Hiking
There are many opportunities for general use hiking and wilderness backpacking as well as hiking along designated National Scenic and Recreation Trails. Perhaps the most well-known of the designated trails is the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) which winds its way through the Shasta-Trinity on its route from Mexico to Canada.
Sisson-Callahan National Recreation Trail This ten-mile trail winds through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Northern California, climbing from the canyon of the North Fork of the Sacramento River up into the mountains of the Trinity Divide near Mt. Eddy. The Trinity Divide encompasses the high mountains beginning with China Peak in the north all the way to Shasta Bally in the south and generally divides the Valley of the Trinity River in the west from the Sacramento River Canyon in the east. It is an area of rugged peaks, emerald green meadows, rushing streams and gorgeous alpine lakes. The Sisson-Callahan National Recreation Trail visits the heart of this country. The entire length of the trail is blessed with stunning views of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Eddy, Castle Crags and the Trinity Alps. The trail crosses Deadfall Summit above Deadfall lakes at the 8,020-foot elevation. Spring hikers will likely find snow at the summit well into early summer and yet be able to enjoy the heady fragrance of azaleas in bloom down along the North Fork of the Sacramento River. From Deadfall Summit it is a moderate hike to the top of Mt. Eddy for an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding country. An amazing variety of conifer species occur throughout the area, and wildflowers carpet the meadows and hillsides. Water is plentiful and campsites are found at frequent intervals along the trail. Fishing is popular along the North Fork of the Sacramento River, which the trail follows closely, and at Deadfall Lakes near the western end of the trail.
South Fork National Recreation Trail: This 21-mile-long trail begins at Hell Gate Campground near Forest Glen and ends at Double Cabins on Forest Road 28N23 in the south. It is open to hikers, equestrians and along some stretches to mountain bikes. It follows the South Fork of the Trinity River closely so there is water along most of the route.
**Please note: The footbridge that crosses the South Fork Trinity River Trail accessed from Scott Flat Campground is damaged and closed at this time. The good news is there is an alternate route! Please see the map.
If going west on Highway 36, Forest Glen campground will be on the right (north side) of the highway. You will pass over the South Fork Trinity bridge and immediately after on the left is the 1S26 Road. Drive 1.5 miles up the 1S26 Road (it is passable in a passenger car, but there could be rocks in the road that you will need to get out and move) and the trailhead will be on the left. It is marked with a sign leaning against a tree. Turn around and park back down the road a little in the wide areas on the road. Walk back up to the trail head, pass around the gate, and you will be on the trail. The Scott Flat footbridge is about 0.5 miles from this point. The trail continues on for about 18 miles with the other end of the trailhead off of the 29N30 Road at the Double Cabins Site. Please do NOT block access to the gate with your car.
There are five nationally designated wilderness areas including the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel, Trinity Alps, Chanchelulla, Castle Crags and Mt. Shasta Wilderness areas. Each is unique and each is beautiful, offering untold opportunities for anyone willing to hoist a pack to their shoulders and get away from it all. Maps and brochures are available for most of these areas. There are special restrictions and guidelines for the Mt. Shasta Wilderness. If you plan on climbing Mt. Shasta you need to be current with the latest regulations.
Day hikes are walks through the forest that can be accomplished within one day. Day hikes can, however, be challenging and rigorous. It's advised to bring plenty of water and snacks for the day. Wear shoes with good support and be aware of wildlife, snakes and insects in the area. When hiking the trails on the Shasta-Trinity, please regularly examine yourself for ticks and remove ticks promptly.
For complete information on hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, please visit the Pacific Crest Trail Association website.
Bears
Every visitor to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest needs to be aware of the potential for bear encounters. There are some very specific do's and don't when visiting bear country and most of them have to do with how WE handle ourselves. Be Bear Aware!
Ticks
When hiking trails on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, please be aware that there are ticks in the area and do a thorough tick check after your hike. There is an excellent website managed by the Center for Disease Control online California Department of Public Health - Vector-Borne Disease Section.
Backpacking
- Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness
- Trinity Alps Wilderness
- Chanchelulla Wilderness
- Castle Crags Wilderness
- Mt. Shasta Wilderness
General Hiking
- Weaverville Community Forest
- Mountain Biking Opportunities (Weaverville/Trinity Lake area)
- Trinity Unit Trails (Weaverville/Trinity Lake area)
- Pacific Crest Trail Access Points (Mt. Shasta area)
- Pacific Crest Trail Access Points West of Interstate 5
- Sisson-Callahan National Recreation Trail (Mt. Shasta area)
- Black Butte Trail (Mt. Shasta area)
- Alpine Lakes of the Trinity Divide (Mt. Shasta and McCloud Ranger Stations)
- Trails in the Hayfork Area
- McCloud River Trail
- Shasta Lake Trails Guide
- South Fork National Recreation Trail
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Ackerman Campground
AhDiNa Campground
Algoma Campground
Basin Gulch Campground
Big Bar Area
Big Flat Campground
Big Slide Campground
Bridge Camp Campground
Bushytail Campground
Camp 4 Group Campsite and Day Use Area