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Mount Shasta Area

Recreation 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.

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.

Most of the National Forest lands on the Mt. Shasta district are open for dispersed camping. Remember, most dispersed sites will be affected by campfire restrictions starting sometime in summer. When restrictions are in effect, you may still operate a gas stove and/or a gas-only barbeque with a valid campfire permit. Wood fires and charcoal barbeques are strictly prohibited. Please use proper sanitation methods for human waste, pack out all of your garbage, and leave no trace of your stay.

More Information on the Mount Shasta Area can be found here.

Passes & Permits

Standard Mt. Shasta Summit Pass

  • $25 per person above 10,000 feet on Mt. Shasta.
  • Valid up to 3 days from the date of purchase.
  • A Shasta-Trinity Annual Pass can be substituted for this standard pass (below).
  • People under 16 years of age are not required to purchase a Summit Pass. 

Mt. Shasta Annual Pass

  • $30 per year, is valid for the calendar year (to December 31).
  • For visitors who anticipate frequent visits, or plan on staying for several days.
  • This pass provides an affordable and convenient alternative to purchasing multiple summit passes. 

Horse Camp

  • $5 per tent, per night.
  • Donations help Foundation staff to continue a more than 80 year-old tradition of stewardship and service on Mt. Shasta.
  • The Sierra Club Foundation's facilities are open to the public and include:
    • Campsites
    • Seasonal fresh water
    • Emergency shelter
    • Leave No Trace information
    • Composting toilet

Rentals & Guides

More Information can be found here.

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 40 results

Bluff Lake

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Species present: Brook TroutSeasons: Open all year. Bag limit: 5 per day, 10 in possession.Date of usual ice out: June (6,300' elevation)Access road: This lake is located in Section 9, T40N, R6W.…

Castle Crags Wilderness

Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
The Castle Crags Wilderness was established in 1984 with the passage of the California Wilderness Act. This 10,500 acre addition to the National Wilderness Preservation System, along with lands…

Castle Lake

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Special note about Castle LakeAs of August 2013, there is a restriction on overnight camping within one half mile of the lake, except in the Castle Lake Campground. The traditional trail to Heart…

Castle Lake Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking
This small primitive campground is nestled in a thick mixed conifer forest approximately ¼ mile below Castle Lake. There are 6 sites with tables, fire rings and vault toilets. Bring your own water.…

Chipmunk Lake

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Species present: Brook Trout. This lake frequently freezes and may be devoid of fish.Seasons: Open all year. Bag limit: 5 per day, 10 in possession.Date of usual ice out: June 1 (6,400'…

Deadfall Lake

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Species present: Brook and Rainbow Trout.Seasons: Open all year. Bag limit: 5 per day, 10 in possession.Date of usual ice out: June (7,300' elevation).Access road: This lake is located on Section 24,…

Devils Lake

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Species present: Brook Trout and a few Rainbow.Seasons: Open all year. Bag limit: 5 per day, 10 in possession.Date of usual ice out: mid-June (6,100' elevation).Access road: This lake is located in…

Gray Rock Lake

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Species present: Rainbow and Brook Trout.Seasons: Open all year. Bag limit: 5 per day, 10 in possession.Date of usual ice out: June 1 (5,950' elevation).Access trails: This lake is located in Section…

Grouse Lake

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Species present: A few Rainbow, but mostly Brook Trout.Seasons: Open all year. Bag limit: 5 per day, 10 in possession.Date of usual ice out: July 1 (5,900' elevation).Access trails: This lake is…

Gumboot Lake

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Species present: Rainbow and Brook TroutSeasons: Open all year. Bag limit: 5 per day, 10 in possession.Date of usual ice out: June 1 (6,050' elevation).Access road: This lake is located on Section…

Last updated April 9th, 2025