Shasta National Forest
Shasta National Forest is situated in the heart of Northern California, between the coastal ranges of the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Northwest. Along the southern and eastern fringes of the Forest, the elevation drops to a mere thousand feet, while at the peak of Mt. Shasta, the altitude reaches 14,162 feet. In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt declared the land around Shasta and Trinity to be a national forest.
In 1954, the Forest Service merged the two Forests into a single management district. Parts of Humboldt, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity Counties make up the Shasta National Forest. As a whole, the Forest is managed by seven separate districts. Recent years have seen a consolidation of the districts into larger “management units.”
Bicycling At Shasta National Forest
Bicyclists will find a plethora of options for adventure in Shasta National Forest. For expert-level mountain riding, visit Shasta Lake and ride the Clikapudi Trail. Many of the Forest’s routes are difficult to navigate due to their steepness and roughness. You have options if you’re a motorcyclist needing a more laid-back ride. The Shasta-Trinity Forest features rides for everyone, whether looking for a challenging workout, a leisurely spin, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Take a Scenic Drive
Three picturesque byways within Shasta National Forest will allow you to see the Forest and all it offers without leaving your automobile. For instance, you can go from Shasta to Blue Lake along Highway 299 West via the Trinity Scenic Byway. The Trinity Heritage Scenic Byway begins in the old mining town of Weaverville and continues north to the city of Weed. The Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway is another option. Travel at your leisure along a Byway and pull over to investigate points of interest.
Fishing At Shasta National Forest
Shasta National Forest is a fisherman’s paradise due to the abundance of suitable spots to wet a line. Shasta, Trinity, and Lewiston Lakes all have great rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass fishing, and river anglers will appreciate the opportunity to cast a line in rivers renowned for their world-class trout fishing. Shasta National Forest is home to many lakes and streams out of the way, perfect for anglers who desire peace.
Hiking At Shasta National Forest
The Shasta National Forest is a hiker’s paradise with countless trails. The Pacific Crest Trail stretches from Canada to Mexico and includes a section that travels through the Shasta National Forest, the most well-known of these paths. Trails range in length and difficulty so you can select one perfect for a stroll, a whole day, or a multi-day backpacking trip through stunning natural landscapes.
Spend Time on the Water
Shasta National Forest is a popular destination for those who enjoy water sports. Houseboating, water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding may all be enjoyed on both Shasta and Trinity Lakes. A section of the Trinity River is great for whitewater activities like kayaking and rafting, making it a popular destination for those seeking a riverside getaway. If you want to go kayaking or canoeing but want to avoid dealing with rapids, lakes like Lewiston, Castle, and Siskiyou are your best bet.
Winter Adventures At Shasta National Forest
Even if snow is on the ground, a trip to Shasta National Forest is still fun. The National Forest is a great place to go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or downhill skiing when it snows. A snowmobile staging facility provides access to 260 miles of snowmobile routes, allowing for short and extended excursions.
Address: Big Bar, CA 96010, United States
Opens–Closed: 8 am-4:30 pm
Phone: +1 530-623-2121
Established: 1954
Management: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Area: 2,209,832 acres (8,942.87 km2)
