Did you know that Shasta County is home to California’s largest reservoir with an astonishing 370 miles of shoreline? This northern California gem offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, spiritual experiences, and natural wonders that attract visitors year-round. From the towering 14,179-foot Mount Shasta volcano to crystal-clear alpine lakes and mesmerizing waterfalls, Shasta County delivers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
Getting to Shasta County
Shasta County is conveniently located in Northern California, about 4.5 hours from San Francisco and just an hour from the Oregon border. The region is accessible by air, car, and even train, making it easy to plan your journey regardless of where you’re coming from.
By Air
The closest commercial airport to Shasta County is Redding Municipal Airport (RDD), which offers daily flights from San Francisco International Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Sacramento International Airport (SMF) or Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) in Oregon, then rent a car for the scenic drive to Shasta County.
Ready to book your flight? Check out the best deals for your Shasta County adventure.
By Car
Driving to Shasta County offers spectacular views along Interstate 5, which runs directly through the region. The drive from major cities takes approximately:
- Sacramento: 200 miles (about 3.5 hours)
- San Francisco: 275 miles (about 4.5 hours)
- Portland, OR: 300 miles (about 5 hours)
- Redding, CA: 60 miles (about 1 hour)
Explore Shasta County at your own pace with a rental car. Find the best deals for your trip dates.
Best Time to Visit Shasta County
Shasta County is truly a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences and natural beauty. Your ideal visiting time depends on what activities you’re most interested in experiencing.
Spring (April-June)
Waterfalls reach peak flow as snow melts, wildflowers bloom across meadows, and lower elevation trails become accessible. Temperatures range from 60-75°F during the day, making it perfect for hiking and photography.
Summer (June-September)
Warm days (75-95°F) and cool nights make this the busiest season. All hiking trails are open, lakes are perfect for swimming, and outdoor activities abound. Book accommodations early as this is peak tourist season.
Fall (September-November)
Experience vibrant foliage, fewer crowds, and crisp air (50-70°F). This is an excellent time for photography, hiking, and enjoying the tranquility of the region’s natural beauty.
Winter (December-March)
Snow transforms Mount Shasta into a winter wonderland (30-45°F). Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The mountain’s famous lenticular clouds are most common during this season.
Where to Stay in Shasta County
From cozy mountain lodges to lakeside resorts, Shasta County offers accommodations for every preference and budget. The towns of Mount Shasta, Redding, and Dunsmuir provide excellent bases for exploring the region.
LOGE Camp Hotel
This newly renovated adventure-themed hotel features outdoor fire pits, a small café, commissary kitchen, and stylish rooms. Each room includes a hammock, s’mores kit, and Yeti cooler. You can even rent equipment on-site for all your planned adventures!
Mount Shasta Resort
Nestled on the shores of Lake Siskiyou, this resort features cozy cabins with picturesque views. Enjoy a round at the scenic 18-hole golf course, relax at the spa, or dine at the resort’s restaurant while taking in stunning mountain vistas.
Cave Springs Resort
Located in Dunsmuir just 10 minutes from downtown Mount Shasta, this charming resort offers a delightful glamping atmosphere with airstreams, cozy cabins, inviting fire pits, and stunning views of Mount Shasta.
Explore Mount Shasta
No visit to Shasta County is complete without experiencing the majestic Mount Shasta, a towering 14,179-foot volcano in the Cascade Range. This mountain isn’t just a stunning natural landmark—it’s also considered one of the world’s few spiritual vortexes, revered by Native Americans as a sacred site.
Best Hiking Trails on Mount Shasta
- Bunny Flat to Panther Meadow: A 7-mile dog-friendly trail with a 1,354-foot elevation gain, offering spectacular mountain views and wildflower meadows in summer.
- Horse Camp Trail: A moderate 3-mile round trip hike that serves as the starting point for those aiming to summit the mountain. The Sierra Club lodge at Horse Camp provides a fascinating glimpse into mountaineering history.
- Spring Hill Trail: This 2.6-mile loop is accessible year-round and perfect for nature observation, birding, and enjoying panoramic views of the mountain.
Local Tip: Bring a picnic lunch and stop at Old Ski Bowl for a snack while taking in the breathtaking views. You’ll see layered mountains, winding roads, and a sea of trees—with Mt. Shasta right behind you!
Discover the sacred spots and hidden gems of Mount Shasta with a local expert guide.
Stunning Lakes of Shasta County
Shasta County is home to some of Northern California’s most beautiful lakes, offering everything from peaceful relaxation to thrilling water sports. These crystal-clear alpine waters provide the perfect backdrop for summer adventures.
Shasta Lake
California’s largest reservoir boasts an impressive 370 miles of shoreline, creating numerous private coves and beaches to explore. The lake is famous for houseboating, with options ranging from affordable basic models to luxury floating resorts complete with hot tubs and waterslides.
Don’t miss the Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark, where you can experience a unique three-part adventure: a scenic boat ride across the lake, a bus trip up the mountain, and a guided tour through spectacular limestone caves.
Lake Siskiyou
This tranquil and placid lake offers a 7-mile walking trail around its perimeter, perfect for morning meditation and peaceful strolls. The lake features a beach area ideal for swimming during summer months, and the views of Mount Shasta reflected in its waters are simply breathtaking.
Cable Beach is considered one of the best sunset viewing spots in the entire region, offering unparalleled views of the alpenglow on Mount Shasta as the sun sets.
Castle Lake & Heart Lake
Castle Lake is a destination in itself, popular for paddle boarding and picnicking. The hike from Castle Lake to Heart Lake is considered one of the best in the region, offering maximum views for minimal effort. This 2-mile round trip with 682 feet of elevation gain rewards hikers with a stunning view of Heart Lake with Mount Shasta and Black Butte in the background.
Allow 2-3 hours to complete this hike and enjoy the beautiful greenery and wildflowers along the way.
Magnificent Waterfalls
Shasta County’s surroundings are teeming with breathtaking cascading waterfalls. Early spring and summer are the ideal times to see these natural wonders at their fullest flow, though many remain impressive year-round.
McCloud Falls
This well-maintained trail follows along a basalt lava rock canyon, visiting three spectacular cascading waterfalls known as Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. Each waterfall has its own unique character and swimming opportunities. The full trail is roughly 4 miles and definitely worthwhile.
Pro tip: Start at the Lower Falls to get the uphill hike over with first, then enjoy a leisurely downhill walk back to your car.
Burney Falls
Located in McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park, this 129-foot waterfall is possibly one of California’s most beautiful. Unlike most waterfalls, Burney Falls features numerous springs emerging from the rock, giving it a unique mystical appearance that has earned it the nickname “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
The entrance fee is $10, and from April through October, expect larger crowds. Winter visits offer a more peaceful experience.
Hedge Creek Falls
This easy half-mile stroll in Dunsmuir leads to a 35-foot waterfall that cascades into a forested gorge from a basalt overhang. What makes this waterfall truly special is that you can walk behind it! From that vantage point, you can see the forest through the water—a magical experience that’s perfect for photography.
The path also has lookout points to see the Sacramento River, making it a perfect quick adventure that takes about an hour to fully enjoy.
Want to explore these magnificent waterfalls with an expert guide? Book a waterfall tour to discover the best photo spots and hidden gems.
Winter Adventures
When snow blankets the landscape, Shasta County transforms into a winter wonderland offering thrilling snow sports and peaceful snowy landscapes. The winter season typically runs from December through March, though it can vary depending on snowfall.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Mt. Shasta Ski Park offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities with 32 trails across 425 acres of skiable terrain. The park features three triple chairs and two moving carpet lifts, accommodating skiers and riders of all skill levels from beginners to experts.
The ski season typically runs from mid-December through early April, depending on snow conditions. Night skiing is available on select evenings, offering a magical experience under the stars.
Snowshoeing & Backcountry
Explore the winter landscape at your own pace with snowshoeing adventures on numerous trails throughout Shasta County. Castle Lake is particularly popular for snowshoeing, offering breathtaking winter views of the frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains.
For the more adventurous, backcountry skiing on Mount Shasta provides unparalleled powder experiences. Equipment rentals are available at several locations in Mount Shasta City, including The Fifth Season and Shasta Base Camp.
Safety Tip: Always check weather and avalanche conditions before heading out for winter activities. The Mount Shasta Avalanche Center provides daily updates during winter months. For backcountry adventures, proper equipment and experience are essential.
Where to Eat in Shasta County
Shasta County offers a surprising variety of dining options, from farm-to-table restaurants to cozy cafés and breweries. The small towns of Mount Shasta, Dunsmuir, and Redding each have their own unique culinary scenes worth exploring.
Mount Shasta City
- Yaks Mt Shasta Koffee & Eatery: Fantastic range of coffee, smoothies, and sandwiches. Try their famous breakfast burrito and peanut butter latte!
- Seven Suns Coffee & Cafe: Great for breakfast and lunch with a nice outdoor dog-friendly patio. Their Iced Chai Buzz is a local favorite.
- Berryvale Grocery: An exceptional natural foods store with fresh, organic, and healthy ready-made meals perfect for picnics and hikes.
Dunsmuir
- Dunsmuir Brewery Works: A favorite local brewery and restaurant offering craft beers and hearty pub fare in a historic building.
- Railroad Park Resort: Unique dining experience in authentic railroad dining cars with classic American cuisine.
- The Wheelhouse: Delicious classic American fare in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
McCloud & Weed
- Sage: Located in McCloud, this upscale restaurant features locally sourced ingredients and an excellent wine list.
- Mount Shasta Brewing Company: Visit their taproom in Weed to sample brews made with Mt. Shasta spring water.
- The Garden Tap: A great spot for craft beer and oven-fired pizzas in a beautiful nursery setting (seasonal operation).
Day Trips from Shasta County
With Shasta County as your base, the surrounding Shasta Cascade region offers numerous opportunities for memorable day trips. These excursions showcase Northern California’s diverse landscapes and attractions.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Just an hour’s drive from Shasta County, this national park showcases a fascinating volcanic landscape with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. Hike to the summit of Lassen Peak or explore the Bumpass Hell geothermal area for an otherworldly experience.
The park is typically fully accessible from July through September, with some areas closed due to snow during other months.
Trinity Alps Wilderness
This pristine wilderness area offers over 500,000 acres of rugged terrain with alpine meadows, jagged peaks, and crystal-clear lakes. Day hikes range from easy to challenging, with popular options including Canyon Creek Lakes Trail and Granite Lake Trail.
The area is particularly beautiful in late spring when wildflowers carpet the meadows and in fall when the foliage turns brilliant colors.
Castle Crags State Park
Just 15 minutes south of Dunsmuir, this state park features dramatic 6,000-foot granite spires that have captivated travelers for centuries. The hike to Castle Dome is challenging but rewarding, offering spectacular views and solitude.
The 7.2-mile round trip trail gains 2,611 feet in elevation and requires some scrambling near the top, but the panoramic vistas make it well worth the effort.
Practical Tips for Visiting Shasta County
Make the most of your Shasta County adventure with these helpful tips from locals and experienced travelers. Being prepared will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in this beautiful region.
Weather & Packing
- Pack layers regardless of season—mountain weather can change rapidly
- Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) even in winter
- Carry plenty of water for hikes—the dry mountain air increases dehydration
- Include a rain jacket or poncho during spring and fall
- Winter visitors should pack proper snow gear and chains for vehicles
Safety & Navigation
- Cell service can be spotty—download offline maps before exploring remote areas
- Tell someone your plans when heading out for hikes or backcountry adventures
- Carry bear spray when hiking (black bears are present in the region)
- Check road conditions during winter at the Caltrans website
- Respect altitude—stay hydrated and take it easy if you’re not accustomed to higher elevations
Local Etiquette: Shasta County has a strong environmental ethic. Practice Leave No Trace principles, stay on designated trails, and respect private property. The mountain is considered sacred by Native American tribes, so be respectful when visiting spiritual sites.
Ready for Your Shasta County Adventure?
From the spiritual majesty of Mount Shasta to the crystal-clear waters of alpine lakes and the thundering beauty of waterfalls, Shasta County offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural wonder. Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, spiritual connection, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, this Northern California gem delivers unforgettable experiences in every season.
The region’s remarkable diversity means you can ski powder slopes in the morning and hike through sun-dappled forests in the afternoon. You might spot wildlife, discover hidden waterfalls, or simply sit in awe as alpenglow paints Mount Shasta in brilliant hues at sunset. With friendly locals, charming small towns, and endless natural beauty, Shasta County isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that will call you back again and again.
Start planning your perfect Shasta County getaway today!
