5 Amazing Hikes in Siskiyou County

Ever go somewhere, and leave a part of your soul? For me, I had a moment like this when I was sitting on a peak next to Heart Lake, and looking out at two gorgeous mountains (photo above). The moment was so surreal. Maybe because I was all alone, maybe because I had had an exceptionally good day. Either way, it’s why I’m sharing my top 5 Amazing Hikes in Siskiyou County and why you should grab your hiking boots and head out there too.

If you haven’t been to Mt Shasta, or the Siskiyou County region, you’re truly missing out. It’s an area thats uncommon to visit if you’re not from Northern California or Oregon. The region is… just brilliant. It’s breathtakingly gorgeous due to the greenery. You’re surrounded by trees, friendly people, hidden lakes, waterfalls and, of course, tons of hiking trails.

Alright, alright. Let’s chat about these hikes.

Table of Contents

5 Amazing Hikes in Siskiyou County

To start, I always use the hiking app AllTrails to find, research and review my hikes. I am not sponsored by them, I just genuinely love their app. It’s fantastic for keeping yourself on the actual trail, especially with minimal cell service. With that said, I advise creating a list of hikes you’re interested in. It’s the perfect device to keep you organized.

I also use Strava. Both apps will help tell you your miles, elevations, etc but AllTrails is definitely better at keeping you map on the screen. Strava tends to just save your info and will upload when you have service. Not ideal when you’re hiking alone. Again, both are great from urban hiking but AllTrails is far superior in the wild.

Hedge Creek Falls (Easy)

Arguably not a hike. Hahah. I would call this a very easy trail. It leads to a beautiful waterfall and has a view of Mount Shasta. I didn’t get to go to this hike while I was on my last stay because it was during the pandemic (when everything was closed but trails were still open). My airbnb host proclaimed that it is the post popular trail in the area because it’s kid friendly.

However, due to this, it’s insanely busy between 10AM-7:30PM M-F.

AllTrails: Hedge Creek Falls

Mossbrae Falls (Easy)

Another trail I failed to go to on during my last trip, but it was highly recommended by my airbnb host. I also had two other locals recommend it to me but it’s packed during the week. It’s 2.9 miles and it’s also on private property and you have to cross an active railway… Meaning: you really shouldn’t go at all.

It’s strange to recommend a hike that’s on private property. However, after much review, I found out that the Mt. Shasta Trail Association is extending Hedge Creek Falls trail to Mossbrae, due to the overwhelming popularity of the falls.

In short, adding this because it’s still a bucket list trail for me.

AllTrails: Mossbrae Falls (read carefully)

Lake Siskiyou Hiking Trail — *Hiking Lake Siskiyou’s 7 mile trail*

Lake Siskiyou Trail (Easy)

I love this trail. It’s easy, family friendly, good for bikes, people and it’s shaded. It’s a 7 Mile loop that takes you over the Wagon Creek Bridge and through Lake Siskiyou camp resort. There are a ton of things to do around the lake, making this hike an all day activity if you want it to be.

There are multiple parking locations. I parked at the Cable Beach Trailhead parking lot.

You can also park at the Marina Parking lot at the camp resort but they do charge $2 per vehicle. It’s all day parking and there is a connivence store with an ice cream shop that kids were raving about.

Other activities:

Fishing
Paddle-boarding, kayaking, etc
Golfing
Biking
Grilling
Camping

AllTrails: Lake Siskiyou Trail

Heart Lake Trail From Castle Lake (Moderate)

This trail… UGH. I love this trail. I left a bit of my heart in the hills of Heart Lake. The only issue with this trail is that, it’s a bit messy without a GPS or AllTrails. All along the trail people left stacked rocks to indicate which way to go because it wasn’t well defined.

It’s quite an incline and pretty rocky but it’s a great workout and only 2.2 miles round trip. The views are stunning and it’s a really peaceful hike. Also allows for great photos. (See first photo)

Watch out for snakes!

AllTrails: Heart Lake Trail From Castle Lake

Root Creek Trail Shasta County Hikes — Root Creek Trail to the PCT

Pacific Crest Trail Crest — Root Creek Trail to the PCT

Root Creek Trail Thur the PCT (Easy)

Okay, my friends. This hike was super special to me because I had been listening to Wild by Cheryl Strayed while on this road trip and she was literally walking through the Siskiyou County PCT while I was on this trail! I honestly could not have timed it any better. So, as you can imagine, this was super fun and a bit surreal for me know she’d walked along the same trail as me, many moons ago.

This hike was deafeningly quiet. I would rate it as easy despite being 5.2 miles. There weren’t any major hills and it was really well marked. I loved that it merges right into the PCT. It’s also beautifully shaded in the summer time, cooling, a great place to meditate.

Words from the wise on this trail: bring mosquito repellant. They will eat you alive at the creek!

AllTrails: Root Creek Trail via PCT

There you are, my friend! If you’ve ever been to the Shasta region and have other hikes to add, leave them in the comments below! I’d love to hear what I should add to my list.

As always – stay happy, healthy and safe!