Lake Siskiyou Trail (South Shore Loop)
in Mount Shasta
For a short, pleasant stroll, what could be better than a level, lakefront loop through evergreens? Set out for Lake Siskiyou, a reservoir southeast of Mount Shasta. From the edge of the lake’s calm blue waters are clear views of massive Mount Shasta and the surrounding mountains. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can hike all of Lake Siskiyou Trail on an over 7-mile loop around the lake. For something shorter, combine one section of the trail along the south shore with Alternate South Shore Trail, which actually goes closer to the water’s edge, for a quick and scenic 1.1-mile loop with 50 feet of elevation change.
From a convenient parking area along the south shore of Lake Siskiyou, take the paved path down toward the lake, which will be visible through the trees. In 250 feet, come to a junction with Lake Siskiyou Trail. Straight ahead, the alternate trail drops a tenth of a mile to the lakefront. Unless you’re feeling impatient and want your lake views a.s.a.p., turn left on Lake Siskiyou Trail and start the loop on the trail that’s set a bit back from the lake.
This wide trail passes through a forest of tall pines with glimpses of the lake to your right. After 0.4 miles, you will reach a marked junction with the other end of Alternate South Shore Trail, labeled Lake Siskiyou Trail Alternate Route. Turn right and head toward the lake. On your left are views over a pair of whale tail-shaped inlets on the lake. As the trail curves to the right, you will have even bigger views across the main body of Lake Siskiyou.
The beach at Lake Siskiyou Resort and Campground lies across the lake. Beyond that rises an evergreen wilderness, topped by the Trinity Mountains to the west.
The trail stays just above the lake, passing several places to cut down to the rocky shore if you want to really get on the water’s edge. As you make your way down the pine-lined trail, you’ll be hiking straight toward Mount Shasta, which gets fully revealed to you as the trail curves to the right and provides a head-on view of that imposing snowy volcano.
After half a mile on the Alternate South Shore Trail, you will come to a picnic area that boasts the best views of Mount Shasta, which rising up beyond the northeast end of the lake.
When you’ve gathered all the views, take the trail heading uphill from the picnic area. It quickly brings you up to the junction at the start of the loop. Cross Lake Siskiyou Trail and walk back up to the parking area to complete this 1.1-mile hike. No permit is required to hike Lake Siskiyou Trail and access is free. Dogs and bikes are allowed. There is a bathroom at the trailhead.
To get to the trailhead: Take Interstate 5 to the Central Mount Shasta Exit (738). At the end of the offramp turn west, away from the city, on Lake Street, which becomes Hatchery Lane. Turn left at an intersection with Old Stage Road. Drive a quarter mile south and turn right at the split onto Barr Road. Drive 2.3 miles and, after crossing the Box Canyon Dam and just past an intersection with Castle Lake Road, turn right into a parking area for Lake Siskiyou Trail.
Trailhead address: W A Barr Road, Mount Shasta, CA 96067
Trailhead coordinates: 41.2777, -122.3329 (41° 16′ 39.72″N 122° 19′ 58.43″W)
You may also view a regional map of surrounding Northern California trails and campgrounds.
 | Faery Falls and Ney Springs This short hike travels along a creek up to an impressive 50-foot waterfall, passing the ruins of an old resort along the way. |
 | Spring Hill This 2.9-mile hike hits a short summit near Mount Shasta with excellent views of Mount Shasta, Black Butte, and the surroundings. |
 | Haystack Trail This 2.55-mile lollipop loop hike tours the top of a volcanic dome with excellent views of Mount Shasta. |
 | Heart Lake and Little Castle Lake This 2 to 3-mile hike visits lakes in a beautiful area of Shasta-Trinity National Forest, including the charming-contoured waters of Heart Lake. |
 | Castle Peak and Heart Lake This approximately 3.2-mile hike ventures off trail above Heart Lake to a summit with extraordinary views of the Castle Crags and Mount Shasta. |
 | Crags Trail to Castle Dome This 5.6-mile round trip hike in Castle Crags State Park ascends 2,150-feet through a garden of granite crags to the base of Castle Dome. This hike can be extended to 6 miles round trip by taking a worthy side trail to Indian Springs. |
 | Root Creek Trail This 2.2-mile round trip hike in Castle Crags State Park takes a level and easy course to a tumbling creek in a mossy forest. |
 | Vista Point Trail This short hike reaches the principal viewpoint in Castle Crags State Park, which has a great perspective of granite peaks known as the Castle Crags, along with views of Mount Shasta and the surrounding wilderness. |
 | Hedge Creek Falls Trail This short hike leads to a forest-wrapped waterfall, passing behind the falls to arrive at a Sacramento River Overlook. |
 | Bailey Cove Trail This easy 3.1-mile loop circles a hill-covered peninsula on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake, providing both lake views and shade. |
 | More hikes in Northern California Explore more trails in Northern California, including redwood grove and oceanfront parks along the North Coast. |
 | Castle Lake Campground This six-site campground in Castle Lake is shaded by conifers in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. |
 | Castle Crags State Park Campground Nestled within a pine forest are 76 developed campsites within this state park that have access to nearby trails. |
 | Antlers Campground This well-shaded 59-site campground in Shasta-Trinity National Forest has level sites on a bluff next to Shasta Lake. |
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