Welcome to the 7th annual Mount Shasta Trail Challenge!!
This year’s theme is water and all the lakes, rivers and falls in the Mt Shasta area.
Be one of the first 100 participants to complete at least 6 of the trails and earn
a 2024 Trail Challenge RTIC custom water bottle or choose from other cool swag.
Whether a hiker, mountain biker, birdwatcher, snowshoer, dog walker, trail
runner, shutterbug, xc skier, or equestrian these trails are calling you.
Our goal is to encourage one and all to enjoy the beautiful Mt Shasta area.
This program FREE courtesy of our generous sponsors and thoughtful donors
| Elsa Rupp Trail | A perfect little hike on a hot day as it follows Big Springs Creek in the shade of a cool mixed conifer forest. Great hike for the kiddos next door to the Mt Shasta Fish Hatchery. Trail has a couple small narrow bridges but still easy. Open year round. Dogs on leash are welcome. | MSTA Trail Guide CA Wildlife |
| Upper Sacramento River Trail | Gorgeous flat trail that follows the Sacramento River and is actually part of Castle Crags State Park. A tunnel and suspension bridge connect the two and can be fun with the kids. Open year round but the tunnel under the freeway is sometimes closed in winter. State Park so no dogs allowed. | MSTA Trail Guide CA Parks |
| Dunsmuir River Trail | This newer trail connects Dunsmuir City Park and Botanical Garden with Tauhindali Park. Trail is narrow but still easy as it follows the river. Soothing sounds of the river the whole way. In 2024 the HUGE crane working on Interstate 5 might be fun for the kids. Dogs ok. | Hike Mt Shasta.com Tauhindauli Park.org |
| McCloud Falls | Accessible year round but may require snowshoes. Search “Mount Shasta snowshoe rental”. Dogs are OK on leash. Kids are OK under close supervision. Portions of trail are paved and overlooks are ADA compliant. Unique opportunity to see 3 beautiful waterfalls in close succession. | MSTA Trail Guide |
| Lake Siskiyou Loop | Most sections are accessible year round. Dogs OK on leash. Very kid friendly right near Lake Siskiyou Resort amenities. Stunning views of Mount Shasta with the lake in the foreground. Includes ADA sections. Passes over Wagon Creek Bridge, Box Canyon Dam and a seasonal bridge. | MSTA Trail Guide |
| Upper McCloud River | Just upstream from the much busier McCloud waterfalls trail is this longer and more bucolic trail. Great for a longer trail run or off road bike ride. Shuttle or combine with the nearby Great Shasta Rail Trail for a big loop. Dogs ok. Snow in winter. Multiple trailheads. | AllTrails.com Great Shasta Rail Trail .org |
| Yét Atwam Creek | Newly renamed and new to the Trail Challenge! The first 2.5 miles of trail are very pleasant and easy but then get a bit narrow and rocky. This low elevation trail is one of the first to open when winter snows melt. In summer it remains relatively cool with abundant shade and cooling creek. | MSTA Trail Guide |
| Castle Lake to Heart Lake | One of the best hikes in the area with unparalleled views of Mount Shasta. The road to this trailhead is usually plowed in the winter and the trail can be great on snowshoes. Trail was recently improved and marked but bring your GPS app in winter. Dogs are OK on leash. | MSTA Trail Guide |
| Gateway Trail System Muir’s Ascension | The brand new Muir’s Ascension trail is a moderate rolling trail that connects the Gateway, McBride and 10 Gallon trailheads. Each of these trailheads then provide access to other trails like Strawberry Valley, Deadwood, Magma, etc. to form great hiking or biking loops. These are multi-use trails. Use a bell. Stay under control. SHARE THE TRAIL | MSTA Gateway Trail System Trail Guide |
| Caldwell Lakes | Upgraded in 2010 this trail climbs through a mixed forest with wildflower meadows and an incredible pitcher plant field. A series of 3 lakes with a dramatic granite backdrop. Dogs are ok. Reaching this trailhead may be impossible during the winter. | MSTA Trail Guide |
| Porcupine Lake via PCT | Hike the world famous Pacific Crest Trail to reach Porcupine Lake. Use the Trail Challenge to build up your endurance for this worthwhile hike. This is an incredible area and you will want to return to explore more. Download your hiking and travel maps first as there is no service. | MSTA Trail Guide PCTA.org |
| Castle Dome and Indian Springs | May be inaccessible during the winter but often one of the first in the area to reopen. Start hiking in a mixed forest before breaking out above the treeline for great views. Requires the State Park fee or a longer access along the PCT. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. | MSTA Trail Guide CA Parks |
Donate to and/or volunteer with the Mount Shasta Trail Association
