Attractions

Headwaters of the Sacramento River located in the Mount Shasta City Park. A big spring gushes icy clear water from a lava tube originating deep within Mt. Shasta. The water flows into Cold Creek which is the northern most feeder stream of the Sacramento River, traveling from here down through the Golden Gate in San Francisco, a 270+ mile trip. Hiking trails through protected areas in the park feature native plants. Picnic tables, barbecues, play fields, playgrounds, gazebo and public rest rooms, all available for free. From Lake Street drive north on N. Mt. Shasta Blvd. to Nixon Rd. Cross the railroad tracks and turn right into the Mt. Shasta City Park.

Box Canyon Dam offers a stunning view of the rugged 200 foot deep Sacramento River Canyon and pristine Lake Siskiyou. Park on either side of the dam and walk with caution near the roadway to enjoy the view. Look carefully to see eagles and osprey fly over the sheer, rocky cliffs. Lake Siskiyou is a man made lake created for recreational activities. From Mount Shasta's central exit on I-5, drive west to Old Stage Rd. Turn left and proceed on W.A. Barr Road to the dam. park off the road on either side of dam and use caution near roadway.

Castle Lake, Little Castle Lake, and Heart Lake located about 12 miles southwest of Mount Shasta. Castle Lake is an  easily accessible clear alpine lake in a granite bowl is surrounded by pine forests located high in the Eddy Mountains west of Mt. Shasta. Fishing, swimming picnic table. Ice skating in the winter. Campground is 1/2 mile from the lake. No water, no fees. Little Castle Lake and Heart Lake can be reached by following the trail past Castle Lake on up the moderate grade to a spectacular view of Mt. Shasta. From W.A. Barr Rd. proceed across Box Canyon Dam turn left on paved Castle Lake Rd. for 7 miles to Castle Lake.

Black Butte is located at the base of Mount Shasta in northern California about halfway between the towns of Weed and Mount Shasta City. This 6,325 foot plug dome is often confused for Mount Shasta by travelers along Interstate 5 when Shasta is covered in clouds. Black Butte formed at about the same time as Shastina, the "other" peak of Mount Shasta, about 9500 years ago and is a "cluster of dacite plug domes." The cooled lava rolled down the slopes forming the steep, rocky sides of Black Butte. Prior to the formation of Black Butte as we know it today, several domes of both Shastina and Black Butte exploded producing pyroclastic flows composed of ash, rocks, and gases. Weed and Mount Shasta City are built on these "block and ash" flows.

Climbing Black Butte is a favorite pastime for many local residents and visitors. The 2 1/2 mile trail climbs nearly 2,000 feet from the trailhead to the summit. The road to the trailhead begins a short ways up Everitt Memorial Hwy. in Mount Shasta City, located to the south of Shasta Valley on I-5.

Mount Shasta Fish Hatchery is the oldest operating hatchery in the West. Large open ponds hold Rainbow and Brown trout raised to stock mountain streams, rivers and lakes for fishing. View spawning on selected Tuesdays during fall and winter months. For tours by reservation, free admission. Drive 1/2 mile west of Central I-5 exit to Old Stage Rd. Information (530) 926-2215.

Sisson Museum is adjacent to the fish hatchery and lets you step back in time to the adventures of the colorful past of the Strawberry Valley. Changing exhibits and a nine foot Raikes Teddy Bear are special features. Sisson Museum, staffed by volunteers and funded by donations, is located on the Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery grounds. Public restrooms, drinking fountain, picnic tables. Gift store. Free Admission. Open daily 10am-5pm May through September; noon-4pm during winter months. Closed January and February for exhibit changes.

Backpacking/Hiking Trails Shasta Trinity National Forest offers exceptional mountain scenery for the backpacker. The Pacific Crest Trail has access points west of Mt. Shasta at Parks Creek, South Fork Road, Whalen Road and Castle Crags State Park. Trailheads up the east side of Mt. Shasta offer challenging hikes. Wilderness permits and maps are available at the Mt. Shasta Ranger District, (530) 926-4511.

Water Sports: Boating/Fishing, Swimming, Kayaking, Canoeing, Wind Surfing: Anglers and boaters enjoy our uncrowded lakes. Boat ramps available at Lake Siskiyou (swimming, wind surfing) , Lake Shastina , McCloud Reservoir and Medicine Lake. McCloud Reservoir, Lake Shastina and Shasta Lake (50 miles south on I-5) allow water-skiing. Visit Lake Shastina  just 10 minutes north of Mt Shasta on I-5, take the Weed exit to Hwy 97, then follow Hwy 97 to ,Big Springs Rd then to Jackson Ranch Rd.

Fishing - high alpine lakes, rivers and streams are abundant with rainbow, lake and brown trout. River season open April 30 on the McCloud and Sacramento Rivers. Current fishing regulations at sporting goods stores and bait ships.

Explore Caves & Lava Tubes Spelunkers can enjoy exploring the caves and lava tubes that fill the surrounding Mt. Shasta area. Popular destinations are Wind, Barnum, Pluto Caves of A-12, Lava Beds National Monument, and Medicine Lake complex.

Winter Sports/Skiing, Cross-Country/Snowboarding Downhill and Snow Boarding at Mt. Shasta Ski Park, on the southern slope of Mt. Shasta. 21 alpine runs with 1,100 vertical feet, two chair lifts, lodge, food rentals and ski school are offered at this friendly family-oriented ski resort. Night skiing and 25km groomed Nordic area also available. The pristine snow of Mt. Shasta provides cross-country skiing for both novice and expert skiers. Marked ungroomed trails at Bunny Flat on Mt. Shasta' s Everitt Memorial highway are free and open to the public. Trail maps available at Mt. Shasta Ranger Office.

Snowmobiling in designated areas only. Snowmobilers have 300 square miles area east of Mt. Shasta. Plowed roads and parking areas provide access to flat runs, daring hills and jumps. For maps contact Mount Shasta Visitor's Bureau. Available 7 days a week, Experience the Deer Mountain snowmobile park, the turnoff is just 17 miles up hwy 97 out of Weed.