Spring Trails

2021 Mount Shasta Spring Hiking Round Up

Posted by bubbasuess on March 27, 2021
Posted in: Cascade Range, Desert, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Off Season Trails, Spring Trails, Winter Trails. 1 Comment

A springtime sunset on Mount Shasta.

We are a week past the 2021 vernal equinox and moving right into spring. Though we will no doubt have some more precipitation (I sure hope!) for now we are blessed with a week’s worth of spectacular spring weather! It is prime time to head out and explore the low and mid-elevation trails around Mount Shasta. For me, that means it it peak time to dive into the Castle Crags and do some waterfall hunting. There are a lot of hidden jewels in that massive pile of rock.

Though the weather is perfect for hiking, the winter’s snow means we will have to wait a while longer before the high country trails are clear of snow. Thankfully the Mount Shasta area is blessed with an abundance of trails at lower elevations, which means that hiking and enjoying the fantastic scenery that surrounds us is in full swing. The best spots to explore this time of year are along the McCloud River and in the Castle Crags. Despite the lower elevation, they still offer great mountain experiences. The Gateway Trail is also a good option for spring hiking, with good views of the mountain and a sense of solitude in the near-town but remote backcountry of the trail. The high desert of the Shasta Valley is another great place to explore right now. Of course, all the other areas usually considered good winter destinations are also fantastic places to hike right now. Summer may be coming but the time to get out and hit the trail is now!

Spring Hiking On The Gateway Trail

Located just outside of Mount Shasta City, the Gateway Trail is an impressive and soon-to-be-expanding network of trails that wind their way through the wooded flanks of Mount Shasta. The first couple miles of the trail, however, are largely in the open, passing through rocky terrain that features great perspectives on the white mountain looming over 10,000 feet overhead. Once the trail plunges into the deep forest, numerous loop options exist, along with a few rocky outcroppings and some good vistas of Trinity Divide. Read more here.

Spring Hikes In The Castle Crags

The Castle Crags are one of the most majestic mountain features in California. However, their lower elevation means they are often accessible when higher terrain is still smothered in snow. Still, the granite spires and great rock walls stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most rugged terrain in the state. Though best hiked in spring, when the creeks are gushing and the weather, especially on the south side where most trails are found, is perfect, the winter may still be a good time to get out and enjoy this gorgeous mountain playground. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Upper McCloud River

The McCloud River is one of the great attractions of the Mount Shasta area. With great fishing, a trio a awesome waterfalls, and beautiful forest surroundings, it is a popular destination. The waterfall along the river is a great hike and ought to be considered during winter if the access road is open. However, the McCloud River Trail follows the river for 15 miles and any section of this makes a great hike as long as snow is not covering the ground. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Lower McCloud

The Lower McCloud River sees far less activity than the upper section. Separted by Hearst property and the McCloud Reservoir, the two areas are strikingly different. The upper section flows through volcanic terrain while the lower part passes through an outlier of the Klamath Mountain. The terrain is very rugged and can be difficult access during winter. However, when it can be reached, solitude a beautiful scenery await! Read more here.

Spring Hiking At Orr Lake

The area around Orr Lake is a mix of high desert and ponderosa pine forest, surrounding a large, lush meadow fed by remote Butte Creek. It’s higher in elevation than the high desert of the Shasta Valley, which means it is often not a good place to go in winter. However, in spring, it is ideal. The lake is full, the creek is running strong and Mount Shasta, visible beyond the lake, is white. Other than portions of the trail being closed at times for nesting birds, it is a great place to get outside in the months before summer. Read more here.

Spring Hikes In The Shasta Valley

North of Mount Shasta, the desert landscapes of the Shasta Valley offer a strikingly different environment than what is found along most trails in the region. The only conifers here are junipers and sagebrush is ubiquitous. For those that like the desert, the beauty of this area needs no explanation. For those less familiar, there is ample wildlife, beautiful rock formations and magnificent 360 degree views, crowned by some of the best views of Mount Shasta to be found anywhere. Read more here.

Spring Hikes In The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge

At the northern end of the Shasta Valley lies a large parkland administered by the State of California. The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge was once a working ranch but is now a haven for a variety of wildlife, especially birds. It is also a refuge for hikers looking for incredible vistas. Though it can be closed at times during winter, there are still opportunities to explore it and once it is reopened completely, it is a place of great beauty, beckoning to be explored! Read more here.

Three Spring Trails Near Mount Shasta City

Mount Shasta City is blessed with a number of great paths within and just outside of its city limits. Three of the best are the Box Canyon, Ney Springs and Spring Hill Trail. These offer solitude, Mount Shasta Vistas, unique history, spectacular geography and even some excellent waterfalls. These all lie just minutes outside of town. Also, don’t forget that Mount Shasta City has some great short trails right in town! Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Lake Siskiyou Trail

The Lake Siskiyou Trail is an incredible recreational resource just a couple minutes outside of Mount Shasta City. During the summer and fall, a loop trail encircles the lake. However, in winter the seasonal bridges over the Sacramento River are removed. While the loop can’t be hiked without fording the river (extremely dangerous after storms and during high runoff), several sections of the trail still make great out and back hikes. They feature beautiful forests, the lake itself and incredible views. Due to the relatively light winter, the bridges should be places over the Sacramento sooner rather than later this year. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Sacramento River

Most people in California think of the Sacramento River as the wide, winding waterway that lazily flows through the Central Valley. Here just below the headwaters, however, it is a swiftly flowing mountain river. Deep in its canyon, the lower elevation means it is often free of snow and the trails are easily accessed. Hiking along the river in winter is a treat that offers a taste of wild mountains for minimal effort. Read more here.

2019 Mount Shasta Spring Hiking Round Up

Posted by bubbasuess on April 27, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Off Season Trails, Spring Trails. 3 Comments

Spring thunderheads gather around Mount Shasta at sunset.

This past winter seemed particularly long. Though December and January were spectacular, February and March seemed like one long storm. Fortunately, that means that we got ample precipitation and the drought will not be a factor for the coming year at least. Hopefully that means the fire will season will be less of an issue. Now it seems like the weather has decided to skip spring and move right into summer. The weather is perfect for hiking. However, the strong winter means we will have to wait a while longer before the high country trails are clear of snow. Thankfully the Mount Shasta area is blessed with an abundance of trails at lower elevations, which means that hiking and enjoying the fantastic scenery that surrounds us is in full swing. The best spots to explore this time of year are along the McCloud River and in the Castle Crags. Despite the lower elevation, they still offer great mountain experiences. The Gateway Trail is also a good option for spring hiking, with good views of the mountain and a sense of solitude in the near-town but remote backcountry of the trail. The high desert of the Shasta Valley is another great place to explore right now. Of course, all the other areas usually considered good winter destinations are also fantastic places to hike right now. Summer may be coming but the time to get out and hit the trail is now!

Spring Hiking On The Gateway Trail

Located just outside of Mount Shasta City, the Gateway Trail is an impressive and soon-to-be-expanding network of trails that wind their way through the wooded flanks of Mount Shasta. The first couple miles of the trail, however, are largely in the open, passing through rocky terrain that features great perspectives on the white mountain looming over 10,000 feet overhead. Once the trail plunges into the deep forest, numerous loop options exist, along with a few rocky outcroppings and some good vistas of Trinity Divide. Read more here.

Spring Hikes In The Castle Crags

The Castle Crags are one of the most majestic mountain features in California. However, their lower elevation means they are often accessible when higher terrain is still smothered in snow. Still, the granite spires and great rock walls stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most rugged terrain in the state. Though best hiked in spring, when the creeks are gushing and the weather, especially on the south side where most trails are found, is perfect, the winter may still be a good time to get out and enjoy this gorgeous mountain playground. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Upper McCloud River

The McCloud River is one of the great attractions of the Mount Shasta area. With great fishing, a trio a awesome waterfalls, and beautiful forest surroundings, it is a popular destination. The waterfall along the river is a great hike and ought to be considered during winter if the access road is open. However, the McCloud River Trail follows the river for 15 miles and any section of this makes a great hike as long as snow is not covering the ground. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Lower McCloud

The Lower McCloud River sees far less activity than the upper section. Separted by Hearst property and the McCloud Reservoir, the two areas are strikingly different. The upper section flows through volcanic terrain while the lower part passes through an outlier of the Klamath Mountain. The terrain is very rugged and can be difficult access during winter. However, when it can be reached, solitude a beautiful scenery await! Read more here.

Spring Hiking At Orr Lake

The area around Orr Lake is a mix of high desert and ponderosa pine forest, surrounding a large, lush meadow fed by remote Butte Creek. It’s higher in elevation than the high desert of the Shasta Valley, which means it is often not a good place to go in winter. However, in spring, it is ideal. The lake is full, the creek is running strong and Mount Shasta, visible beyond the lake, is white. Other than portions of the trail being closed at times for nesting birds, it is a great place to get outside in the months before summer. Read more here.

Spring Hikes In The Shasta Valley

North of Mount Shasta, the desert landscapes of the Shasta Valley offer a strikingly different environment than what is found along most trails in the region. The only conifers here are junipers and sagebrush is ubiquitous. For those that like the desert, the beauty of this area needs no explanation. For those less familiar, there is ample wildlife, beautiful rock formations and magnificent 360 degree views, crowned by some of the best views of Mount Shasta to be found anywhere. Read more here.

Spring Hikes In The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge

At the northern end of the Shasta Valley lies a large parkland administered by the State of California. The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge was once a working ranch but is now a haven for a variety of wildlife, especially birds. It is also a refuge for hikers looking for incredible vistas. Though it can be closed at times during winter, there are still opportunities to explore it and once it is reopened completely, it is a place of great beauty, beckoning to be explored! Read more here.

Three Spring Trails Near Mount Shasta City 

Mount Shasta City is blessed with a number of great paths within and just outside of its city limits. Three of the best are the Box Canyon, Ney Springs and Spring Hill Trail. These offer solitude, Mount Shasta Vistas, unique history, spectacular geography and even some excellent waterfalls. These all lie just minutes outside of town. Also, don’t forget that Mount Shasta City has some great short trails right in town! Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Lake Siskiyou Trail

The Lake Siskiyou Trail is an incredible recreational resource just a couple minutes outside of Mount Shasta City. During the summer and fall, a loop trail encircles the lake. However, in winter the seasonal bridges over the Sacramento River are removed. While the loop can’t be hiked without fording the river (extremely dangerous after storms and during high runoff), several sections of the trail still make great out and back hikes. They feature beautiful forests, the lake itself and incredible views. Due to the relatively light winter, the bridges should be places over the Sacramento sooner rather than later this year. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Sacramento River

Most people in California think of the Sacramento River as the wide, winding waterway that lazily flows through the Central Valley. Here just below the headwaters, however, it is a swiftly flowing mountain river. Deep in its canyon, the lower elevation means it is often free of snow and the trails are easily accessed. Hiking along the river in winter is a treat that offers a taste of wild mountains for minimal effort. Read more here.

2018 Spring Hiking Round Up

Posted by bubbasuess on April 22, 2018
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Off Season Trails, Spring Trails. Leave a comment

A spectacular spring sunrise on Mount Shasta.

After the long winter, spring is finally upon us. Warmer weather is taking hold, the snow is melting, trees are coming back to life and flowers are beginning to emerge. This is the time to head out and enjoy the great bounty that the Mount Shasta area holds for hikers looking to stretch their legs, enjoy the natural world and feel the warm sunshine once again. Though the winter threatened to be a bad one in terms of snow, March came through and delivered a fair amount of precipitation, including a few feet of snow at the lower elevations. This means that the high country trails are still inaccessible, for the most part, though they should largely open up earlier than usual (or at least much earlier than last year!). In the mean time, we have a host of great trails in the low lands that are prime hiking areas. The best spots to explore this time of year are along the McCloud River and in the Castle Crags. Despite the lower elevation, they still offer great mountain experiences. The high desert of the Shasta Valley is another great place to explore right now. Of course, all the other areas usually considered good winter destinations are also fantastic places to hike right now. Summer may be coming but the time to get out and hit the trail is now!

Spring Hikes In The Castle Crags

The Castle Crags are one of the most majestic mountain features in California. However, their lower elevation means they are often accessible when higher terrain is still smothered in snow. Still, the granite spires and great rock walls stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most rugged terrain in the state. Though best hiked in spring, when the creeks are gushing and the weather, especially on the south side where most trails are found, is perfect, the winter may still be a good time to get out and enjoy this gorgeous mountain playground. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Upper McCloud River

The McCloud River is one of the great attractions of the Mount Shasta area. With great fishing, a trio a awesome waterfalls, and beautiful forest surroundings, it is a popular destination. The waterfall along the river is a great hike and ought to be considered during winter if the access road is open. However, the McCloud River Trail follows the river for 15 miles and any section of this makes a great hike as long as snow is not covering the ground. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Lower McCloud

The Lower McCloud River sees far less activity than the upper section. Separted by Hearst property and the McCloud Reservoir, the two areas are strikingly different. The upper section flows through volcanic terrain while the lower part passes through an outlier of the Klamath Mountain. The terrain is very rugged and can be difficult access during winter. However, when it can be reached, solitude a beautiful scenery await! Read more here.

Spring Hiking At Orr Lake

The area around Orr Lake is a mix of high desert and ponderosa pine forest, surrounding a large, lush meadow fed by remote Butte Creek. It’s higher in elevation than the high desert of the Shasta Valley, which means it is often not a good place to go in winter. However, in spring, it is ideal. The lake is full, the creek is running strong and Mount Shasta, visible beyond the lake, is white. Other than portions of the trail being closed at times for nesting birds, it is a great place to get outside in the months before summer. Read more here.

Spring Hikes In The Shasta Valley

North of Mount Shasta, the desert landscapes of the Shasta Valley offer a strikingly different environment than what is found along most trails in the region. The only conifers here are junipers and sagebrush is ubiquitous. For those that like the desert, the beauty of this area needs no explanation. For those less familiar, there is ample wildlife, beautiful rock formations and magnificent 360 degree views, crowned by some of the best views of Mount Shasta to be found anywhere. Read more here.

Spring Hikes In The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge

At the northern end of the Shasta Valley lies a large parkland administered by the State of California. The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge was once a working ranch but is now a haven for a variety of wildlife, especially birds. It is also a refuge for hikers looking for incredible vistas. Though it can be closed at times during winter, there are still opportunities to explore it and once it is reopened completely, it is a place of great beauty, beckoning to be explored! Read more here.

Three Spring Trails Near Mount Shasta City 

Mount Shasta City is blessed with a number of great paths within and just outside of its city limits. Three of the best are the Box Canyon, Ney Springs and Spring Hill Trail. These offer solitude, Mount Shasta Vistas, unique history, spectacular geography and even some excellent waterfalls. These all lie just minutes outside of town. Also, don’t forget that Mount Shasta City has some great short trails right in town! Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Lake Siskiyou Trail

The Lake Siskiyou Trail is an incredible recreational resource just a couple minutes outside of Mount Shasta City. During the summer and fall, a loop trail encircles the lake. However, in winter the seasonal bridges over the Sacramento River are removed. While the loop can’t be hiked without fording the river (extremely dangerous after storms and during high runoff), several sections of the trail still make great out and back hikes. They feature beautiful forests, the lake itself and incredible views. Due to the relatively light winter, the bridges should be places over the Sacramento sooner rather than later this year. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Sacramento River

Most people in California think of the Sacramento River as the wide, winding waterway that lazily flows through the Central Valley. Here just below the headwaters, however, it is a swiftly flowing mountain river. Deep in its canyon, the lower elevation means it is often free of snow and the trails are easily accessed. Hiking along the river in winter is a treat that offers a taste of wild mountains for minimal effort. Read more here.

2018 Winter Hiking Round Up

Posted by bubbasuess on January 20, 2018
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Off Season Trails, Spring Trails, Winter Trails. 1 Comment

Winter sunrise on Mount Shasta.

Though the cold has been with us for several months now, the rest of winter has been late in arriving. However, with this last bout of precipitation and the hint of more on the horizon, I figure that now is finally the time where it is safe to say that most of the high trails are closed off and those of us who wish to hit the trails are relegated to the paths that course through the lowlands. Fortunately, the Mount Shasta area is well-situated to offer hikers plenty of opportunities to get outside and still enjoy some remarkable beauty, even in the winter. These opportunities are not few either. Whether you want to explore roaring rivers, lakeside paths with great views, rugged canyons, alpine vistas, deep forests, high desert terrain or unique geological features, the lands that lie at the foot of Mount Shasta offer all of these things, even in the dead of winter.

This excellent opportunity is, in large measure, a reflection of Mount Shasta’s geology. The mountain rises out of low valley that lies between the high mountain areas of the Cascade Range and Klamath Mountains. The valley floor itself is low enough that it often escapes the snow that falls at higher elevations. The rivers then rush south, falling lower in elevation still and avoid even more snow. Yet, too the north lies the rain shadow of Mount Shasta. Rather than great conifer forests, the area is desert, thanks to the mountain wringing moistures from the storms that move through. Here, the snow falls infrequently and the trails that explore this area offer hikers great views, lots of sunshine and a strikingly different kind of environment from the alpine areas immediately to the south.

Whatever you are looking for in a winter trail, it is hard to find a more diverse and spectacular setting than those around Mount Shasta!

The following are all articles that discuss off-season hiking opportunities in Mount Shasta. They can also be accessed from the “trails” drop down menu. Click to enlarge all images.

Three Winter Trails Near Mount Shasta City 

Mount Shasta City is blessed with a number of great paths within and just outside of its city limits. Three of the best are the Box Canyon, Ney Springs and Spring Hill Trail. These offer solitude, Mount Shasta Vistas, unique history, spectacular geography and even some excellent waterfalls. These all lie just minutes outside of town. Also, don’t forget that Mount Shasta City has some great short trails right in town! Read more here.

Winter Hikes On The Lake Siskiyou Trail

The Lake Siskiyou Trail is an incredible recreational resource just a couple minutes outside of Mount Shasta City. During the summer and fall, a loop trail encircles the lake. However, in winter the seasonal bridges over the Sacramento River are removed. While the loop can’t be hiked without fording the river (extremely dangerous after storms and during high runoff), several sections of the trail still make great out and back hikes. They feature beautiful forests, the lake itself and incredible views. Read more here.

Winter Hikes On The Sacramento River

Most people in California think of the Sacramento River as the wide, winding waterway that lazily flows through the Central Valley. Here just below the headwaters, however, it is a swiftly flowing mountain river. Deep in its canyon, the lower elevation means it is often free of snow and the trails are easily accessed. Hiking along the river in winter is a treat that offers a taste of wild mountains for minimal effort. Read more here.

Winter Hikes In The Shasta Valley

North of Mount Shasta, the desert landscapes of the Shasta Valley offer a strikingly different environment than what is found along most trails in the region. The only conifers here are junipers and sagebrush is ubiquitous. For those that like the desert, the beauty of this area needs no explanation. For those less familiar, there is ample wildlife, beautiful rock formations and magnificent 360 degree views, crowned by some of the best views of Mount Shasta to be found anywhere. Read more here.

Winter Hikes In The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge

At the northern end of the Shasta Valley lies a large parkland administered by the State of California. The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge was once a working ranch but is now a haven for a variety of wildlife, especially birds. It is also a refuge for hikers looking for incredible vistas. Though it can be closed at times during winter, there are still opportunities to explore it and once it is reopened completely, it is a place of great beauty, beckoning to be explored! Read more here.

Other parts of the Mount Shasta area are best hiked in spring, but often, during drier winters with less snow, some of these areas are also easily accessed during winter and offer stunning hikes for those looking for longer and more rugged outings. It must be noted that these areas have a higher chance of being inaccessible during snowy winters.

Spring Hikes In The Castle Crags

The Castle Crags are one of the most majestic mountain features in California. However, their lower elevation means they are often accessible when higher terrain is still smothered in snow. Still, the granite spires and great rock walls stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most rugged terrain in the state. Though best hiked in spring, when the creeks are gushing and the weather, especially on the south side where most trails are found, is perfect, the winter may still be a good time to get out and enjoy this gorgeous mountain playground. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Upper McCloud River

The McCloud River is one of the great attractions of the Mount Shasta area. With great fishing, a trio a awesome waterfalls, and beautiful forest surroundings, it is a popular destination. The waterfall along the river is a great hike and ought to be considered during winter if the access road is open. However, the McCloud River Trail follows the river for 15 miles and any section of this makes a great hike as long as snow is not covering the ground. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Lower McCloud

The Lower McCloud River sees far less activity than the upper section. Separted by Hearst property and the McCloud Reservoir, the two areas are strikingly different. The upper section flows through volcanic terrain while the lower part passes through an outlier of the Klamath Mountain. The terrain is very rugged and can be difficult access during winter. However, when it can be reached, solitude a beautiful scenery await! Read more here.

The Lost Creeks Of Lake Siskiyou

Posted by bubbasuess on March 14, 2017
Posted in: Hiking, Lakes, Mount Shasta, Off Season Trails, Spring Trails, Water, Winter Trails. Tagged: . Leave a comment

A beautiful and rarely visited section of Castle Lake Creek.

This is just a quick reminder of one of the great features of the Lake Siskiyou Trail that is often overlooked. I have posted in the past on the possible hikes on the north and south shores of Lake Siskiyou that are feasible in winter. The whole loop around the lake is not possible since the bridges at the inlet are removed but there are still some really good hiking options on the trail. The best of these are the oft-forgotten “lost creeks” that flow out of the Trinity Divide and into Lake Siskiyou.

Mount Eddy from the South Shore, near the creeks.

This time of year, I tend to stick to the north shore because of Wagon Creek Bridge, the good views from the boat launch area and the excellent destination that is the lake’s inlet, where the Sacramento River flows into the reservoir. However, the south shore has its own charms, not the least of which is its stunning view of Mount Shasta (truly one of the finest there is). There may not be as clear cut a destination on the south shore, unless you are willing to put in a little extra work. That is where the “lost creeks” come in. Both Castle Lake Creek and Scott Camp Creek are lively, clear flowing mountain streams that shoot through deep canyons before passing under South Fork Road and then flowing into Lake Siskiyou. Between the road and the lake, they have 0.15 and 0.25 miles to go before reaching the still water of the lake. These last bits of free-flowing water are beautiful and wild and generally unthought of as an option to enjoy while other mountain creeks are still bound by snow.

The Lake Siskiyou Trail passes along both sides of Castle Lake Creek and Scott Camp Creek. In both cases the trail is well above the creeks, with steep embankments leading down to the water. There are, however, worn paths leading down to the water. The forest can be thick in places but it is still easy to get down and maneuver along the banks. This is generally truer closer to the lake. Of the two creeks, Scott Camp Creek tends to get more visitors because it is closer to the Lake Siskiyou Resort. Castle Lake Creek is further away from the South Shore trailhead and the resort and consequently gets fewer hikers heading to it. However, this time of year the resort has little activity and both creeks are great, easy-to-get-to destinations for solitude and free-flowing beauty. While the weather is warm, consider heading out to them!

Click to enlarge:

2015 Winter Hiking Round Up

Posted by bubbasuess on December 27, 2014
Posted in: Desert, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Off Season Trails, Rivers, Spring Trails, Winter Trails. 2 Comments

Cascades, Pluto's Cave - March2013 144 copy (Custom)

After a very dry 2014, the month of December gave us some much needed precipitation. While it was mostly rain in the low areas around Mount Shasta, the snows have finally descended on the high country. Despite the drop in temperature, this does not mean that hiking is no longer a viable activity in the area. On the contrary, there are several fantastic trails that can be hiked this time of year. With the weather looking sunny for the next week before more rain (or hopefully snow) moves in, this is a great time to review the trails that are generally accessible when the white stuff has smothered the alpine trails.

Mount Shasta City Area Trails

Around Mount Shasta City, there are many trails that offer either great views or the opportunity to enjoy one of the area’s fantastic natural spectacles. Obviously Mount Shasta and the surrounding peaks will naturally draw attention, but the Sacramento River and many of its tributaries also offer fantastic hiking with rugged, beautiful and often historic scenery. These trails are incredibly convenient and are located either right on the edge town or just a couple minutes outside of the community. For convenience, scenery ease of hiking, these are tough to beat.

Three Winter Hikes Near Mount Shasta City

Two Winter Hikes On The Lake Siskiyou Trail

Short Trails In Mount Shasta City

Shasta Valley Trails

Falling as it does in the rainshadow of Mount Shasta, the Shasta Valley is an obvious destination for hiking in the winter. With less precipitation, it is unlikely for any of the trails to be covered in snow for more than a couple of days after a major storm. This is a great blessing for hikers looking to get outside in the wintertime. The juniper and sagebrush flats are punctuated by lava flows and small volcanic domes. While the terrain is interesting and a great change of pace from the pine and fir forests that are ubiquitous in other parts of the region, it is the epic views of Mount Shasta’s glacier clad north face that is the highlight of these trails.

Winter Hiking In The Shasta Valley

Winter Hiking In the Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge

Sacramento River Trails

The Sacramento River lies low enough that it often escapes the worst of the winter snows, leaving the trails available to hikers looking for some beautiful riparian scenery. Though there are not many trails along the river, and those that there are are not long, the trails are still good options for winter outings and can fill the void many of us need for natural settings until other, high trails become available.

Three Trails Along The Sacramento River

Castle Crags Trails

Although many of the trails in the Castle Crags are high enough to get substantial snow, they are often still available during the winter. This is especially true of some of the paths that wind through the Crags’ lowest reaches. Some judgement should be exercised when considering a winter hike in the Castle Crags. Admittedly, these are hikes that are optimal in the spring rather than winter. Nonetheless, these should not be completely avoided in the winter.

Spring Hiking In The Castle Crags

McCloud River Trails

Like the Castle Crags, the McCloud River is high enough that it can get enough snow to make winter hiking unrealistic. However, much of the winter the trails can still be accessible and the river, especially its three waterfalls, should not be avoided. This can also make an epic snowshoe trip!

McCloud River Trails

 

I hope that everybody had a great Christmas and that 2015 is a fantastic year for all of us. Thanks for reading HikeMtShasta.com!

Mount Shasta Area Spring Hiking Round Up

Posted by bubbasuess on April 6, 2014
Posted in: Hiking, Mount Shasta, Spring Trails, Winter Trails. 3 Comments
Cascades, Mt. Shasta - Dec2010 011 copy (Custom)

Morning reflection of Mount Shasta from the Lake Siskiyou Trail.

With the skies clearing and warm weather in the forecast, this is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the great lower-elevation trails that the Mount Shasta area offers. Even though the paths that wind through the high, alpine country are what this area is generally known for, they do not permit great hiking in the colder months when they are usually blanketed in snow. This is in contrast to the lower elevation trails, which offer great scenery throughout the year and are usually not burdened by the white stuff on the trail. These paths may lack the lakes, cliffs and alpine splendor of their high neighbors but they have delights are all their own, including roaring rivers, thundering waterfalls, views of Mount Shasta and the opportunity to find isolation in the deep forests that surround California’s most magnificent mountain. The settings of the off-season trails are also diverse. From the high desert of the Shasta Valley to the rugged towers of the Castle Crags to the surging waters of the McCloud and Sacramento Rivers, there is a surprising variety in these areas. While many other mountain regions lack good winter and early spring hiking options, the Mount Shasta area is blessed with an abundance of great opportunities.

Mount Shasta City Area Trails

The area immediately surrounding Mount Shasta City is fortunate to have such great hiking options. Whether one is looking for wild rivers and waterfalls, cool forests or great views of Mount Shasta, hikers will find wonderful trails close to town.

Three trails around Mount Shasta City

Two winter Hikes on the Lake Siskiyou Trail

Without venturing out of town there is a great trio of great short walks within town as well!

Shasta Valley Trails

The sagebrush and juniper laden high desert of the Shasta Valley stands in striking opposition the deep forests that thrive in the higher, cooler climates elsewhere around Mount Shasta. The arid environment is a fantastic change of pace with a beauty all its own and the sparse vegetation yields tremendous views of Mount Shasta.

Hiking in the Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge

Winter hiking in the Shasta Valley

McCloud River Trails

The trails along the McCloud River and its tributary Squaw Valley Creek all offer hikers the chance to enjoy the superlative McCloud River, its excellent waterfalls, and refreshing creek. For hikers who love running water, it is hard to do better than these.

McCloud River trails

Sacramento River Trails

Like the trails along the McCloud, the paths accessing the Sacramento River offer great views of California’s largest and longest river, as well as the chance to enjoy a fine waterfall and some great Mount Shasta area history.

Three trails along the Sacramento River

Castle Crags Trails

Easily the most spectacular landmark in the region after Mount Shasta, the Castle Crags offer many great spring hiking options. The granite spires of the Crags make the trails in the area seem like they are at a much higher elevation than they really are. In addition to the seemingly interminable towers the Castle Crags are also home to two of the finest waterfalls in the Mount Shasta area. Spring is the perfect time to hike these trails, when the weather is cooler and spring snow melt keeps the falls in fine form.

Spring hiking in the Castle Crags

Off Season Trails: Winter Hiking In The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge

Posted by bubbasuess on March 21, 2014
Posted in: Desert, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Off Season Trails, Rivers, Spring Trails, Winter Trails. Tagged: . 17 Comments
Shasta Valley - Jan2011 014 (Custom)

Mount Shasta towers above the Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge.

The Shasta Valley to the north of Mount Shasta is a starkly beautiful high desert region. Falling in Mount Shasta’s rainshadow, the valley’s dry environment is remarkably different from cool forests that surround the other sides of the massive volcano. It also differs from the higher, wooded areas in terms of public access. Where Mount Shasta and the surrounding mountains are all on public land and are open for recreation, only small pieces along the Shasta Valley’s southeastern fringe are open to the public. Consequently, most of the valley is off limits to hikers, which is particularly unfortunate in the winter and spring when the high desert environment means the potential for excellent, snow-free off season hiking. Fortunately, there is a single, lone exception to this situation. The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge, hidden in the northern end of the Shasta Valley, is a large 4,657 park administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Originally a ranch, the land has now been converted into a park that provides refuge to deer, coyotes, mountain lions and countless smaller mammals and birds. It is also a refuge for hikers eager to enjoy incredible views and warmer, drier lands during the colder parts of the year.

Shasta Valley - Jan2011 001 (Custom)

The Goosenest and the Little Shasta River.

If the wildlife refuge has one drawback with regards to hiking, it is the distinct lack of hiking trails. Officially, none exist within the park. Most infrastructure that currently exists is a remnant of the land’s other iteration as a ranch. There are gravel roads coursing through the park as well as older roads that resemble parallel single track trails. These older roads, when they are found, make great hiking paths. Irrigation channels, pumps and levees are still prevalent in the park as well. Some recreational amenities have been established, most notably the series of parking areas throughout the park. These implicitly encourage hikers to park and explore the refuge on foot. Unfortunately, a large part of the refuge, an area with some of the park’s most interesting terrain, is off limits to hikers in order to preserve the area specifically for wildlife. Despite this there are ample places to explore and incredible views to be in the rest of the refuge.

Cascades, Mt. Shasta - Feb2014 047 copy (Custom)

Amazing view of Mount Shasta and Trout Lake.

The most notable hike in the Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge, and the one most resembling a traditional trail, is the Trout Lake Trail. This path follows first a series of levees, then a single track trail and finally a very old road that resembles a foot path far more than it does road. This hike hugs the west shore of surprisingly large Trout Lake, one of the refuge’s trio of small reservoirs known for their exceptional fishing. Trout Lake is also the most scenic of the three lakes. Mount Shasta towers majestically over the lake and is visible from most of the trail. In particular, the vista from the top of the west shore hill is one of the finest views of the mountain to be found anywhere. The contrast of the cool waters of Trout Lake contrasted by the arid high desert terrain and crowned by the glacier-clad volcano is tremendous.

Shasta Valley - Jan2011 017 (Custom)

Steamboat Mountain from a refuge road.

Though the Trout Lake Trail is the best hike in the refuge, it is by no means the only good option. If hikers are willing to hike the park’s roads there are several other interesting options for hiking. Most of the interesting sights are focused on three areas. The first is the Little Shasta River. This small river begins in the Little Shasta Meadow high in the Cascade Crest, on the slopes of Willow Creek Mountain. It flows west through an impressive canyon and eventually joins the Shasta River. The section of the Little Shasta River that passes through the wildlife refuge is the only section of the river that is publically accessible. While its waters are not swift moving as it flows through the park, it is still a refreshing sight to see the water making its way through the high desert. The second part of the refuge that will attract hikers is the Bass Lake area. It is possible to hike the lake’s entire shoreline. There is also a network of old, seldom used roads that connect Bass Lake to Trout Lake. These roads pass small volcanic hillocks, meadows and small ponds. The last part of the refuge to explore is the Steamboat Mountain area. Though the mountain itself is within the closed area, roads encircle the mountain and make for a great hiking loop. The views of the Cascade crest, including the Goosenest and Willow Creek Mountain are great on the north side of Steamboat Mountain. The road along the southern side of the mountain is tucked between Steamboat Mountain and Steamboat Lake, the park’s third reservoir. This part of the refuge in particular gets little use. While not focused on a single specific point, one other potentially good hiking opportunity would be to explore some of the many volcanic domes and hills that dot the refuge. A few of these have rugged, rocky jumbles of rocks on the top, giving them a turret-like appearance.

Cascades, Mt. Shasta - Jan2011 036 (Custom)

A refuge sunset on Mount Shasta.

Whichever area hikers decide to explore, they are in for a treat. The incredible spectacle of Mount Shasta looming above the arid land is fantastic and makes for awesome hiking. Even though the refuge lacks traditional hiking trails it is still a great destination for getting outside and enjoying nature even when the mountain trails are covered in snow or muddy. Even if visitors are not set on spending the day on foot, there are still many opportunities for nature lovers to enjoy themselves in the Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge. Bird watchers will find much to appreciate and fishermen will appreciate the excellent fishing in the park’s lakes. Best of all, those blessed to enjoy a sunset at Trout Lake will experience one of the finest sunset views of Mount Shasta, complete with a reflection in the lake’s waters if the wind is not blowing. Considering how magnificent the view is and striking its landscape, it is crazy that the refuge remains fairly anonymous.

Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge Gallery

Off Season Trails: Spring Hikes In The Castle Crags

Posted by bubbasuess on May 4, 2013
Posted in: Castle Crags, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Off Season Trails, Spring Trails, Waterfalls. 12 Comments
Trinity Divide, Castle Crags - April2013 091_edited-1 (Custom)

Mount Shasta from the Observation Deck on the Castle Dome Trail.

Winter snows deprive hikers of the alpine scenery they crave and force them to find more creative alternatives in order to hit the trail. Spring, on the other hand, is the perfect time to hike the trails in the Castle Crags, one of Northern California’s most stunning features. The Castle Crags are most often viewed while driving north on Interstate 5. Since leaving Redding, the freeway passes through seemingly unending forestland as it winds first around Shasta Lake and then up the canyon of the Upper Sacramento River. Eventually I-5 rounds a bend and suddenly the Crags present themselves. The soaring granite spires, too numerous to count, huddle together to form a massive rampart towering thousands of feet above the highway. Then, nearly as suddenly the freeway rounds another bend and the Castle Crags disappear, to appear only in tantalizingly brief moments before reaching Dunsmuir. With the sole exception of majestic Mount Shasta, the Castle Crags are the most recognizable landmark in California north of Redding. Their rugged towers seem to be alone amidst a sea of densely forested ridges and they beckon hikers and adventurers to explore them.

Trinity Divide, Castle Crags - April2013 070_edited-2 copya (Custom)

Granite towers of the Castle Crags.

Spring is the best time to hike the Castle Crags because, despite their alpine appearance, they are very low elevation mountains. The highest point in the crags barely exceeds 6,000 feet and this highest point accessible by a maintained trail is only 4,700. Consequently, while the high country is still snowbound in spring, the trails in the Castle Crags are usually clear, the creeks are running strong and the leaves are beginning to come out. Most importantly, the temperatures are typically pleasant. The lower elevation means that in the summer the temperatures can be hot and are often too much so for comfortable hiking. Of course, if should be noted that autumn also has great weather for hiking in the Castle Crags but by then the creeks have usually dried up.

The Castle Crags are administered by two separate agencies. Most of the territory is controlled by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest which has designated the area as the Castle Crags Wilderness. This means that the area is set aside as a wild preserve and only primitive recreation (hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing) is permitted within its boundaries. A smaller section of the Crags is run by Castle Crags State Park. Unfortunately, the park contains almost none of the granite spires that draw people to the Crags. Instead, the park functions as a gatekeeper, extracting an entrance fee in order for people to hike through state land to access the national forest.

756084 copy (Custom)

Racing waters of Burstarse Creek.

There are several trails in the Castle Crags that offer great springtime destinations. The most well-known is the Castle Dome Trail. If the desire is to climb (steeply!) into the high granite reaches of the Crags, this is the trail to hike. Although the views are not great for the first two thirds of the hike, the latter third is exceptionally scenic, offering great views of the Grey Rocks, Castle Dome, the Castle Crags and Mount Shasta. It also provides an opportunity to do some exploring in the granite spire-filled hinterland. Although the Castle Dome Trail is the most popular hike in the Castle Crags it is not the most well known. The Pacific Crest Trail completely traverses the southern side of the Crags, totaling 12.5 miles. Most of this trail is of interest to hikers, especially in the spring. A great 2.5 mile stretch of the trail heading east leads to a cross country route accessing Burstarse Falls. The easternmost 6.75 miles is also a great spring hike and boasts great views of the Crags and the jagged Grey Rocks as well as several attractive creeks that have excellent flow in the spring. The Root Creek Trail, on the east side of the Castle Crags leads to Root Creek. There is a cross country route up the creek to a vista below awesome Root Creek Falls.

Castle Dome Trail:

Trinity Divide, Castle Crags - April2013 066_edited-1 (Custom)

Castle Dome

Easily the most popular trail in the Castle Crags, the Castle Dome Trail is the only trail that delivers an intimate exposure to the spectacular scenery Crags have to offer. Climbing through the forested ridges below the granite spires, the trail is at first a monotonous slog with little in the way of scenery. Eventually the effort pays off as the path breaks out of the woods and offers amazing views of the surrounding area, most notably the Castle Creek drainage, the Grey Rocks and the granite walls of Six-Toe Rock. A side trip to Indian Spring is a well-watered and relaxing oasis. From this point on, the trail is a scenic and exciting ascent through rocky pinnacles and along narrow cliffs. Along the way there are more views, this time of Castle Dome and awesome Mount Shasta. When the route finally reaches the saddle slung between the main body of the Castle Crags and Castle Dome, there are a few different options. Besides attempting to reach the summit of Castle Dome, hikers can climb atop the Observation Deck, which offers amazing views of Mount Shasta, peer down into the depths of Root Creek Canyon or scramble to the base of sheer Mount Hubris. Whatever the decision, this is as close as most people get to the towering granite splendor of the Castle Crags. Spring is the ideal time to do this hike. Though the forest cover provides ample shade this trail is low enough that is can get very hot during the summer. The lack of shade on the saddle is also notable. During spring, the temperatures are comfortable and the weather is generally pleasant.

Pacific Crest Trail to Burstarse Falls:

Trinity Divide, Castle Crags - April2011 030 copy (Custom)

Burstarse Falls

Although the PCT traverses over 12 miles of the lower flanks of the Castle Crags, little of it offers taps the scenic potential the Crags offer. Much of it is through the thick forest that cloaks the feet of the mighty towers. There are occasional glimpses of the spires but hiking most of it with the expectation of experiencing the majesty of these mountains. Only the highest portion of the trail’s passage through the Castle Crags reveals the kind of views one might anticipate. Still, there is one section of the PCT, accessed by the short Dog Trail, that is a worthy day hiking, culminating with a scramble through the beautiful canyon of Burstarse Creek. Here the granite finally makes an appearance. The creek swiftly descends a series of rocky sluices and over several beautiful cataracts. At the head of the canyon is Burstarse Falls, one of the finer waterfalls in the Mount Shasta area. Spring is ideal for this hike since the water in Burstarse Creek will be at full flow. Later in the year the volume subsides significantly. This trail is also free of snow fairly early.

Pacific Crest Trail along lower Castle Crags:

Trinity Divide, Castle Crags - March2014 004 (Custom)

Battle Mountain towers above the PCT.

The eastern section of the Pacific Crest Trail’s traverse of the Castle Crags makes a great shuttle hike. Also accessed via the Dog Trail, the long traverse passes through lower mountain forests that are a mix of pine, fir and oak. Thankfully it is not just a trip through the forest since frequent open areas provide amazing views of the Castle Crags, specifically the Battle Mountain towers. There are also tremendous views of the Castle Creek valley crowned by the rugged peaks known as the Grey Rocks. Crossings of two forks of Indian Creek, Dump Creek and multiple forks of Indian Creek also make for refreshing and scenic hiking. Though this section of the PCT is not known for waterfalls, most of the creeks have very pleasant cataracts on them. A full traverse of this section of the trail normally ends at the Soda Creek trailhead at I-5. However, junctions with the Flume Trail, Bob’s Hat Trail, Castle Dome Trail, Root Creek Trail and Kettlebelly Ridge Trail all lead back to trailheads in Castle Crags State Park, which give campers at that park multiple options to modify the journey. For hikers not able to shuttle, the hike to Indian Creek is still a great option for an out and back via the Dog Trail.

Root Creek Trail:

Trinity Divide, Castle Crags - April2011 050 copy (Custom)

Root Creek Falls

This trail is something of a mixed bag. While not steep, the trail is extremely monotonous for all but the very end of the hike. It is essential a romp through seemingly unending forest. This may in fact be just the ticket for those who have been housebound for much of the winter. Just stretching the legs in the woods can be a great warm-up for better things to come as the season progresses. This may especially be the case because this trail has the easiest access and the lowest elevation of all the paths in the Castle Crags. The trailhead is right at the exit off of I-5, so there is no need to wait for roads to be cleared to reach this hike. What is the payoff for the not-so-exciting trail? Root Creek Falls is the reward for making the trek to the end of the trail. When the path ends at Root Creek, there is a short cross country scramble to a view of the awesome waterfall. The multi-tiered cascade is best viewed in spring when the water levels are high. Towering overhead is the smooth granite tower of Castle Dome. The scene is incredible and the perfect cure to the winter doldrums.

Flume Trail:

Flume 1

Crossing over Indian Creek.

One of the easier hikes in the Castle Crags, this trail travels along the lowest reaches of the Crags. It begins on the Indian Creek Nature Trail, crosses the eponymously named creek before reaching a junction at the proper beginning of the Flume Trail. At this point, the path follows the route of a 19th century flume, the remnants of which are still visible in many places. The trail passes beautiful forests, a primitive campground and expansive groves of oaks. The latter part of the trail combines with a short section of the Pacific Crest Trail to form a nice loop. This part of the hike is highlighted by the crossing over Dump Creek, some spectacular views of the Castle Crags and a dramatic overlook where most of Castle Creek’s watershed is revealed. On the return, the junction with the Indian Creek Nature Trail includes the option to return via the second half of that trail’s short loop. This includes another crossing of the lovely creek amidst granite boulders. This is a great place to relax and put your feet in the water.