The Castle Crags are the Mount Shasta region’s other unforgettable landmark. Mighty granite towers, seemingly transported from the Sierra Nevada, erupt from the vast forests of the Sacramento River Canyon. The Crags are foreboding, looming ominously above the surrounding landscape. They are also nearly impenetrable. The inner core of the formation is the domain of intrepid scramblers and rock climbers. Hikers are relegated to trails that skirt the periphery of the massive spires. Hikers in most parts of the country should be so lucky to be able to enjoy trails at the feet of such incredible majesty! While the interior of the Castle Crags is difficult to access, they feature prominently in vistas from other trails in the Mount Shasta area, especially those of the Trinity Divide. Some trails boast staggering views of the granite jumble while other hikes tease nature lovers with the tips of the towers peaking out over ridges. Wherever you hike, any view of the Castle Crags is rewarding and a powerful reminder that Mount Shasta is not the only magnificent landscape in the area!
Click to enlarge:
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- South Fork headwaters
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- The Castle Crags are an isolated granite pluton. Castle Dome is on the center right.
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- Castle Crags from the PCT, near the Soapstone Trail
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- The back side of Castle Dome (far right) is visible from the summit of the Grey Rocks.
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- Winter at the confluence. Castle Dome on the far right.
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- The confluence of the Sacramento and Castle Creek. Castle Dome on the far right.
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- Summer at the confluence. Castle Dome on the far right.
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- Spires of the Crags
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- Mount Shasta seen from the Castle Crags
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- Castle Dome looming large.
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- Classic view of Mount Shasta and Castle Dome.
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- Lower Burstarse Falls
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- Cliffs of the Crags
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- Castle Crags from the PCT.
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- Castle Crags from the PCT.
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- Castle Crags from the PCT.
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- Looking down on the saddle at the head of Little Castle Creek.
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- Ridge top view of Battle Rock.
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- Vista Trail view of Castle Dome.
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- Gazing up at Battle Rock.
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- Mount Hubris.
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- Crags towers.
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- Battle Rock from Mount Bradley Ridge.
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- Castle Crags.
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- Panther Meadow view of the Castle Crags.
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- Gray Rock Dome perspective on the Crags.
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- The Crags peek over the rim of the Seven Lakes Basin.
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- Looking down on the Trinity Divide from Mount Eddy.
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- Crags dawn.
Anyone who has spent years driving up and down I-5 has an appreciation for Castle Crags. Peggy and I never tire of the view. –Curt
I agree. The view of the Crags northbound on I-5, especially in the afternoon when they are light up and much of the canyon is dark, is pretty awesome.
Also, you should check this spot out some time. It is really close to the freeway:
Amazing. Some day I’ve got to hike there.
These photos are all stunning, but the dawn photo at the top really catches my breath.
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