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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.

General Information

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: 11 - 20 of 40 results

Heart Lake
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Special note about Heart LakeThe traditional trail to Heart Lake and Little Castle Lake leaves the east end of the parking area and ascends to the divide above the east side of the lake. It begins…

Helen 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: July 1 (6,700' elevation).Access roads: This lake is located in Section…

Highland 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 (5,700' elevation).Access roads: This lake is located in Section 1,…

Lower Caldwell 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 (6,800' elevation).Access road: This lake is located in Section 29, T41N, R6W.…

Lower Helen Lake
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Species present: Probably noneSeasons: Open all year. Bag limit: 5 per day, 10 in possession.Date of usual ice out: June 1 (6,500' elevation).Access roads: The Seven Lakes Basin is about 20 miles by…

Lower Seven 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 (6,200' elevation)Access roads: This lake is located in Section 6,…

Lower West Parks 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: July 1 (7,250' elevation).Access roads: This lake is in Section 21, T41N,…

McBride Springs Campground
Site Open
Biking Climbing and Caving Hiking
Conveniently located on Mt. Shasta and only a few minutes from I-5, services and supplies. A miniature spring-fed seasonal creek flows through the campground, and a hand operated pump provides well…

Middle Caldwell 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 (7,100' elevation).Access road: This lake is located in Section 29, T41N, R6W.…

Middle West Parks 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: July 1 (7,400' elevation)Access roads: This lake is in Section 20, T41N,…

Last updated April 9th, 2025

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