Cattle Camp
Swimming Hole
This remote section of the trail begins at one of the Mount Shasta area’s best swimming holes. After flowing through a small basalt gorge, the river hits more basalt dead ahead. This hard, erosion- resistant rock forces the water to the left, over an underwater dike. This leaves a perfect, deep, emerald waters in a beautiful place to enjoy some quality swimming. During spring the water level may be too high to safely swim here but in the summer it is perfect. Nonetheless, spring is the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Be sure to head upstream a little bit to see the scenic little gorge area. After that, follow the river downstream for several miles isolated river hiking along a swift moving section of the McCloud River. The hike ends at the group campground at Camp 4.
The Great Shasta Rail Trail
Nestled in pristine mountains and open forests, near creeks and lakes with majestic views of Mount Shasta is Great Shasta Rail Trail.
Linking the mountain towns of McCloud and Burney in northern California, the red cinder trail carried McCloud Railway lumber trains for over a century. Established in McCloud in 1896, the railroad expanded with timber harvests; trains arrived in Bartle in 1905 and Burney in 1955. The railroad ceased operations on these sections in 2006, making possible this recreational asset.
Thirty-seven miles of the 80-mile trail opened in 2015 – open sections now total 40 miles. More sections will open within 10 years as bridges are restored. Trail use is for non-motorized activities – biking, running, walking, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and equestrian.
Experience Mother Nature’s sights and sounds as you traverse the trail through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and enchanting meadows. See iconic landmarks such as the Lake Britton Bridge, featured in the 1986 movie “Stand By Me.”
Prepare for wilderness conditions. Carry extra food and water and keep your dog on a leash. The Bartle Cafe offers the only nearby food and beverages. Cell phone signals can be sparse so tell someone your trail route.
Hoo Hoo Park
The view of Mt. Shasta is breath-taking. You may reserve the park and the Scout Hall (Clubhouse) including the picnic facilities. There are horseshoe pits, playground & baseball diamonds.
Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Jot Dean Ice Cave
The Jot Dean Cave is easy to get to, although it doesn’t have a set trail or stairs down into the cave. It has ice year-round, and temperature differences within the cave can be a stark contrast to hot summer temperatures.
Little Glass Mountain
Just over 1,000 years ago, Little Glass Mountain was formed as viscous lava oozed out of one of the vents along the southwest flank of Medicine Lake Volcano and moved slowly down slope, building up the spectacular high flow front of broken obsidian and pumice you see from the road today. Glass flows are an uncommon and intriguing phenomena. Because the eruption at Little Glass Mountain was so recent, we are afforded the unique view of an intact flow.
McCloud Golf Club
Established in 1923, McCloud Golf Club features a meandering creek, beautiful pines, aspens, and spectacular views of Mount Shasta. Open to the public April through November, it offers an enjoyable challenge to players of all skill levels.
McCloud Reservoir Recreational Lake
Welcome to your “private” lake nestled deep in the Shasta National Forest. Located just 10 miles south of Main Street, McCloud on Squaw Valley Road, Lake McCloud is truly a scenic wonder and a recreational paradise! Anglers pass their time coaxing the world-famous McCloud River Trout to their lures, while motor boaters enjoy still water that is ideal for skiing, tubing and swimming.
-The McCloud Blog
McCloud River Falls
The McCloud River Trail passes three beautiful waterfalls as it winds through a canyon of basalt lava rock. This smooth, well maintained trail offers summer swimming, fall foliage, and an early spring thaw, making it fun and accessible almost year-round.
Medicine Lake
The lake sits in the caldera of an ancient volcano called Medicine Lake Volcano. The most recent eruptions took place about 1,000 years ago on the east side of the rim (called Glass Mountain). The elevation of the lake is an amazing 6,700 feet, and the lake covers nearly 600 acres. Its waters are known for being cold and amazingly clear. Medicine Lake has special spiritual significance for local Indian tribes, who frequently use the lake for ceremonies.
Mount Shasta Ski Park
Mount Shasta Ski Park is a ski resort located in northern California which has summer operations including Scenic Chairlift Rides, Mountain Biking, Disc Golf, just east of Interstate 5 along SR 89 between the city of Mount Shasta and the town of McCloud.
Mt. Shasta Nordic Center
We offer 23.5 km of trails for skate & classic cross country skiing for all ages and abilities. Services include classic and skate ski rentals, lessons, and a cozy warming hut at the trailhead with hot drinks and snacks. You’ll also find a 2.5 km trail for snowshoeing as well as snowshoe rentals. Plus smiles. Lots of those.
Pilgrim Creek
Snowmobile Park
The McCloud Snowmobile Park is your staging area for winter fun or for camping during the rest of the year. There is a ramp for unloading and loading snowmobiles, a warming hut with wood stove, and vault toilets.
There are many miles of groomed trails (depending on snow depth) that cover the upper and eastern parts of the district as well as into the Modoc and Klamath area. Please remember no snowmobiles allowed in the wilderness area on the mountain.
* The warming hut is there for everyone to use. If you can leave a little wood each time you use it, there will always be wood for winter recreationists to stay warm.
Snowman’s Hill
Snowman’s Hill is a designated sledding hill at the Snowman’s Hill Pass on CA Highway 89 between Interstate 5 and McCloud, California. Depending on the winter snowfall, sledders can visit the hill through May. Snowman’s Hill is located near the high point on the roadway, faces to the North and therefore retains snow well. The average run length is 300 feet, perfect for people looking for a fun sledding or tobogganing experience. There is ample parking, bathrooms and crowds of happy sledders! This location is ideal for slightly older children.
Squaw Valley Creek Trail
The Squaw Valley Creek Trail is the only maintained trail in the McCloud area (with the exception of the Pacific Crest Trail) that does not parallel the McCloud River.the Squaw Valley Creek Trail is a smaller version of the McCloud River Trails. The creek, though not as large as the McCloud, is a substantial waterway and has carved an impressive canyon of its own. It is a boisterous creek lined by Indian Rhubarb and boasting numerous small cataracts creating a significant amount of interest along its course.
FOR MORE TRAILS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA, PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW TO
THE MOUNT SHASTA TRAIL ASSOCIATION