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, which are required if you climb above 10,000 feet, are also available at these locations and through participating vendors.
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.
Rentals & Guides
More Information can be found here.
Recreation Sites
Black Butte Trail
Bluff Lake
Bunny Flat
Castle Crags Wilderness
Castle Lake
Castle Lake
Castle Lake Campground
Castle Shore
Chipmunk Lake
Clear Creek
