Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Shasta McCloud Management Unit

(Mt. Shasta and McCloud areas)

(Priscila Franco, District Ranger) - The Shasta-McCloud Management Unit is based in Mt. Shasta and contains the Mt. Shasta and McCloud Ranger Districts. This unit encompasses 390,840 acres.

Recreations on the unit centers on the two designated wilderness areas of Mount Shasta and Castle Crags. Dominating the landscape for several hundred miles in all directions, Mount Shasta looms 14,162 feet, a beautiful snow-cloaked massif, second only to Mount Rainier in height among the famous Cascade Range volcanoes. No trails lead up Mount Shasta, but trails provide access to the Wilderness and the foot of the mountain.

Significant features of this unit include Lake McCloud, Lake Siskiyou and a number of small alpine lakes. Lake McCloud was constructed in 1966 as a hydroelectric reservoir on the McCloud River. It has since become an angler's haven producing fine catches of rainbow and German brown trout. The 430-acre Lake Siskiyou is a favored destination for sailing and fishing, boasting the best trout and bass lake in Northern California.

Sheer granite cliffs, towering spires reaching up to 7,200 feet, and steep canyons hide five small alpine lakes in Castle Crags Wilderness. Covered with fields of brush and a few wet meadows in the heads of several creeks, the vegetation on the east, west and north slopes consist of pine, Douglas fir, spruce and cedar. More than 300 species of wildflowers have been identified in the wilderness, including the Castle Crags harebell, which blooms nowhere else on Earth.

The Wilderness shares its southern border with Castle Crags State Park. You'll find 27.8 miles of maintained trails starting from nine trailheads. The Pacific Crest Trail rambles for 19 miles through the area.

Organizational Overview

What's new in the Woods (News)

• No recent news releases for this area. Please visit our Newsroom.

Recreation

A complete listing of Recreation Opportunity Guides for activities on the Shasta McCloud Managment Unit is available in the Maps & Brochures section of our website.

For general forest recreation information, visit the Recreation Activities section of our website.

• KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Shasta-Trinity National Forest officials caution visitors to be mindful of obstacles, wear safety equipment and be alert for other recreationalists while sledding, tobogganing and snow tubing. Watch this important safety video now.

Road Closures (Updated 12/29/08)

• The Everitt Memorial Highway (A10) is OPEN to Bunny Flat.  The road past Bunny Flat is closed for the winter. The road to Bunny Flat is maintained by the Siskiyou County Road Department and is plowed throughout the winter on an intermittent basis. During heavy snowfall the road may be closed at McBride Springs. 4x4 or chains may be required at any time. Currently the road is plowed with snow and cinders on surface. Watch for icy spots!
• Parks Creek Road (17)  No report.
• Castle Lake Road is OPEN to the lake.  The road to Castle Lake is maintained by the Siskiyou County Road Department and is plowed throughout the winter on an intermittent basis. During heavy snowfall the road may be closed approximately 5 miles below the lake. 4x4 or chains may be required at any time. Currently the road is plowed with snow and cinders on surface. Watch for icy spots!
• South Fork Road (26) Packed snow turning mushy due to warmer temperatures and rain on snow. Currently passable with 4WD to Road 41N53.
• Whalan Road (25) No report.
• Toad Lake Road (42N62) Snow covered. May be passable with 4WD a short distance from Road 26.
• North Fork Road (41N53) No report.
• Bear Creek Road (40N45) CLOSED due to snow.
• Pilgrim Creek Road (13) No report.
• Military Pass Road (43N19) CLOSED due to snow. May be passable with 4WD approximately 5 miles from Hwy. 97.
• Harris Springs Road (15) No report.
• Powder Hill Road (49) No report.

Campgrounds (Updated 12/29/08)

Please note: All campgrounds are on a first come, first served basis.

• Fowlers: CLOSED for season.
• Cattle Camp: CLOSED for season.
• Algoma: CLOSED for season.
• Ah-Di-Na: CLOSED for season.
• Harris Springs: CLOSED for season.
• Trout Creek: CLOSED for season.
• Sims Flat: CLOSED for season.
• McBride Spring: CLOSED for season.
• Panther Meadows: CLOSED for season.
• Castle Lake: CLOSED for season.
• Toad Lake: CLOSED for season.
• Gumboot Lake: CLOSED for season.

Mt. Shasta Wilderness Trailheads (Updated 12/29/08)

• Bunny Flat: OPEN. The road past Bunny Flat is closed for the winter.
• Sand Flat: CLOSED due to snow.
• Old Ski Bowl: CLOSED due to snow.
• Clear Creek: CLOSED due to snow.
• Brewer Creek:   CLOSED due to snow.
• North Gate:  CLOSED due to snow.
• Bolam / Whitney Falls: Trailhead is accessible but the trail to Whitney Falls is obliterated due to the 1997 mud and debris flow.
• There are NO PARKING FEES at any Mt. Shasta trailheads.

Projects

• Documentation for specific projects
• Schedule of Proposed Environmental Actions