Castle Crags State Park

Mt Shasta Region


The stars of this glorious state park alongside Castle Crags Wilderness Area are its soaring spires of ancient granite formed some 225 million years ago, with elevations ranging from 2000ft along the Sacramento River to more than 6500ft at the peaks. The crags are similar to the granite formations of the eastern Sierra. Castle Dome resembles Yosemite’s famous Half Dome.

Rangers at the park entrance station have information and maps covering 28 miles of hiking trails. There’s also fishing in the Sacramento River at the picnic area on the opposite side of I-5, and the park offers 76 campsites that can be reserved up to six months in advance at www.reservecalifornia.com.

If you drive past the campground, you’ll reach Vista Point, near the start of the strenuous 2.7-mile Crags Trail, which rises through the forest past the Indian Springs spur trail, then clambers up to the base of Castle Dome. You’re rewarded with unsurpassed views of Mt Shasta, especially if you scramble the last 100yd or so up into the rocky saddle gap. The park also has gentle nature trails and 8 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes through the park at the base of the crags.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mt Shasta Region attractions

1. California Theater

3.79 MILES

At downtown’s north end stands what was the town’s pride. This once-glamorous venue was being restored to its original glory, then the work stopped. First…

2. Dunsmuir City Park

4.55 MILES

As you follow winding Dunsmuir Ave north over the freeway, look for this park with its local native botanical gardens and a vintage steam engine in front…

3. Sisson Museum

10 MILES

A half-mile west of the freeway, this former hatchery headquarters is full of curious mountaineering artifacts and old pictures. The changing exhibitions…

4. McCloud Mercantile

10.83 MILES

The huge McCloud Mercantile anchors the downtown. There’s a hotel upstairs and it hosts a couple of restaurants that warrant a longer stay, but those just…

5. Historical Museum

10.87 MILES

The tiny historical museum sits opposite the McCloud Chamber of Commerce and could use a bit of organization – it has the feel of a cluttered, messy…

7. Alpen Cellars

17.76 MILES

Jaunt over to little-known, utterly picturesque Alpen Cellars. Specializing in Riesling, Gewürtztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the vineyard is open…

8. Mt Shasta

17.91 MILES

You'll come across views of Mt Shasta either peaking over a ridge or completely dominating the landscape, from the Oregon border and even into the east…