Chasing Waterfalls in Shasta-Trinity Forest

Northern California is a vast area of national forests to explore. While on a two week road trip I spent a few nights in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest driving a loop around the area to check out some hikes and the scenery. I hit this area a few months after some devastating fires hit the area so sections of Northern California were closed off for safety. Visiting this area in late fall/early winter is always a good time to go because there are less people out hiking and hardly anyone camping.

There is a chance for snow up in this area when winter hits. I did not unfortunately get to explore around in any snow, but this national forest does have some trails for snowshoeing if you want to aim for a snowy trip. The section of the national forest I explored are beautiful but also at parts very remote - make sure to be stocked with supplies and gas if you plan to deep into the woods.

The loop I did around the Shasta National Forest was an intersection of three different highways, one of which was the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway which passes through the town of McCloud. It is a cute stopping point with small shops and cafes if you are looking for a break from solitude in the woods.

TRAILS/WATERFALL HIKES

Potem Falls was the first stop I made on my trip up in the Shasta area. The drive to get back towards the waterfall turns into a dirt road that is well maintained, but takes about 20 minutes from the transition of road to gravel. There will be a sign marked Potem Falls which will be your indicator to stop for the trailhead. The hike is short and very easy to get to the bottom. In the summer you can tell that people go there to swim and relax. With it being November I did no such thing but I walked to the bottom with my coffee and enjoyed the morning surrounded by moss covered trees.

Burney Falls is probably the most popular spot to stop. This walk to the waterfall is within a state park and you will have to pay the $10 dollar daily fee to get in if you want to go see the magnitude of this waterfall. There are other hikes within the state park and places to explore beyond the waterfall. The walk is down a paved path and then you have the option to climb onto the slippery rocks to get closer to the falls.

Upper/Middle/Lower McCloud Falls has a few options when it comes to exploring this area. There are a few points to stop for just looking out but you can also walk the path from any of the three points and walk along the river that will turn into each section of the waterfall. I drove directly to lower McCloud falls and walked around this area and sat by the river enjoying the dense forest. All of these waterfall hikes are fairly easy unless you plan on skipping and playing around on the rocks like I do.

Mossbrae Falls is another waterfall you can hit along the Shasta loop that I hit. It near Hedge Creek Falls and you would have the ability hit both if you had the time.

Castle Dome Trailhead was by far my favorite and most exhausting hike. This hike is about ten miles round trip give or take and I say that because when you get to the unofficial end point you can continue on up a path of steep rocks and dirt for more beautiful panoramic views or climb around the rocks for different viewpoints.

The hike towards the castle crags are beautiful and once you hit a high enough elevation in the hike you will begin to see mountains and expansive blue skies. Being from the Midwest but living in Souther California, I love the rare occasion I get glimpses of snow even if it is on a mountain miles away.

Tip: This hike is no cake walk. The elevation is steep and at sections you will be going up at a slow angle anywhere from a half mile to a full mile. The views are definitely worth it but bring extra water and layers. You start in a dense forest and slowly make your way to hiking in light.

A summertime recommendation I would have would be to stop at Little Backbone Creek. It's not an official trail but you can climb in any direction you want along the water and set up for the day and enjoy the water and sunshine. The area is beautiful and large enough that you could find a section all to yourselves if you are willing to rock climb your way through the water.

CAMPING

Ranch Road which is the same road used to get to Potem Falls is one option for camping. There are a few spots big enough to pull off and set up for the night as well as driving past the location of the falls and exploring the road and forest beyond. It is secluded and a quiet area with little traffic so you wouldn't be bothered by cars driving past.

Another location I used was Castle Lake. There is a trailhead and a campground in this area. I found an open area by the lake to pull off. It is secluded and only boaters and people fishing were in the area. Very easy to find and the sun over the water was beautiful to watch at night.

Shasta Lake was the ending point of the loop for me in this section of forest. My travels continued towards the coast and down through the San Fransisco area. Due to the forest fires some of the areas I attempted to hit were closed and will have to be explored another time. Look for my next story for ideas on the Northern Coast of California.