, photo © Mark GibsonIce FishingSiskiyou County is a Winter Wonderland for the ice fisher. Just about eight miles from the City of Mt. Shasta, and about seven miles above Lake Siskiyou sits Castle Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the north state. In addition to its being a spectacularly beautiful spot, it's a great place to try your hand at ice fishing.Related BusinessesClick here for the list!

530-225-2300

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Golf

Siskiyou County's golfers almost never play without a stunning view of Mount Shasta. The 6,950 yard Lake Shastina Golf Resort (near Weed) is an 18-hole championship course known as the Magnificent Monster, while Siskiyou County's newest 18-hole course is at the Mount Shasta Resort on Lake Siskiyou. The McCloud Golf Course offers many wide fairways; the Weed Golf Course offers tough putting challenges. When making reservations or staying at Mt Shasta City KOA let us call and arrange the tee time for you..

High mountain lakes

Siskiyou County is renowned for its abundance of recreational opportunities! Visitors return year after year to explore and enjoy the many wonders of this beautiful natural resource.

530-926-4511

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Hiking

In one day in Sisikiyou County, you could hike or backpack your way through multiple micro climes – essentially walking from a verdant valley to high desert to lava tubes to a rugged alpine setting on Mt Shasta.The Pacific Crest Trail winds right through Siskiyou County, and dotted around it are hundreds of alpine lakes and streams, many of which are perfectly suited for a day hike or multi-day stay. Hiking trails range from the easy to difficult. No matter what kind of hiking or backpacking challenge you seek, Siskiyou County has it.

530-926-4511

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Horeseback Riding / Hay Rides

Scenic trail rides with incredible views of Mt. Shasta and surrounding area. Full day or half day. Pony rides and parties. Riding lessons. Just 30 minutes from Mt Shasta City KOA. Horse-drawn carriage rentals are also available for weddings and special events. NOW OPEN EVENINGS & SATURDAYS

530-340-2100

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Kayaking

Take a lake tour with McCloud Outdoors and learn how to paddle while you relax on beautiful high mountain lakes. McCloud Outdoors offer rental, lessons and tours for folks who want to learn about kayaking and enjoy the beauty of the area. Enjoy tour in the morning when the lake is quiet and enjoy the wildlife, or rent the equipment all day. Please bring lots of sunscreen and a water bottle.

530-316-4327

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Kiteboarding / Windsurfing

Lake Shastina is a manmade lake located in the high desert north of Weed, CA 20 miles north of the Mt Shasta City KOA. Local windsurfers have enjoyed this spot for years because they can ride out the notoriously gusty south winds that go from near calm to smoke on the water in a matter of seconds. Complex mountain topography that rises over 10,000 feet above the lake manipulates the wind in interesting ways. True mountain flying! North winds, considered to light for windsurfing have totally been ignored, until recently.

530-938-2900

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Snowmobiling

Snowmobile Rentals and Tours on and around beautiful Mt Shasta! You'll love our hundred's of miles of snowmobile trials, 1000's of acres of open valleys, vistas and incredible views while aboard your own Polaris snowmobile!

530-926-5387

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Mountain Climbing

This is what most adventurers are coming to Mount Shasta for; a chance to make a summit climb. From April-September that is when people climb. This is also the best season for optimal summit conditions. This is a climb that is suitable for new and experienced mountaineers with the proper preparation and attitude. At Mt Shasta City KOA we will put you in contact with guides, and the USFS to answer any questions you might have before you start your adventure.

530-926-4511

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Waterfalls

Water lovers aren't limited to rivers and lakes; the McCloud River offers two spectacular, easy-access waterfalls.Those visiting Dunsmuir can actually walk behind a waterfall at Hedge Creek Falls.

Whitewater Rafting

Whether you are looking for a half-day Klamath River outing for little ones through grandparents, or a multi-day family rafting adventure in the Klamath River or the Trinity River, that your teenagers will be talking about for years, we're ready to help you customize an epic family river rafting vacation.

530-926-3517

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Ice Skating

Siskiyou Ice Rink is located in Shastice Park, 800 Rockfellow Dr. in the City of Mt. Shasta, at the foot of beautiful, majestic, snow-covered Mt. Shasta. If you're lucky you may even catch the mountain under a full moon. The rink is 85 feet wide and 185 feet long – the same size as National Hockey League rinks. Skating in an open-air rink is a thrill, especially with the magnificent Mt.
Shasta scenery surrounding you!

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Mt Shasta Ski Park

Check skipark.com for dates and times of operation.

530-926-8610

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Lake Siskiyou Beach & Camp

Lake Siskiyou is a reservoir formed by Box Canyon Dam on the Sacramento River, in far northern California, near the town of Azalea, California. It is the site of local recreation, as well as being used for watershed protection and flood control.
There is a sandy beach day use area. Boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming are encouraged. Small fee for entry. Take the kids for a splash in their water park. Rent a paddle boat, kayak or other variety of boats by the hour or day.
Dine at the Lake Sis Grill & Brew.
A beautiful lake to visit.

888-926-2618

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Day Trip Hiking Suggestions

Photo by Mark GibsonPopular Trails on Mt. ShastaSHORT HIKES (15-45 minutes)John Everitt Vista Point
Walk through large, old growth conifer forest to volcanic rock outcropping with panorama of area south to McCloud and Sacramento River Canyons. Look for botanical tree signs.
Time: 20 minutes Length: 1/2 mile RT Elevation: 5000' to 5100'
Difficulty: Easy. Climbs then levels to easy grade.
Trailhead: 9 miles up Everitt Memorial Hwy. to parking lot.Panther Meadow Loop
Spring water flows in rivulets through fragile alpine meadow full of wildflowers. Peaceful loop trail allows great view of mountain. Sensitive plantlike; please stay on trail. No drinking water. Note: Only accessible after snow melts, typically June 1.
Time: 45 minutes Length: 1.5 miles RT Elevation: 7500' to 7900'
Difficulty: Easy. Rocky path is well-marked.
Trailhead: 12.5 miles up Everitt Memorial Hwy. to marked trailhead.MEDIUM HIKES (1-2 hours)Old Ski Bowl Trail
Outstanding views up to Mt. Shasta's summit. Unmarked trail meanders through volcanic rock gulch between Green Butte and Sargents Ridge. Trail has no destination. No water. Cover in snow unitl June usually.
Time: 1 hour (varies) Length: 1 mile Elevation: 7800' to ?
Difficulty: Easy, steady uphill climb on rocky path.
Trailhead: 14 miles to end of Everitt Memorial Highway at uppermost parking lot.McCloud River – Lower, Middle and Upper Falls 
Access to all three falls has been greatly improved in recent years by the Forest Service. There is a trail connecting all three, which is partially wheelchair accessible. The trail is approximately 1 ½ miles long, one way. There are picnic tables and restrooms at the Lower Falls area. There is a parking area and restrooms at the Middle Falls. From the parking area you can choose to walk just a short distance to an overlook above the falls or travel down the trail to the pool.All three of these waterfalls are within about one mile of each other, yet each is uniquely beautiful, and has their own personality. At Upper Falls, the quiet river gathers itself into a massive rock chute, charging the water full of energy before it spills into a pool far below. Middle Falls spreads a sheet of falling water over a lava cliff, into a large pool. The water is icy cold, but in the summer you will find people frolicking in it. Lower Falls is a small chute spilling into a pool below.Directions: From Mt. Shasta, go about a mile south of town to the beginning of Highway 89. The sign will say to McCloud, Susanville, or Reno. Travel over the hill about 10 miles to the town of McCloud. Continue traveling east on highway 89 five miles beyond McCloud, slow down when you see a McCloud River Access sign. Turn right at the Forest Service sign “Fowler's Campground Lower Falls” Go straight past the entrance to the campground to reach the Lowers Falls area in about ½ mile. If you want to go to Middle Falls take the paved road to the east and travel about ½ mile. To reach Upper Falls by car, travel about another ½ mile past the Middle Falls parking area. This road is actually a loop and continues on to Lakin Dam and Cattle Camp, then back to Highway 89 in about 6 miles.LONGER HIKES (2 hours or more)Bunny Flat Trail
Major trailhead for both mountain climbers and day hikers. Trail ascends south flank through open conifer forests to Sierra Club Hut at Horse Camp. Bathrooms at parking lot and Horse Camp. No drinking water except at Horse Camp spring. Wilderness Permit required.
Time: 3-4 hours Length: 4.5 miles Elevation: 6900' to 7900'
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous in spots. Steady uphill with moderate grade. After Horse Camp is rock causeway to protect fragile vegetation. Trail not suitable for children under 6 years old.
Trailhead: 11 miles up Everitt Memorial Hwy. to Bunny Flat parking lot. Kiosk for self-issue Wilderness Area use permits.Sand Flat Trail
Ascends through Avalanche Gulch and connects with the Bunny Flat Trail, then up to the Sierra Club Hut at Horse Camp. Impressive views upward to Mt. Shasta's Red Banks area. Spring water and restroom at Horse Camp.
Time: 3 hours Length: 4 miles Elevation: 6800' to 7900'
Difficulty: Strenuous. Climbs steeply through forested area.
Trailhead: 9.5 miles up Everitt Memorial Hwy. to Lower Sand Flat Road. Turn left on unpaved ; drive .8 miles to junction. Continue straight ahead and take fork to the right for .4 mile to trailhead.Grey Butte Trail
Marked trail crosses bottom of meadow, then climbs up through notch to west side of Grey Butte through conifer forest. Panoramic summit views east, south and west plus the summit of Mt. Shasta. Radio transmission equipment and earthquake sensors are located here too.
Time: 3 hours Length: 3 miles Elevation: 7600' to 8000'
Difficulty: Moderate.
Trailhead: Begins at Panther Meadows Campground parking lot about 13 miles up Everitt Memorial Hwy. from Mount Shasta City.Squaw Meadows Trail
Ascending over Grey Butte saddle, it opens up to unique “moonscape” of volcanic outcrops as it skirts north side of Red Butte. Drops into green Squaw Meadows.
Time: 4-5 hours Length: 4 miles Elevation: 7600' to 7800'
Trailhead: 14 miles up Everitt Memorial Hwy. to Old Ski Bowl parking lot. Rock-lined trail begins there.DAY HIKES (2 hours or more)There are only a few trails within the wilderness. Most of these trails are old jeep roads that are now closed to vehicle traffic. Please remember wilderness permits are required within the Mt. Shasta Wilderness. For day hiking, you may self-issue your permit at the trailhead permit station. Camping permits are available at the Mt. Shasta and McCloud Ranger District Offices.Horse Camp
From the Sand Flat or Bunny Flat trailheads, follow the trail to Horse Camp (2 miles or 1.5 miles, respectively, one way). Spring water and sanitation facilities are available at Horse Camp. The Sierra Club Foundation maintains the historic Horse Camp Lodge, built during the 1920's and still used as emergency shelter by climbers and backcountry travelers. From Horse Camp, the Olberman Causeway extends another half mile up the gulch. This stone walkway was constructed in the 1920's by Mac Olberman, the first Horse Camp caretaker, out of large boulders from the area.Whitney Falls
From the Bolam Trailhead, follow the old jeep road up the hill. After the first switchback, you will be able to see Whitney Falls about one mile ahead and to the west. It is approximately 1.5 miles (one way) to the falls, and the trail does not go all the way.Clear Creek
From the McCloud Ranger Station, drive east on Highway 89 for 2.8 miles to the Pilgrim Creek Road. Turn left and drive 5.2 miles to the Widow Springs Road. Turn left and proceed 5 miles to the junction of McKenzie Butte Road (Road 31). Cross the McKenzie Butte Road and proceed 1.3 miles on the one-lane dirt road until you come to a Y intersection. Turn left and continue approximately 2 miles to the Clear Creek Trailhead. This trail follows the rim of Mud Creek Canyon for 1.5 miles. The trail ends near Clear Creek Springs and provides views of Konwakiton Glacier and of Mud Creek Canyon and Falls.Trails on the Eddy Mountain RangeMt. Eddy dominates the mountain range across the valley to the west of Mt. Shasta. Mostly covered mixed conifer forest, granite rocks,and many small streams and alpine lakes, it offers a delightfully different hiking experience.SHORT HIKES (15 to 45 minutes)Box Canyon Dam and Trail
Stand 209 feet above a jagged river gorge and view the Sacramento River rush from Lake Siskiyou. On the way to Lake Siskiyou you'll pass over Box Canyon Dam, where you may park off the road on either side of the dam for an awesome view. Walk the beautiful Box Canyon trail that begins just north of the gorge. This 3/4 mile trail skirts the north rim of the dam, winds through dense forests, crosses a number of tiny mountain creeks and offers opportunities to view the dam and canyon from a number of different vantage points.Castle Shore Trail
Meandering along the lake shoreline along north side through pine forest, the trail ends at a sheer, impassable granite wall. You will pass the UC Davis Water Research Lab.
Time: 1/2 hour Length: .5 mile Elevation: 6400'
Difficulty: Easy. Fairly level trail but watch for tree roots in trail.
Trailhead: 10 miles from Mount Shasta City via W. A. Barr to Castle Lake Rd. At lake parking lot, trail begins on right (north) side.MEDIUM HIKES (1-2 hours)Castle Lake Trail
Climbs steeply along forested granite bowl slope giving excellent views of Castle Lake and portions of Mt. Shasta. Trails splits to either Heart Lake or Little Castle Lake over the ridge. Heart Lake cut-off is unmarked and unmaintained.
Time: 2-3 hours Length: 3 miles varies Elevation: 6000' to 6200'
Difficulty: Strenuous at first, then moderate rocky path.
Trailhead: From Castle Lake parking lot, trail begins to left (south) side of lake. Must ford shallow lake outlet to reach trail.Sisson-Callahan National Recreation TrailSpectacular mountain scenery can be found along the entire route of the nine-mile Sisson-Callahan National Recreation Trail. Mt. Shasta rises to the east and Mt. Eddy lies to the north. No less spectacular are the view of Castle Crags to the south and the Trinity Alps to the west as seen from Deadfall Summit.The Sisson-Callahan is one of 47 National Recreation Trails in the National Forest in California. The National Recreation Trails system was established by Congress in 1968 to promote public enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoor area of the nation.Route to Trailheads (15 to 45 minutes)Deadfall Lakes
Take the Gazelle Exit off I-5 north of Weed. Cross under the freeway and turn right onto Old Highway 99. Follow Old 99 for approximately 1/2 mile to the Stewart Springs Rd. Turn left onto the Stewart Springs Road and follow it to the junction with Forest Road (FR) 42N17. Turn right on FR 42N17 and follow it for approximately 10 miles to Parks Creek Summit. Parks Creek Summit is where the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses FR 42N17. You can start here and hike the PCT north 3.81 miles to Deadfall Lakes, or you can continue to drive on FR 42N17 to Deadfall Meadow and follow the trail 1.9 miles along the meadow up to Deadfall Lakes.North fork of the Sacramento River
From W.A. Barr Road (southwest of Mt. Shasta City) drive 7 miles to the Toad Lake/Morgan Meadows turnoff. Drive 1/4 mile to fork and bear right to Morgan Meadows. Proceed 1 mile to ford crossing (middle fork of the Sacramento River) and continue 5 miles up and around the canyon of the north fork of the Sacramento River to the second ford crossing. Park and pick up the trail on the south side of the creek.Photo by Mark GibsonBlack Butte TrailFrom the summit of Black Butte (6,325'), you will get a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Mt. Shasta towers to the east. The city of Mt. Shasta and the Sacramento River canyon are to the south. Mt. Eddy and the Klamath Mountains are to the west. The trail to the summit was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930's. This trail provided access to a Forest Service fire lookout built at the summit. Pack animals were used to bring supplies to the lookout.Hiking the trail (15 to 45 minutes)From the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station drive east on Alma Street to the stop sign at Rockfellow Drive. Turn right and go one block to the stop sign at Everitt Memorial Highway. Turn left and continue approximately 2 miles up the Everitt Memorial Highway to the Black Butte Trailhead sign, located on the left side of the highway. Turn left and stay on the main dirt road for approximately 2.5 miles. Where the dirt road crosses under the overhead powerline, take the dirt road to the left. Go approximately .5 miles on this road to the trailhead. Parking at the trailhead is very limited.The trail is about 2.56 miles from the trailhead to the summit. The trail is maintained annually, however, the trail surface is extremely rocky and steep in places. There is no water available along the trail. There are also few shady spots along the trail and heat can be a factor in having an enjoyable hike during mid-summer. The total vertical climb from the trailhead to the summit is 1,845 feet.