Lake Siskiyou

Length: South Shore Segment 9.0 miles round-trip; North Shore Segment, 4.4 miles round-trip

High Point: 3260 feet

Elevation Gain: Negligible

When to Hike: Mid-April to November the trail is free of snow. It is also used in the winter months with and without snowshoes or cross-country skis. In the fall months the two segments can be joined due to low water levels at the north shore delta.

Special Features: Views of woodlands, meadows and the lake with Mt. Shasta and surrounding mountains in the background. Great place to swim on hot summer days.

Directions to the Trailhead: From the Central Mt. Shasta exit on I-5, go 0.2 miles west to the intersection of Hatchery Road and Old Stage Road. Turn left and go 0.3 mile to a fork in the road. Stay to the right on W.A. Barr Road. For the north shore segment go 0.7 miles and turn right on North Shore Road. Go 1.0 miles and either park along the road or go farther along the road to designated parking areas. For the south shore segment go 1.4 miles on W.A. Barr Road and either park next to the tennis courts or go 0.6 miles further and park in the designated area on the right across from the road to Castle Lake.

Description and Comments: The trail is currently a work in progress with two bridges for water crossings and two incomplete trail sections planned for the future. It is presently used frequently by hikers, runners, bicyclists and equestrians and is a pleasant and scenic experience. On the south shore segment, one-way distances are: 1.7 miles from dam to campground gate, 1.4 miles from the gate to the marina, and 0.8 miles from the marina to north shore delta. Just across the dam are signs for an alternate route along the lake shore. If you are on foot take the alternate. The trail through the campground is only partially completed but can be hiked by staying as close to the lake as possible until you reach the marina where the completed trail resumes.