Castle Crags State Park
Castle Crags State Park is a hidden gem between Redding and Mt Shasta. With its 4,350 acres of land, the park offers Visitors may choose from one of 76 built sites or one of six ecological locations. There are 28 paths for hikers to explore, including a 2.7-mile track that leads into Castle Crags Wilderness and connects to the world-famous Pacific Crest track.
Glacier-polished cliffs towering over six thousand feet gave the park its name that rise majestically from the forest landscape. Despite its beauty, the park needs to be more noticed and under-visited.
However, during the summer months from June to September, weather permitting, it opens its doors to visitors who can witness the breathtaking contrast between the granite formations and the surrounding forest.
Things to do at Castle Crags State Park
You may go swimming and fishing in the Sacramento River at Castle Crags State Park and enjoy picturesque backcountry hiking and breathtaking vistas of Mount Shasta, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking diverse recreational experiences.
Swimming At Castle Crags State Park
During the hotter months of the year, swimming in Castle Crags State Park is a beautiful way to cool off and escape the heat. The park has designated swimming spots along the Sacramento River, where guests can go for a refreshing swim in the water that has been filtered and purified.
The park’s natural splendor creates a tranquil atmosphere ideal for a day spent partaking in water activities, whether you like to lounge on the riverside or swim.
Fishing At Castle Crags State Park
At Castle Crags State Park, anglers will also find various opportunities to enjoy themselves. The Sacramento River is well-known for the many fish found within its waters, including trout and salmon.
Anglers can cast their lines into the river and attempt to reel in various fish species by using the river as their target. Castle Crags State Park is a sanctuary for people who enjoy swimming and fishing because of its gorgeous surroundings and abundant fishing chances.
Trails At Castle Crags State Park
The total distance is 9.5 miles, with a gain of 2,200 feet in elevation. The Castle Crags, towering granite spires, raise high above the upper Sacramento River Valley. The hiker enjoys a panoramic view of the forested slopes below and the beautiful snow-capped peak of Mt. Shasta above from these fortifications.
The Castle Crags were formed by volcanic activity around 200 million years ago, the same as the adjacent Mt. Shasta and the other summits of the Cascade Range. The Crag is a distinctive geological shape of granite resulting from a millennium’s worth of exposure to wind, rain, ice, and even a few small glaciers. Castle Dome, a spherical peak rising next to the jagged ones, is often compared to Yosemite’s Half Dome by mountaineers.
The Vista Point At Castle Crags State Park
The journey takes roughly four miles from the campground entrance up the one-way road at Castle Crags State Park. If you want to avoid hiking, this is one of the few low-effort activities in the park.
A pleasant spot for viewing the cliffs can be found at the end of a quarter-mile hike. There’s a telescope for getting up close, plus some picnic tables and lounge chairs. The vista of Mount Shasta is spectacular on a clear day.
Castle Dome
Castle Dome is a great hiking destination for those in reasonably good shape and wishing to be outside. This hike may be about 3 miles one way, but you shouldn’t take it lightly. It could be one of the most challenging six miles you’ve ever hiked if you’re not used to long treks.
Almost the entire hike is uphill, but hikers who take it easy and persevere into the Castle Crags Wilderness will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the crags. After the tree line clears, this trail leads to Castle Dome, one of the most conspicuous crags. This viewpoint offers many rocks to climb and explore.
Address: 20022 Castle Creek Rd, Castella, CA 96017
Open: 24 hours
Phone: (530) 235-2684
Elevation: 6,500′
