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Hiking, Backpacking, Trail Running and Camping in Siskiyou County
Scroll below for trails information, from walks through community parks to the legendary Pacific Crest Trail.
Featured Services
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Housekeep cabins, 1, 2, 3 Bedroom. Lodge. RV Park. A small and peaceful mountain resort located on Mears Creek in the Beautiful Sacramento Canyon.
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25 years local packing and guide service in the Klamath National and
Trinity Wilderness areas. Spot trips, all inclusive and guided hunts. For
information contact Roger Hiett
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Sixth generation Salmon River guides, and packers into the wilderness of Siskiyou County - Marble Mountains, Trinity Alps and Russian Wilderness.
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Customize your Mountain Spirit Adventure to the beautiful Scott Valley and surrounding Mountain Wilderness areas. Me as your guide, or I will provide info on Biking, Hiking and Camping.
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Cabins, riverfront homes, custom chalets - Beautiful, comfortable homes fully equipped down to the BBQ! Our professional staff will take care of your every need, be it romantic getaway, family get-together or quiet weekend.
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This is a two bedroom, fully equipped home-sleeps five. Located in Butte Valley, the Heart of Siskiyou County. On the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (Hwy 97) Hunting, Fishing, Bird Watching, and Recreation. PET FRIENDLY!! |
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My Backpacking Guide Service can lead you through the most exclusive
Northern California's Wilderness Areas, the Marble Mountains, the Russians, the
Trinity Alps and the Eddys!
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No one knows country like we do! We specialize in helping people find their dream country property. |
Mount Shasta Country boasts a variety of hiking opportunities - from short
walks through community parks to river trails to a long section of the
Pacific Crest Trail. When planning an extended hike please remember to
pack sunblock, clothing for weather changes, snack food, drinking water
and personal first aid gear. On short hikes remember slip, slap, slop -
slip on a T-shirt, slap on a sun-hat and slop on the sunscreen. Contact local ranger stations, linked on our information pages for South Siskiyou County, Western Siskiyou County, and Northeastern Siskiyou County, to get maps and updated trail information.
Pacific Crest Trail | Backpacking | Day Hikes | Trail Resources
Five wonderful day hikes for families and casual hikers
Pacific Crest Trail:
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) has been called the jewel in the crown of America's scenic trails, spanning 2650 miles from Mexico to Canada through three western states. In northern California, the trail follows the Hat Creek Rim from Lassen National Park to the Mount Shasta area. Rather than crossing the dry Cascades, the trail curves west as it reaches Siskiyou County, crossing the Upper Sacramento River and Interstate 5 near Castle Crags. Continuing northwest, it touches the northern boundary of spectacular Trinity Alps. The trail reaches 7600' elevation and winds north through the Marble Mountains, deep in the heart of Siskiyou County, then descends to the Klamath River. Leaving California, the PC climbs again to the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains and traverses east, entering Oregon near Interstate 5's Siskiyou Summit.
There are numerous trailheads throughout Siskiyou County. Check with one of the Forest Service ranger stations for maps and information. Local ranger stations are listed in the Information Centers linked by area on our Services pages.
Pacific Crest Trail Access Points are detailed on the USFS websites...see links to detailed pdf flyers at the USFS Shasta Trinity website for McCloud and Interstate 5 access in southern Siskiyou County. The Etna Summit PCT access is detailed at www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath/recreation/wilderness/russian/etnapct.shtml.
The Pacific Crest Trail Association web site offers abundant information on trail conditions, activities and access.
Visit the PCTHiker.com web site for more information for Pacific Crest Trail hikers.
The USFS also provides a handy Pacific Crest Trail site with plenty of area information.
Backpacking:
Take to the hills with everything you need on your back...there's a thrill to backpacking you will never forget. So, lace up those hiking boots, dust off your backpacks, and hike the Mount Shasta Country! Here are just a few of the maost popular and beautiful backpacking destinations you'll discover here in Siskiyou County.
Deadfall Lakes and Mount Eddy
Families and day hikers as well as serious backpackers will enjoy the beauty of these lakes found on the Pacific Crest Trail on the slopes of Mount Eddy. Best access is from the north, where the PCT crosses Steward Springs Road/Forest Road 17. During late spring and summer months, the area abounds with wildflowers and water meadows. Follow a great trail through rare Foxtail Pines to the summit of Mount Eddy and descend, if you wish, down the Sisson-Callahan Trail to the north fork of the Sacramento above Lake Siskiyou. More information on Deadfall Lake at www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity/recreation/st-main/st-fishing/alpine-lakes/deadfall.shtml.
Marble Mountain Wilderness Area
Numerous trailheads and access trails, as well as the Pacific Crest Trail, lead to the magnificant white marble, lakes and wildflower meadows alpine basins in Marble Mountain Wilderness. This 250,000 acre region was one of
California's first designated wilderness areas. You can be completely
alone in rarely visited Tichner Hole, or join the "crowds" (perhaps a
dozen or so on a busy weekend) camping at popular Sky High Valley in the
geologically diverse Scott River District of the wilderness area. Visit
the Ukonom District location of Sugarloaf Mountain, which is considered to
be the center of the earth by the Karuk Indian Tribe. Hike or horseback
ride through thick forests to subalpine glacier basin lakes in the Happy
Camp District at the northwest corner. Bring your fishing pole; 89 lakes
are stocked with trout! Contact the Klamath National Forest at
530-842-6131 for trail maps and a campfire permit. More information on the marble Mountain Wilderness area at www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath/recreation/wilderness/marbles/index.shtml.
The Russian Wllderness Area
Located along a major ridge dividing the Scott
and Salmon River watersheds, the Russian Wilderness Area contains 22 named lakes, and an extensive
trail system including a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. The rich
botanical diversity is an extra draw for hikers and packers anxious for
short weekend or day trips that are long on beauty. Best access is via the
Etna/Sawyers Bar Road, and the Pacific Crest Trail. Contact the Forest
Service for trail maps and campfire permits. More information on the Russian Wilderness area at www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath/recreation/wilderness/russian/index.shtml.
Around Mount Shasta
Backpacking the slopes of Mount Shasta, hikers will discover many areas of incredible high alpine beauty. The North Gate area is reached from Weed; Hidden Valley and the west face are usually accessed by passing Horse Camp above Bunny Flat on the Everett Memorial Highway; the trail to Squaw Valley starts from the Old Ski Bowl area higher on Everett Memorial Highway. A
wilderness permit is required above 8,000 feet.
Wooley Creek from Somes Bar
This route follows the remote Wooley Creek drainage from its junction with the Salmon River to 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 Area.
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.
The Siskiyou Wilderness
Siskiyou Wilderness may be the least known and most infrequently visited
wilderness area in California. The 153,000 wild and scenic acres, located
between Happy Camp and the coastal town of Crescent City, support a
diverse plant life including 20 species of conifers including the rare
Brewers Spruce. Pack in what you will need; you might not see another
human being during your stay in this magnificent paradise. Contact the
Klamath National Forest at (530) 842-6131 for trail maps and a campfire
permit. No wilderness permit is required.
Day Hikes:
Mount Shasta Country, nested in the shadow of one of America's tallest and most beautiful mountains, has an abundance of delightful hiking destinations for one-day outings. From south to north Siskiyou County, here are but a few, easily accessible to the traveler and breathtaking in their offerings. It is hardly necessary to remind you of the remarkable nature of these places, and the importance of giving them special care. Take nothing away but your photographs and leave nothing behind but your memories of the beautiful outdoors.
Click on Hikes, Walks and Tours for five wonderful day hikes, perfect for families and casual hikers.
The Mount Shasta Trail Association website offers many trail descriptions for Mt. Shasta country, as well as conservation and volunteer opportunities.
Castle Crags
Castle Crags State Park on the southern edge of Siskiyou County has a network of hiking
trails, many of which are open year round. For enthusiastic climbers,
Crags Trail offers splendid views of the Crags and Mount Shasta after a 3
mile hike with 2,200 feet of elevation gain. For a less strenuous hike,
Indian Creek Trail is a one mile loop with a self-guided nature walk that
crosses over Indian Creek twice. A brochure and map are available at the Visitor's Center when you enter the Park and pay the very reasonable day use fee. The Park is known for is wildflower and wildlife viewing
opportunities, which include frequent sightings of tiger lilies, fragrant
western azalea and 13 species of orchids. Stick around for evening campfire talks every Saturday through the summer at 8:30PM. A detailed description of this hike to Castle Dome can be found at our Hikes and Walks pages.
Squaw Valley Creek Trail
This trail follows beautiful Squaw Creek, south of
McCloud, through five miles of wooded areas and meadows rich with
wildflowers. It is primarily level, with gentle climbs. Maps to the
trailhead 12 miles south of McCloud are available at the Ranger Station in
McCloud, the Mt. Shasta Visitors' Bureau, and the Dunsmuir Chamber of
Commerce. A detailed description of the Squaw Valley Creek Trail can be found at www.mtshastatrails.org, and a printable pdf map and trail flyer at www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity/documents/st-main/maps/rogs/mccloud/squaw-v.pdf.
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.
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 up Everitt Memorial Highway, the paved road up Mount Shasta. 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 the town of Mt. Shasta or at the Ranger Station on Alma Street in Mt. Shasta.
Black Butte Trail
Black Butte, once known as Muir Peak, is a plug dome
volcano located north of Mt. Shasta City and south of Weed, just east of Interstate 5. It was
formed in four separate eruptions, and as you climb, you will see evidence
of these eruptions. The hike to the summit takes about 2 1/2 hours. If you
are one of the many who are fit enough for a short mountain hike, but not
up to the challenge of a climb to the summit of Mount Shasta, this is for
you. Take plenty of water. The drive to the trailhead is complicated, so
stop by the Mt. Shasta Visitors' Bureau and ask for a map. A printable pdf map and trail flyer at www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity/documents/st-main/maps/rogs/mt-shasta/blk-bute.pdf
The Bear Trail
Hikers and runners love this scenic trail in the friendly town of Weed. It meanders for
1.6 miles through the wooded area snext to College of the Siskiyous. The
trail begins at the southeast corner of the campus, and ends along College
Avenue at the northwest corner. A detailed description of this hike can be found at our Hikes and Walks pages.
Take a wildflower hike to Deadfall Lakes
A short section of the Pacific Crest Trail is easily reached just north of Weed, and leads to Deadfall Lakes in the beautiful high country west of Mount Eddy. The trailhead can
be reached by exiting Interstate 5 at Edgewood, taking the access road on the west of the freeway (old Highway 99) about 1/2 mile north, then turning west and driving up Stewart Springs Road to the Parks Creek Road
turnoff. This paved Forest Service road continues up the ridge and and eventually over into the Trinity Alps. At the summit, about 7 miles up, you will see the parking area and trailhead where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the road. The hike south to Deadfall Lakes is less than
two miles, and the scenic beauty is breathtaking. The road and trail are usually open from June through October, although snow in the high country can persist late into the season. Take water and lunch and
plan to spend the whole day exploring the various lakes. More information on Deadfall Lake at www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity/recreation/st-main/st-fishing/alpine-lakes/deadfall.shtml.
The Yreka Creek Greenway
The community of Yreka offers a quarter mile stream side park along Yreka
Creek, home to a wide variety of plants, birds, mammals, fish and
water creatures. There is an outdoor interpretive Visitors' Center at the
entrance to the greenway behind the Siskiyou County Museum on Main Street in Yreka.
A paved trail leads you along the creek, artworks present natural and
cultural history, and benches and picnic tables invite you to spend some
time in the greenway's special places.
Tree of Heaven Nature Trail
Located 10 miles north of Yreka, the Tree of Heaven Campground is on
the Klamath River about 10 miles down river from Interstate 5. The paved and handicapped accessible Nature Trail
wanders through natural river vegetation, with interpretive signs along
the path describing the history and sights. Watch for eagles and osprey. Tree
of Heaven, a beautiful deciduous tree, was imported by the Chinese
immigrants who farmed this flat and sold vegetables to area miners. The
tree was to remind them of their homeland. A detailed description of this hike can be found at our Hikes and Walks pages.
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. For more information, see the Lava Beds National Monument Hiking Trails web page.
The Schonchin Butte Trail
Also at 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 for
directions to the trailheads of these and other hikes within the Monument. For more information, see the Lava Beds National Monument Hiking Trails web page.
More Trail Running and Hiking Information
Numerous other hiking trails abound throughout Siskiyou County...the McCloud River waterfalls, Hedge Creek Falls and Mossbrae Falls in Dunsmuir, the hike to Hart Lake above Castle Lake, the Medicine Lake area, the hike to Squaw Meadows high on Mount Shasta, the Living Memorial Sculpture Gardens north of Weed, the Elsa Rupp Nature Trail, just to name a few. You can find hike descriptions in many guide books for the northern California area...check with your local bookstore or stop by one of our area bookstores when you are here.
Runners love Siskiyou County for the uncrowded roads, wonderful trails and great views. This 2-page guide will give you suggestions on trails and roads to run while you're
visiting Siskiyou County, running events and local clubs who welcome visitor participation. Click Running Beta 08 to open and print this guide.
Click on Hikes, Walks and Tours for five wonderful day hikes, perfect for families and casual hikers.
The Mount Shasta Trail Association website offers many trail descriptions for Mt. Shasta country, as well as conservation and volunteer opportunities.
The Mt. Shasta Visitor's Bureau web site describes many hikes in the Alpine Vistas and Villages Area.
An excellent description of The Maple Falls Waterfall Trail in the Marble Mountains can be found at the GORP.com web site.
GORP also offers a page on the McCloud Falls Trails.
Any adventure into the backcountry, whether it be a day hike of a few hours, or an extended backpacking journey, brings with it the responsibility to travel safely and with knowledge of wilderness behavior. A good introduction to wilderness ethics can be found at the Leave No Trace web site.
The newest information on body-friendly, ergonomic ultralight backpacking can be found at the Untralight Outfitters web site.
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