Tag: Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Castle Lake to Heart Lake, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Mt. Shasta City, CA

Castle Lake to Heart Lake, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Mt. Shasta City, CA

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Castle Lake to Heart Lake, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Mt. Shasta City, CA

Distance: <2.5 RT

Elevation Gain: ~680 ft

Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on your fitness level and sensitivity to altitude (5k-6k ft)

I discovered another gem of a hike in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, some have called it one of the premier hikes in the region. I guess I know how to pick them.  It’s easy on effort and short on distance, but long on rewards. Especially if you’re into alpine lakes, reflection shots, and great views of Mt. Shasta, Black Butte, and Mount McLoughlin.

The single-track trail winds through a few rocky stretches, gradually climbing to captivating Heart Lake at an elevation of 6,050 ft, where you’ll be dazzled by the reflections.

If you have more time than I did, you can take dip in any of the lakes, hike the spur trail to Little Castle Lake (add 2 miles RT and a steep 250 ft climb) or continue to Mount Bradley (add 8 miles RT).

(I had less than 2 hours to sneak in a hike before dashing to the airport, so I wanted to make the most of it. Mission accomplished with this lovely hike that I paired with the super shortie hike just down the road on the way back to town—enchanting Faery Falls.)

Castle Lake Directions-Free Parking (10 Miles SW of Mt. Shasta City)

Happy Trails!

Leave No Trace.

Stay on the obvious main trail and avoid cutting switchbacks and taking social trails, as these are damaging the sensitive Alpine area.

Enchanting Faery Falls, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Mt. Shasta City, CA

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Distance: 1.6 RT Out and Back

Elevation Gain: 255 FT

Difficulty: Easy

Sometimes enchantment is just a short stroll away, as is the case with Faery Falls. Nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Faery Falls is an easily accessible, enchanting waterfall that drops about 50 feet into a small pool. The short, easy hike on a dirt road above Ney Springs Creek passes a few stone remnants of the fountain from the old Ney Springs Resort. Watch for the single-track drop-in trail to the waterfall on the left at .8 mile. Some have described this final section as difficult – in adverse conditions such as mud, snow, or ice, it could be. In dry conditions with appropriate shoes, it’s no problem.

The falls area is small and enclosed by rocks and trees. It can become crowded quickly. Especially important to go early on a weekday if you want your best chance of solitude. Luckily, I was there early and had it to myself.

Views of Mt. Shasta on the way to the trail. Not sure what the rooster was doing there. Perhaps a pet from the VW double bus?

Notes: The Faery Falls “Trail” is the dirt road to the right of the large parking lot. Parking is free! This hike is easy to combine with the Castle Lake Trail to Heart Lake and beyond. (Post to come!)

Trailhead address: Ney Springs Road, Mount Shasta, CA 96067
Trailhead coordinates: 41.265953, -122.32439 (41° 15′ 57.43″N 122° 19′ 27.80″W)

Pro tip: Stop at Theory Coffee in Mt. Shasta City on the way in or out. They served me the BEST post-hike brioche breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had! It’s a bakery too, with incredible delights on display. (Didn’t get a shot of them as I was too busy drooling!)

Happy Trails & Tummies!

Leave No Trace!