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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 Castle Crags 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 broader area around Mount Shasta can be found here.

General Information

Passes & Permits

Wilderness permits are not needed for the Castle Crags Wilderness.  They are required, and available free of charge, for entry into the Mt. Shasta Wilderness Area year round, and there are currently no quotas (limits on the number of permits available). Permits are free and can be issued at the Mt. Shasta and McCloud Ranger Stations and all trailheads that are open. Wilderness permits have proven to be a valuable source of information in search and rescue operations. 

Summit Passes are required, if you climb above 10,000 feet on Mount Shasta. More info on passes required in the Mt. Shasta Wilderness Area and Climbing Mt. Shasta.

Rentals & Guides

More Information can be found here.

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 55 results

Black Butte Trail
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
From the summit of Black Butte (6,325 feet), you will get a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Mt. Shasta towers to the east. The city of Mt. Shasta and the Sacramento River canyon are to the…

Bluff Lake
Fishing
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.…

Brewer Creek
Climbing and Caving Hiking
From the Brewer Creek Trailhead, follow the trail for 1.5 miles. Scenery includes stands of Shasta red fir, whitebark pine and hemlock. You can also see the Wintun and Hotlum Glaciers from this…

Bunny Flat
Hiking
1-mile trail climbs northwest from Bunny Flat Trailhead and joins Sand Flat Trail.Please stay on the trail and do not pick wildflowers.

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
Site Open
Fishing
No overnight camping within one half mile of the lake, except in the Castle Lake Campground.The Castle Lake Trail leaves the east end of the parking area and ascends to the divide above the east…

Castle Lake
Hiking
This 4.8-mile long trail starts at Castle Lake Day Use Area, crosses a small creek, and climbs to Little Castle Lake and the ridgeline east towards Mt. Bradley. There is a side trail to Heart Lake.…

Castle Lake Campground
Site Open
Fishing Hiking
This small primitive campground is nestled in a thick mixed conifer forest about .25 miles below Castle Lake.Enjoy 6 sites with tables, fire rings and vault toilets.Bring your own water.3-night…

Castle Shore
Hiking Fishing
Scenic half-mile trail near Castle Lake Shoreline. Popular area and parking may be limited on summer weekends.

Chipmunk Lake
Fishing
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'…

Last updated October 1, 2026

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