Upper McCloud River Trail
Enjoy a leisurely day hike or short walk along the upper McCloud River. This trail is accessed at several points along the McCloud River Loop Road and skirts the upper portion of the McCloud River.
This trail begins at Lower Falls Day Use Area and winds its way for approximately 12 miles along the river to Cattle Camp Campground. Along the way you will pass the three falls of the upper McCloud River, displayed below, including the picturesque Middle Falls. The trail itself is a relatively easy hike with some paved sections.
This trail is an excellent way for fishermen to access the river's edge to drop a fly or lure.
How do I get there?
Take Highway 89 for 15 miles east of the junction of Interstate 5 and Highway 89, and 5 miles east of the community of McCloud, then turn south on a paved road signed for Fowlers Campground. Go 0.6 miles through the first intersection and bear right following the signs to Lower Falls Day Use Area.
The trailhead is at the bottom of the Lower Falls stairway
Squaw Valley Creek Trail
Squaw Valley Creek is a beautiful stream, lined with deep, sun-dappled pools, boisterous waterfalls, and long rapids. Umbrella plant of Indian Rhubarb grows thickly along the rocky shores shading the water beneath ad dark formations of basalt hem the stream and provide spectacular bluffs and obstacles to the water's flow.
It flows through a mature mixed conifer forest that includes Douglas fir, Pacific yew, pine and cedar.
Black oak, vine maple and dogwood form the understory and provide brilliant color on brisk autumn day.
The ground is moss covered and damp. Wild ginger, iris, wild rose, bleeding hearts and skyrockets grow profusely.
You should be alert to poison oak...it grows everywhere along the trail.
The Squaw Valley Creek trail meanders five miles along Squaw Valley Creek and ends at a private locked road that heads down to the McCloud River. It is a there and back trail, with lots of level ground and gentle climbs.
It periodically dips to creek level where one can picnic, fish for native trout and swim.
There are few locations that are suitable for camping along the trail but a good place for a backpacking camp is at the south end. Shortly after beginning your hike down the trail you will come to another trail that joins Squaw Valley Creek from the east via a footbridge.
This is the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) winding its way from the Lower McCloud River to Castle Crags.
It and the Squaw Valley Creek Trail run concurrently for a short distance until the PCT forks off and heads up-hill. The junction is marked.
As you hike the trail, watch for the tracks of black tailed deer, black bear and other animals. If you are quiet you might be lucky to observe one or more of these animals in the wild. Listen for the chatter of stellar's jays, the kakking call of the northern goshawk. Watch for American dippers or ouzels in the stream. In the evening you could hear the hoot of the great horned owl.
How do I get there?
From Interstate 5, take the McCloud exit (State Route 89) and travel south approximately 13 miles to the town of McCloud. Turn right at the McCloud central business district, following the signs for Squaw Valley Creek Road and the McCloud Reservoir. Continue on this road for 6.1 miles.
Just past a camping and RV park named "Friday's Retreat", turn right onto Lower Squaw Valley Creek Road.
This is a dirt road with a sign saying "Rough Road", but is easily passable with a highway vehicle. Continue on this road for 3.1 miles. At this point, you will cross over a concrete bridge.
The parking area and trailhead are on the left immediately after you cross the bridge.
The trail crosses Cabin Creek a short distance after you leave the trailhead and follows the west side of Squaw Valley Creek. Further information about this beautiful hiking trail may be obtained from the McCloud Ranger Station.
Sisson-Callahan National Recreation Trail
Spectacular mountain scenery can be found along the entire route of the 9 mile Sisson-Callahan National Recreation Trail. Mt. Shasta rises to the east and Mount Eddy lies to the north. No less spectacular are the views of Castle Crags to the south and the Trinity Alp to the west as seen from Deadfall Summit.
The trail crosses Deadfall Summit above Deadfall Lakes at the 8,020 foot elevation. Spring hikers may find snow at the summit and be able to enjoy the fragrant azaleas in bloom along the North Fork portions of the trail.
Mountain meadows and a variety of conifer species occur through the area.
Water is plentiful and campsites are found at frequent intervals. Fishing is popular along the North Fork of the Sacramento River which the trail follows, and at Deadfall Lakes near the western portion of the trail.
The Sisson-Callahan is one of 47 National Recreation Trails in the National Forests in California. The National Recreation was established by Congress in 1968 to promote public enjoyment and appreciation of the out-door areas of the nation.
Designated as a National Recreation Trail in December, 1979, most of the Sisson-Callahan Trail follows a portion of the historical route from the town of Sisson (renamed Mt. Shasta) to the mining town of Callahan.
Cattlemen, prospectors and trappers who came into the Upper Trinity Area from Scott Valley first established the trail in the mid-1800's. The trail was constructed around 1911 shortly after the creation of the Shasta National Forest.
The trail linked the Callahan Ranger Station with the Forest Headquarters which was in Sisson (Mt. Shasta) at the time. The trail provided a much shorter route for forest officers traveling between the two stations than the wagon road from Sisson to Gazelle and then up Willow Creek to Callahan.
A telephone line was also maintained along the trail between the two stations. The trail also served as access to a Forest Service lookout on Mt. Eddy. The lookout was abandoned in 1931. The original Forest Service trail blazes may still be seen along the trail.
Beginning a 3,500 feet near Lake Siskiyou, the Sisson-Callahan Trail climbs to the 8,020 foot Deadfall Summit, then drops to 7,200 feet to tie in with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The trail can be traversed by foot or horseback. Walking from Parks Creek Summit to Lake Siskiyou is a good all-day trip for the average hiker. This route is all downhill from Deadfall Summit. The first half-mile of the trail above Lake Siskiyou is on private land. Please respect the rights of the private landowner.
How do I get there?
East end of the trail (North Shore Road) - From W.A. Barr Road (southwest of Mt. Shasta City) turn west onto the North Shore Road (40N27). Follow the North Shore Road to Deer Creek. Cross the wooden bridge on Deer Creek and take the left fork in the road at the next major intersection. Look for a parking place in this area that is off the main road. Within a quarter-mile you will come to the North Fork of the Sacramento River. You will have to wade across the river. Running parallel to the river is an old logging road. Follow this road for about a half-mile. The road will narrow, cross a small creek and lead into the Sisson-Callahan National Recreation Trail.
West end of the trail (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 Road. 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 approximately 10 miles to the Parks Creek Summit. Parks Creek Summit is where the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses FR 42N17.
You can start here and follow the PCT south 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.
For further information about trail conditions or driving directions to this beautiful and historic trail please call the Mount Shasta Ranger Station at (530)926-4511.
Black Butte Trail
From the summit of Black Butte (6,325 feet), you will get a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Mount 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 town of Weed, the Shasta Valley and Mt. McLaughlin in Oregon are to the north.
Famed naturalist John Muir called it "Muir's Peak" when he visited the Mt. Shasta area during the late 1800's.
Since that time, it has been successively named Wintoon Butte, Cone Mountain and, finally...Black Butte.
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 lookout that was built at the summit. Pack animals were used to bring supplies to the lookout. The original lookout was destroyed during the Columbus Day Storm of 1962.
A new lookout was built the following year and was operated until 1973. During the fall of 1975, the lookout structure was removed and flown by helicopter to a new location above the Pit River. The only remaining evidence of the lookout is the concrete foundation at the summit.
Of volcanic origin, Black Butte is a steep, nearly treeless dome of hornblende andesite. It was formed about 10,000 years ago at about the same time as Shastina Crater on Mt. Shasta. A large crater first developed at the base of Mt. Shasta.
Soon, very thick magma began to issue from the crater. Four successive eruptions of material with the consistency of cookie dough were forced above the crater rim. As the flow cooled, internal stress caused the lava to break into chunks that rolled down the side of the dome. Remnants of the solid core can be seen as crags near the summit.
The trail is about 2.56 miles from the trailhead to the summit. The trail is maintained annually, however the 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. Although they are rarely seen, a good population of rattlesnakes live in and around Black Butte, so care must be taken to avoid these critters and hikers should wear appropriate footwear.
How do I get there?
From the Ranger Station in Mt. Shasta, 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 power line, take the dirt road to the left. Go approximately .5 mile on this road to the trailhead. Parking at the trailhead is very limited. Please park off the access road and turn around loop. The route is not recommended for busses or vehicles pulling trailers.
For further information, you may contact the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station at (530)926-4511.
Sims Flat Historic Trail
Located in the shadow of Mount Shasta, on the beautiful Upper Sacramento River Canyon, Sims
Flat Campground abounds with history.
This 1.0 mile trail brings the varied past of this place to life. Not very long ago, the sounds of a sawmill once whined through the air while a mountain railroad chugged its loads of log-laden cars. Later, in the 1930's, the Civilian Conservation Corps set-up a multi-racial camp at Sims Flat--Company 978 from Oakland.
Today, five signs at Sims Flat tell the colorful history of this unassuming place. You can also pick-up a brochure about Sims Flat at the Mount Shasta Ranger Station.
How do I get there?
Sims Flat Campground is about 40 miles north of Redding, Ca. just off of Interstate 5. Take the Sims exit, east. The road turns south and crosses the railroad tracks and the Sacramento River. Soon after crossing the river, you will see signs directing you to Sims Flat Campground.
Ten signs along this 0.25 mile trail highlight the strange twists and turns this land has witnessed: from its history as an Indian Settlement, through its development as a private fishing retreat.
The McCloud's shimmering, clear, green waters and its abundant trout fishery attracted the well-to-do from San Francisco, eventually including the William Randolph Hearst family.
Historic photographs on the trail signs provide a peek into the lifestyle of the Hearst's and into the lives of the caretakers of their river retreat. The stories of farming, orcharding, and the fishing in the area are also told. Pick-up a leaflet about Ah-Di-Na's history from the McCloud Ranger Station.
The land was acquired by the Forest Service in 1965. In 1990, an old log cabin at Ah-Di-Na was reconstructed by the Forest Service and volunteers. Traditional tools such as broad axes, log tongs, draw knives, and various chisels and sledges were used in the restoration work.
How do I get there?
The trail is located in the Ah-Di-Na Campground. It is a 45-minute drive south of the town of McCloud, California, partially on dirt roads. Travel on State Highway 89 to McCloud and turn south on Squaw Valley Creek Road;
Follow it to the McCloud Reservoir. Signs from the reservoir will lead you to Ah-Di-Na.
The trip is approximately 18 miles, one-way, from McCloud.
This trail is an easy hike.
Ah-Di-Na Historic Trail
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail
July-September - 567 Miles
North of Donner Summit ( elev. 7,200*), old volcanic flows and sediments bury most of the ancient bedrock of the Sierra Nevada crest, making travel in this section potentially dusty in late summer. Beyond the North Fork of the Feather River, the Sierra Nevada yields to the southern Cascade Range. Rich in nutrients, the volcanic soils here are at the right elevation and receive sufficient rainfall to produce exceptional forests.
Other plants include lupine, paintbrush, larkspur, columbine, gooseberry, and manzanita. Animals include raccoon, marten, mink, badger, fox, bobcat, and the ever-present deer and black bear. In the fall, the skies are often filled with migrating birds on their journey south along the Pacific coast flyway.
This is prime logging country (as are most of the PCT 's lands north of here), and the trail crosses many back roads. Midway through the southern Cascade Range, the PCT crosses Highway 89 and traverses Lassen Volcanic National Park, overseen by Lassen Peak ( elev. 10,457*). North of the park the PCT follows the mostly waterless Hat Creek Rim toward majestic Mt. Shasta, which dominates the north-state skyline.
Rather than continue north through the dry southern Cascades beyond Mt. Shasta, the PCT turns west toward greener lands, dropping to cross the Sacramento River ( elev. 2,130*) at Interstate 5 before entering Castle Crags State Park and the Trinity Alps.
The trail reaches 7,600* elevation in the mountains connecting the inland Cascade Range with the coastal ranges, winding north through the Marble Mountains before descending to the Klamath River ( elev. 1,370*). It climbs again to the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains and traverses east, entering Oregon near this section's end at Interstate 5 near Siskiyou Summit ( elev. 4,310*).
Hike to thundering cascades in the shadow of Mt. Shasta
Take a few detours on backroads off State 89 and State 299, and you'll easily find a half-dozen cataracts, including some local secrets. Flowing over mossy ledges or cascading into deep pools,
these falls are well worth a weekend visit.
Long before you reach McArthur-Burney Falls, it reaches out to you, sending a cool mist up the canyon to coat your face.
Descend the steep trail through giant Douglas fir trees and stand before the deluge, you'll find yourself staring into a broad-shouldered, powerful wall of water.
McArthur-Burney Falls is the jewel of Northern California's McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, and it's easy to visit on a drive northeast of Redding. But it isn't the only waterfall in the Mt. Shasta region
Burstarse Falls and Sulphur Creek Trail
Description and Comments:
The trail begins on the west side of the parking area. It climbs steeply .6 mile to reach the Pacific Crest Trail.
Travel a gently rising mile through a mixed forest of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, incense cedar, and black oak to Popcorn Spring.
Continue another .8 mile to a first encounter with Burstarse Creek. Hike past it on the PCT and go .3 mile to Ugly Creek. Continue another .1 mile to a point where the trail makes a 180-degree turn.
Here you leave the PCT and hike down to Burstarse Creek. (Keep a close watch for poison oak.)
Follow the creek uphill 100 yards to the seclusion and beauty of the 40-foot waterfall.
Upon your return to the spur trail off the PCT that you hiked up from Castle Creek Road, continue another .6 mile on the PCT to the shady waters of Sulphur Creek before returning to the trailhead
Directions to the Trailhead:
Take the Castella exit off I-5 about 6 miles south of Dunsmuir. Drive west 3.2 miles on Castle Creek Road and then turn right into a large clearing
Controlling Agency:
Mount Shasta Ranger Station, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, 204 West Alma, Mount Shasta, CA 96067; (530) 926-4511;
River Trail
Description and Comments:
Take steps down and under the railroad tracks. You'll quickly reach a footbridge across the Sacramento River, a peaceful spot to stop and watch the water flow.
The path then runs a mile upstream above and occasionally alongside the east bank.
A few steep side trails allow access to various points along the river, and strong swimmers will find places to submerge themselves.
Directions to the Trailhead:
Drive I-5 to the Castella/Castle Crags State Park exit.
Go to the east side of the freeway and turn left on Frontage Road.
Continue .5 mile and park on the right near the "River Trail" sign
Controlling Agency:
Castle Crags State Park, P.O. Box 80, Castella, CA 96017; (530) 235-2684;
Indian Creek and Flume Trails
Description and Comments:
Grab the brochure at park headquarters that explains what you will find at the numbered posts along the Indian Creek Trail. Reach a trail fork and go left.
Climb gently, cross Indian Creek, and then go left at .5 mile onto the Flume Trail.
This path parallels an old wooden flume that brought water from Castle Creek.
Travel through a ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest to another fork at .7 mile, where you turn left and drop down to environmental campsites near Castle Creek Road.
Return back to the Indian Creek Trail. Head left to complete the loop and end the hike back at the parking area
Directions to the Trailhead:
Take the Castella exit off I-5 about 6 miles south of Dunsmuir. Go west and enter Castle Crags State Park (entrance fee). Park on the left side just beyond the headquarters building
Controlling Agency:
Castle Crags State Park, P.O. Box 80, Castella, CA 96017; (530) 235-2684;
Day hike to Horse Camp on Mount Shasta
High on the slopes of Mount Shasta, this moderately difficult hike to Horse Camp at 8,000 feet on Mount Shasta begins at Bunny Flat near the end of Everitt Memorial Highway.
The trail is 1-3/4 miles, mostly uphill though not too steep. You will have fabulous views of the southside of the mountain.
At Horse Camp you can rest at the Sierra Club Cabin, built by stonemasons 75 years ago, or camp in the designated campsites.
The cabin is a meeting place and base camp for climbers taking the traditional John Muir Route to the summit. There may be snow on the trail well into the summer, so dress in layers, wear waterproof boots, bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
Drinking water is available at the cabin during the summer months. Check weather conditions on the mountain, which can be very different from those in town, at one of the outdoor stores in Mt. Shasta or at the Ranger Station on Alma Street.
Box Canyon Dam and Trail
Just minutes from downtown Mt. Shasta, you can stand 209 feet above a jagged river gorge at the Box Canyon Dam and view the Upper Sacramento River rushing out of Lake Siskiyou.
To get to the trailhead, take W.A. Barr Road south to Lake Siskiyou.
Stop and park just before crossing the dam.
After peering over the edge into the canyon, take a scenic walk on the three-quarter mile trail that begins along the edge of the Mount Shasta Resort golf course and follows the north edge of the gorge.
The trail crosses several tiny creeks, and offers views of the dam and canyon from a number of different vantage points. Watch for some surprises along the way - some dating back to the turn of the last century
Elsa Rupp Nature Trail
This small trail in Mt. Shasta City is a popular destination for joggers, dog walkers, and local folks seeking a quick stroll in the woods.
The parking lot and trail entry are off Old Stage Road just 1/4 mile north of the main Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery entrance.
Take the central Mt. Shasta exit off the Interstate 5 freeway, and turn west (away from town) toward the Fish hatchery and Sisson Museum.
Instead of crossing Old Stage Road into the hatchery parking lot, turn right (north) and watch for the Rupp Trail parking area on your right.
Bear Trail
Hikers and runners love this scenic trail which meanders for three miles through the wooded area south of College of the Siskiyous in Weed.
Just moments off Interstate 5, the Bear Trail is open to all visitors.
To get to the COS campus, take the Central Weed exit off Interstate 5 freeway and follow the signs to the college. (Turn east on South Weed Boulevard then turn right on College Avenue or Siskiyou Way and drive into the campus.
The trail begins next to the dorms, across from the library. Park in the lot beside the COS Library
Castle Dome and Indian Springs Trail
Castle Crags State Park, at the southern edge of Siskiyou County, is the setting for a spectacular 4+ hour hike from early spring until the snows of winter cover the high country.
The steep trail is well worth the climb into the massive, granite spires of this incredible area.
Round trip is 5.5 miles, with a healthy 2,200 foot elevation gain. Carry plenty of drinking water
Take I-5 south of Dunsmuir for 6 miles to the Castella exit and follow signs immediately into Castle Crags State Park.
Stop at park headquarters to pay the day use fee and pick up maps and directions to the Vista Point parking area.
About 100 feet back down the road from the Vista Point parking lot is the trail entrance, clearly marked and very well maintained.
Follow it through shady forests of pine and oak, bigleaf maple and dogwood.
Climb slowly, enjoying the distant sound of forest birds, and perhaps a brief glimpse of a shy deer.
As you gain elevation, the forest opens up with amazing views of the looming rocks and domes ahead
Castle Lake
Description and Comments:
This is one of the premier hikes in the Mount Shasta region, giving large rewards for a modest effort.
Read signboards about the natural history and scientific studies of Castle Lake on the south end of the parking lot.
Head east along the shore, cross the outlet creek and climb .6 mile to a saddle about 100 feet before a small pond. Go right at the saddle and follow an unsigned trail southerly and then westerly for a half-mile to reach Heart Lake. (Note that Heart Lake is directly south of Castle Lake.)
Heart Lake's shallow waters warm sweetly in the summer sun and make an excellent punctuation point to your arrival, especially if you come in the afternoon from early July into August.
Note the spectacular view of Mount Shasta from the outlet creek. Many a famous photo of the massive volcano have been taken from slope on the south side of the lake. A short walk west of the lake reveals a couple tiny ponds and a campsite.
Agile hikers in good shape can head southeasterly up to top of the ridge for world-class views of the surrounding topography, including the Cascades from Lassen Peak to Mount Mc Laughlin
, the Eddy Range, and rare views of the glacially sculpted granite of the north side of Castle Crags.
Directions to the Trailhead:
Reach the Central Mount Shasta exit off I-5. Head west and then south on South Old Stage Road and continue south on W. A. Barr Road.
After 2.6 miles, cross the dam at Lake Siskiyou and then turn left .2 mile farther.
Travel the paved road 7.1 miles to the parking area bordering Castle Lake
Controlling Agency: Mount Shasta Ranger Station, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, 204 West Alma, Mount Shasta, CA 96067; (530) 926-4511
Mount Shasta City Park
Another scenic spot for a family walk is a visit to the headwaters of Sacramento River. Located in the City of Mount Shasta Park.
There is a short walking trail at the west side of the park which winds along a creek, crossing several bridges along the way.
Mossbrae Falls Trail
Mossbrae Falls is located in Dunsmuir and is near the upper Sacramento River where it passes through the Shasta Retreat,
Just off Dunsmuir Avenue about a milesouth of Hedge Creek Park. A trail follows the river and the railroad tracks north to the falls.
Hedge Creek Falls Trail
The trail begins at a park located on the west side on the North Dunsmuir interchage on Interstate Highway 5.
Castle Crags Trail
Hiking is available in Castle Crags State Park in Castella, off Interstate Highway 5 south of Dunsmuir.
The trail leading up into the beautiful crags is a steep one, but well worth the effort.
Mount Eddy Trail
If you want an all day hike, you may want to try Mount Eddy, which at 9,038 feet, is the highest in the area after Mt. Shasta. The trail to it's summit passes lower, middle, and upper Deadfall Lakes.
To reach the trailhead, take the Edgewood exit off Interstate Highway 5 and go west to the Stewart Springs Road and follow it to the Parks Creek Summit.
There is a parking area there, as well as a sign marking the Pacific Crest Trail which leads most of the way to Mt. Eddy. That trail meets the Sisson Trail near the top of the mountain.
Sisson Trail
It is located on the west side of Interstate Highway 5, west of the City of Mount Shasta and can be found on the way to Kangaroo Lake through the southern end of Scott Valley.
It is an excellent hike with views of Kangaroo Lake, south end of Scott Valley, and great views of the Shasta Valley to the North.
To reach the trail take the road between Lily Pad and Kangaroo Lakes to the trail sign on the ridgetop
and proceed to a marked juction, then head southeast
Scott River Trails
Along the Scott River there are several river access trails below Indian Scotty Campground and Jones Beach that provide an opportunity to enjoy the river.
About 5.2 miles below Indian Scotty is Tompkins Creek River access, a short trail that leads to interesting formations of bedrock.
Taylor Lake Trail
Taylor Lake in the Salmon Mountains is an short walk into some of the countys best fishing.
Take off is just below the Etna summit on Sawyers Bar Road
Hidden Lake Trail
Hidden Lake is a popular day jaunt that can be turned into an overnight camping trip.
The hike is short and contains some beautiful vistas.
The trail take off to the south from the Callahan-Cecilville Road summit
Wooley Creek from Somes Bar
River to This route follows the remote Wooley Creek drainage from its junction with the Salmon Marble Valley high in the Marble Mountains.
This is a magnificent creek through rugged wilderness. President Herbert Hoover had a hideaway cabin on Wooley Creek.
His personal interest was partly responsible for protecting the Marble Mountains as a Wilderness
Ukonom Lake from Happy Camp
The "high country" of Ukonom Lake can be accessed south of Happy Camp off the Elk Creek Road.
The rugged landscape of the area is unique, with remote mountain lakes, incredible views and great fishing for the backpacking angler.
Tree of Heaven Trail
One of the treasures of northern California is the Tree of Heaven Campground & Nature Trail, located fifteen minutes from Interstate 5 on Highway 96.
On the banks of the Klamath River at an elevation of 2,100 feet, Tree of Heaven offers camping, day use, a nature trail, and river access.
Highway 96 along the Klamath River is part of the State of Jefferson Scenic Byway. Numerous references to this historical attempt to create a 49th state out of areas of northern California and southern Oregon can be noted in the area.
The rich Klamath River is home to a variety of wildlife both in and out of the water.
Klamath National Forest epitomize the landscape and legend of California far north.
It's terrain fully reflects the multifaceted character of the area, ranging from high desert to lush rain forest.
Mount Shasta lords over all, inescapably visible from every nook and corner of the forest.
But it's the Klamath Mountains that lie at the heart and soul of this forest.
The Klamath's are the oldest of the Pacific coastal mountains, dating back about 500 million years.
These mountains are complexes ridgelines running in all directions rather than in neat parallel, and they're deeply cut by moving water. Glaciers crown the higher reaches.
Steep mountains and ample rain and snowfall add up to fast moving water, and in all the Klamath is richly endowed.
The Klamath River is world renowned for its whitewater and wealth of wildlife. the Salmon and Scott Rivers are less well known but no less deserving of praise. Solitude is all but assured on these waterways
And don't overlook the forest's amassing wilderness areas.
The Marble Mountain Wilderness is one of California's largest expanses of wildlands. It is a region of many lakes, meadows, and old growth forests that rise dramatically from surrounding lowlands.
The jewel like Russian wilderness may be tiny but it's a biological winner.
More than 17 species of conifers nestle in its soaring peaks. including the only known stand of subalpine fir
in California
Yes, This is Bigfoot country, several sightings of the hairy, smelly, elusive man-beast have been reported in the forest.
So bring your camera or, better yet, video recorder.
Big Painted Cave & Symbol Bridge Trail
Lava Beds National Monument
The 0.75 mile Big Painted Cave & Symbol Bridge Trail winds past interesting lava tube collapses and other features.
Directions:
Take Skull Cave Road to the parking area and trailhead.
To reach Lava Beds National Monument:
From the I-5 corridor, take U.S. 97 north at Weed to a right turn on California Hwy. 161, also known as Stateline Road, as shown by large signs.
Travel east on CA 161 through the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge to Hill Road.
Turn right on Hill road at the West End Grocery Store, following monument signs.
Travel south on Hill Road 10 miles until you enter Lava Beds National Monument
From the Klamath Falls area, take Oregon Hwy 39 south approximately 20 miles until it enters the town of Merrill, OR. Approximately one (1) mile south of Merrill, turn right (south) on Malone road
Travel south on Malone road approximately 2 miles until you reach Stateline Road 161.
Turn left (east) and then take the immediate right at West End Grocery Store onto Hill Road.
Travel south on Hill Road 10 miles until you enter Lava Beds National Monument.
You will pass the visitor center for Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge on your way to the monument.
For those traveling east on California Hwy 299 from the Redding or Lassen National Volcanic Park areas, travel north at Bieber on Hackamore / Lookout Road (closed in winter) to California Hwy 139.
Travel north on CA 139 until meeting directional signs that will direct you to the monument at a left turn
The Schonchin Butte Trail
For directions to the trailheads of these and other hikes within Lava Beds National Monument, this 1 mile hike climbs Schonchin, which overlooks the gnarled landscape of the lava beds.
The hike is steep, but wildflowers, the panoramic view from the top at a look at the fire lookout make it worth the effort. Check with the Lava Beds Visitors Center
Hiking at the Lava Beds National Monument
The Monument, south of Tulelake on the eastern side of Siskiyou County, is full of hiking trails that crest buttes, explore short caves and visit historical sites.
The Captain Jack's Stronghold Trail explores the rugged fortification the Modoc Indians used to hold of U.S. Troops. The trail consists of a short .6 mile inner trail and 1.1 mile outer trail.
A disperser box at the parking lot contains an interpretive guide to the hike. Also near the dispenser box the water mark for Tule Lake before it was drained by the Bureau of Reclamation.
