Mt. Shasta peripheral tour over Military Pass

Difficulty:
Moderate: maintained gravel and dirt roads, many spurs. A Forest Service map, map skills, and a good sense of direction are helpful.

Distance and Time:
40 Miles, allow a half day.

Points of Interest:
Along the route are numerous wilderness trailheads to explore which access Mt. Shasta, Mud Creek Dam (a geologic area fed by mud creek slides), glacier-fed creeks and, in the summer, glacier melts.

The Drive:
The drive is off of Hwy. 97 north of the Mt. Shasta Wilderness Area in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It can be accessed by I-5 near Weed. From I-5 in Weed take Hwy. 97 north 12 miles to Forest Service Road Route 19, also marked as Military Pass Road. Or from McCloud follow Hwy. 89 west to Ski Park Hwy. Take Ski Park Hwy (88) to Forest Service Road 31 and follow east, which reverses this route.

Beginning from Hwy. 97, take Military Pass (42N12) to the intersection with Forest Service Road 19 (approximately 12 miles). This route offers north and easterly views of Mt. Shasta, an awe-inspiring, 14,162-foot, dormant volcano. The area is also home to Whitney, Bolom and Hotlum Glaciers. This part of the route meanders through Forest Service plantations that were harvested and replanted in the past 10-25 years. Follow FS19, 5 miles to the intersection with FS31, the road you will remain on for the rest of the drive. The Eastern slope of the mountain sheds heavy runoff from spring and summer snows, which create many streams, perfect for a lazy day on the rocks. In this area you will also notice interesting volcanic deposits, such as buttes of red cinder cones and shards of compressed volcanic ash. Several side routes wander through the forest affording the opportunity for additional exploration. Continue on FS31 to Mt. Shasta City where the route rejoins I-5. Go left 5 miles to McCloud, or right 5 miles at I-5 to Mt. Shasta City.

Information:
Contact the National Forest for a detailed forest map on all drives 530-244-2978, Mt. Shasta Chamber of Commerce 530-926-3696, Mt. Shasta Ranger Station 530-926-4596, McCloud Ranger Station 530-964-2184, McCloud Chamber of Commerce 530-964-3113. For further information contact the Shasta-Cascade Wonderland Association 530-365-7500 or 800-4Shasta (474-2782)

Castle Crags, Hwy 3, Trinity Mountains

Difficulty:
Moderate: winding, well-maintained gravel and dirt road. A Forest Service map, map skills, and a good sense of direction are helpful.

Distance and Time:
32 miles; an easy day’s drive

Points of Interest:
Along this route be sure to take in the sites of Castle Crags State Park, Castle Crags Wilderness area and numerous other outstanding views. The Pacific Crest Trail can be seen from this location, as well as old mining activity.

The Drive:
This drive is off of I-5 south of the Castle Crags Wilderness Area in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It can be accessed by I-5 at the Castella turnoff. Drive towards Castle Crags State Park.

This drive begins at Castle Crags State Park, and then picks up Forest Service Road 25 heading west. Set your odometer to zero at the Castella post office and Ammirati’s market. Drive west into Castle Crags State Park where a National Forest sign will indicate that you are entering the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. A gentle ascent takes you above the south fork of Castle Creek where large gravel deposits demonstrate the force of spring runoff. Further up the route, sweeping views of the Sacramento Valley open up beneath you and granite “Castle” spires tower overhead. Be sure to take one last photo, as this is your last view before crossing over the first ridge into the Trinity Mountains. At 7 miles, a Pacific Crest Trail marker and a road sign will indicate a side trip to Soapstone Mountain. At 12 miles, an intersection with FS26 opens a route to Lake Siskiyou to the north. After another 6/10 of a mile, bear right at the Y intersection and follow FS25. Further along the route, the East Fork of the Trinity River offers beautiful swimming holes shaded by maples and cedars, an ideal spot for an afternoon picnic and nap. Downstream, primitive camping spots welcome the overnight fisherman. Also along this route are examples of the various forms of forest management. Evidence of lightning strikes that were quickly contained by professional fire crews dot the hillsides.

At 20.6 miles you will come to an unmarked 3-way intersection. Go left, crossing the bridge. From here you will begin an ascent that leads to the top of Ramshorn Summit, marked with a tall gray snag. A 360-degree view offers a terrific resting spot. Notice the rugged and difficult terrain that makes Trinity County famous for its geography. Deep canyons, more austere than the Rocky Mountains, are a reminder that this is a true backcountry area.

After the next descent, go right at the T intersection. This stretch traverses through a section of private property. At approximately 30 miles, you will re-enter National Forest land by crossing a sturdy bridge onto a well-maintained road. At 32 miles, Hwy. 3 will appear. From here you can head south 13 miles to Trinity Center, or north 19 miles to Callahan.

Information:
Contact the National Forest for a detailed forest map on all drives 530-244-2978, Mt. Shasta Ranger Station 530-926-4511, Weaverville Ranger Station 530-623-2121, Coffee Creek Ranger Station 530-266-3211, Castle Crags State Park 530-235-2684. For further information contact the Shasta-Cascade Wonderland Association 530-365-7500 or 800-4Shasta (474-2782)

Lake Siskiyou, Trinity Lake, Weed Loops

Difficulty:
Well-marked Forest Service roads. Rough dirt roads can be steep at times. This route has many spurs. A Forest Service map, map skills, and a good sense of direction are helpful.

Distance and Time:
50 miles; allow a full day.

Points of Interest:
Numerous high elevation lakes and meadows dot the area. Deadfall Lakes is the key access point for the Pacific Crest Trail. Mt. Eddy (9,025 Feet) offers significant views and vistas. Stewart Mineral Hot Springs is along this route. In the other direction you will come to the upper reaches of the Trinity River, which is the headwaters for Trinity Lake. Unique vegetation to the area includes Port Orford Cedar and Red Fir.

The Drive:
This drive is off of I-5, west of Mt. Shasta in the Eddy Mountains in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It can be accessed from I-5 at Mt. Shasta. Take the Mt. Shasta turnoff and follow Forest Service Road 26 to Lake Siskiyou.

From Lake Siskiyou on FS26, the route turns to dirt 10 miles into the drive. At this point, a well-marked road indicates a side trip to Cliff Lakes. You may not be able to drive entirely to the lake depending on the condition of the road and time of year because of snow. However, a short 2 mile hike leads you to unspoiled alpine lakes that are perfect for a summer dip. As you continue along FS26, you will begin a gentle ascent up Eddy Ridge, which is part of the Trinity Mountain range. Pine, maple and oak give way to fir and cedar trees as well as meadows and rushing creeks. Numerous side roads lead to other small lakes and hiking trails inside the national forest. As soon as you pass Gumboot Lake turnoff, take the first right. Stay on Road 40N45 until you reach Parks Creek Road (Route 17 which is paved). At the intersection of 17, you can go left to Trinity Lake, or right to Weed.

Information:
Contact the National Forest for a detailed forest map on all drives 530-244-2978, Mt. Shasta Chamber of Commerce 530-926-3696, Trinity County Chamber of Commerce 530-623-6101, Mt. Shasta Ranger Station 530-926-4511, Coffee Creek Ranger Station 530-266-3211. For further information contact the Shasta-Cascade Wonderland Association 530-365-7500 or 800-4Shasta (474-2782)

Delta, McCloud River, Pit River, Montgomery Creek

Difficulty:
Moderate: dirt roads, many side spurs. A Forest Service map, map skills, and a good sense of direction are a must due to the many unmarked logging spurs.

Distance and Time:
60 miles; allow a full day.

Points of Interest:
This ambitious route traverses four distinctly different microclimates, emphasizing the diversity found in Northern California. Forest areas along this route have been harvested and replanted using modern forest conservation practices.

The Drive:
This drive is off of I-5 just north of Shasta Lake in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It can be accessed by I-5, approximately 25 miles north of Redding. Take the Volmers/Delta exit. Turn right and pass under the freeway, following the sign for Fenders Ferry Road, also FS Road 34N17.

From Delta to the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake is a primitive road which is very slow (high clearance only). At 6/10 of a mile you will cross a one-lane suspension bridge to the other side of the Sacramento River, and begin your route. At 6 miles, bear left as you come to the top of your first overlook. Steep canyons and a sweeping view of the upper reaches of Shasta Lake are your reward. Continuing on, a gentle descent takes you back down to the bottom of the next canyon. At 9 miles, you cross Eye Creek where it bubbles up from beneath the earth.

As you continue towards the McCloud River drainage, you will pass from the bottom of deep canyons buried beneath the canopy of the forest to ridge tops with marvelous views of the surrounding countryside. At 15.6 miles, you will crest the top of a ridge and bear left, following small Forest Service Marker 17. Continue to the intersection with paved county road at 22 miles. After going left to cross the McCloud River bridge, note that the route turns to Forest Service Road 27. You will wind your way through the magical McCloud River Canyon.

Continuing along your route, solid rock cliffs come in close to the road. Moss, fern and maple indicate the change in microclimate between the Sacramento and McCloud River drainages. At 27.8 miles, bear right at the Y intersection following FS Road 27. At 30 miles, bear right and follow signs for Squaw Creek. There are plenty of areas to picnic and fish under maple umbrellas shading the many creeks and streams that flow into the canyon. At 30.6 miles, you will cross Squaw Creek Bridge. Turn left and follow signs for Hwy 299 up stream into a hidden valley. At 42 miles, you begin to climb out of the valley. Bear right as you cross a small bridge. Madrone campground is to your left. Just before getting to Fenders Flat, a side trip offers a pleasant view of Potem Falls. At 53 miles, you will cross the Pit River, named for the famed basket weaving Pit Indians. This mighty river flows smoothly through high prairie before it enters the Shasta Lake basin. Access to the Squaw Arm of Shasta Lake can be reached by going down Salt Creek. After crossing the bridge, continue 8 miles to the intersection with Hwy. 299. From here you can turn right and travel west to return to Redding.

An alternate route can be reached by taking the Gilman Road exit traveling east which parallels the McCloud Bridge. This route will reduce the driving time and take you through the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area adjacent to the McCloud River Arm.

Information:
Contact the National Forest for a detailed forest map on all drives 530-244-2978, Shasta Lake Ranger Station 530-275-1589, Burney Chamber of Commerce 530-335-2111. For further information contact the Shasta-Cascade Wonderland Association 530-365-7500 or 800-4Shasta (474-2782)

Delta, Trinity Lake

Difficulty:
Easy: well-maintained dirt road. A Forest Service map, map skills, and a good sense of direction are helpful.

Distance and Time:
30 miles; allow a half day.

The Drive:
This drive is off of I-5 just north of Shasta Lake along the Trinity Mountains in the Shasta Trinity National Forest. It can be accessed by I-5 approximately 25 miles north of Redding. Take the Delta/Volmers exit.

From the I-5 exit go left under the Freeway. Follow Dog Creek Road (Country Road 8G012) and follow signs to Volmers, which was once the home of a family farm know for its strawberries. As you pass through the settlement, the road quickly enters a thick pine forest. The pavement ends abruptly after 4 miles, and you begin an ascent up a dirt road into the foothills of the Trinity Mountains. This is a frequently traveled road used both by locals and outdoor enthusiasts. So watch out for oncoming vehicles. At 10 miles, you will come to a Y intersection. Bear right, following the sign for Lookout Point. As you climb to the top of Horsebone Ridge, follow County Road 8G012 towards Clear Creek campground. Expansive views of the Trinity Mountains open up before you as you continue west. In the spring, many creeks and streams offer wonderful settings for picnics and photo opportunities. As you climb higher in elevation, the terrain becomes steeper, leaving the Sacramento River canyon behind. At 16 miles, you will pass the Clear Creek Campground. A short distance further you will come to an intersection at Country Road 106. Turn right on County Road 106. Continue left at the Y on 106 and follow signs for Trinity Lake. This will take you to Hwy. 3. From here you can turn left to go to Weaverville, then to Hwy. 99 East to Redding.

Information:
Contact the National Forest for a detailed forest map on all drives 530-244-2978, Shasta Lake Ranger Station 530-275-1571, Trinity Chamber of Commerce 530-623-6101. For further information contact the Shasta-Cascade Wonderland Association 530-365-7500 or 800-4Shasta (474-2782)

Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity-National Recreation Area, Shasta Bally

Difficulty:
Easy: well-maintained gravel and dirt roads. Forest Service map or National Park Service map, map skills, and a good sense of direction are helpful. There are several very steep dirt road sections requiring 4-wheel drive.

Distance and Time:
25 miles; allow a half day.

Points of Interest:
The Whiskeytown Lake area was the location of the beginning of the far Northern California’s gold rush. Whiskeytown was settled in 1849 and its location is now under the Lake. By 1853 more than $100,000 in gold per month was being removed from the area.

The Drive:
This drive is about 10 miles west of Redding. Take the central Redding exit (299 West) off of I-5. This will take you into downtown Redding. Continue to follow 299W/Weaverville through town. Five miles out of town 299W passes through Old Shasta/Shasta State Historic Park, which is worthy of a stop, and then on to Whiskeytown Lake. Turn left at the visitor center, which is located at your first view of the lake, and proceed to the Dam. Cross over the Dam and proceed 2.6 miles to a left turn just across from the Brandy Creek parking area. Initially this portion of the drive is paved, but quickly changes into gravel, then often a steep dirt road.

This drive is compact, but also provides the most diverse terrain. From the rolling oak and manzanita covered foothills west of Redding, this route climbs to more than 6,100 feet and affords the visitor some of the most spectacular views available in Northern California. The beginning of this drive is Whiskeytown Lake, which has 36 miles of shoreline. You might consider a swim at the end of your day, driving to the top of Shasta Bally. The drive itself is easy to follow as the only turnoffs are to campsites, parking areas or vista points. The drive to the top offers several overlooks that are perfect for a picnic. There are also 45 miles of trails to explore, either on foot or by mountain bike. Catch the Brandy Creek trailhead off Shasta Bally Road to hike 2 miles to a spectacular tumble of water and granite leading to the main attraction, the twin stream, 25-foot drop of Brandy Creek Falls. Whether it’s a hike off of this spectacular drive or just pulling off for a picnic, this route gives you a cross-section of Shasta Cascade’s terrains from oak woodlands to alpine meadows. The views are breathtaking.

Information:
Contact the Whiskeytown Unit of the National Park Service for a detailed map 530-246-1225 Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau 530-225-4100. For further information contact the Shasta-Cascade Wonderland Association 530-365-7500 or 800-4Shasta (474-2782)