Mount Shasta may just be the most underrated destination for a weekend trip out of the Bay. I spent 2 years living here not knowing of this Nor Cal oasis, so here's to hoping you can get a head start. From San Francisco, Shasta is about a 4 hour drive, and if you carefully plan your first destination, you could be weaving through the most glorious mountain roads by hour 3. Pack your swimsuit and some water shoes, and gear up for a long weekend trip you will never forget.
Mount Shasta has that same waterfall charm as Yosemite, with the small town vibe of Sonoma County.
All that, with less crowds and more nature.
Your guide for what to See, Do, and Eat, in and around Shasta:
Follow along with this Google Maps List
Burney Falls
These falls are majestic - I can't think of any other word to describe them. You hear their roar all the way from the parking lot, and feel yourself getting blown over and showered with mist when at the falls edge. I've never seen water so blue!
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| Burney Falls |
I recommend making Burney Falls your first stop on your road trip. The town of Burney is a little out of the way from Shasta, and unless you're going to spend an overnight camping here, it's a town you'll pass through just once.
At the Falls, definitely do this short 1 mile loop trail, and if you're feeling risky, take the opportunity to dip in the much more welcoming creek above the falls.
Fun Fact: The Burney Falls Loop trail is connected to the Pacific Crest Trail, and you can see PCT signage along the way.
Mossbrae Falls
I imagine these falls will always top the chart of most unique waterfalls I've ever seen. But also, the short hike to get to them was SO fun! A mini adventure in itself, you'll cross creeks and walk along an active railroad, making the reward of Mossbrae Falls at the end all that more exciting.
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| Mossbrae Falls |
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I do recommend reviewing the cautionary advice related to this trail (ie. active railroad), but I found the directions to the waterfall written on trail sites to be confusing and intimidating. It's actually really simple - so I've included my own trail directions starting at Hedge Creek Falls at the end of this post.
A word of advice: wear water shoes!
Heart Lake Hike
I love mother nature's works of art - and this is surely one of them! This hike starts at Castle Lake, and weaves you up a mountain until Castle Lake comes into view as as picturesque heart with Mount Shasta standing proudly behind it.
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| Castle Lake |
Tips for a successful hike:
- About halfway up, the terrain becomes barren and the trail is hardly marked by a path. Just do your best to follow what looks like prior foot traffic and aim for the top right peak. I really don't think you could go wrong.
- Don't be confused, the mini-lake at the top called "heart lake" on your map is NOT the main attraction! Keep going up and up, until the Castle Lake you hiked around will come into view as a perfect heart.
Lake Siskiyou Beach
A product of Mount Shasta run off, Lake Siskiyou is chilly but oh so glorious. On a hot day, you won't think twice about jumping in. There is an attached campground, but to use the beach for the day is only a $2 entry fee per person. Be sure to prepare with a picnic lunch, your hammock and most definitely a float!
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Sisson Meadow
Located right near downtown, definitely check out Sisson Meadow. With a boardwalk and picnic tables it's a peaceful place to take a quick stroll - I recommend doing so with your morning coffee or evening wine.
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| Sisson Meadow |
Mt. Shasta Brewing Co.
Fun and funky - must visit! Mt. Shasta Brewing Co is close by in the town of Weed. The vibe was fun, the beers were unique, and I had the best hotdog I think I've had in my entire life - for $10 it could have fed a family of 4 and it also came with a pint of beer. 10/10 pub food.
Redding Breweries
Theres lots of hip breweries and trendy food joints in Redding, CA, which is conveniently located on your way back to San Francisco from Shasta. We tried Woodys and Final Draft.
TIPS
for your Shasta trip
Shop local and pack picnic food for your day trips: There's lots of great small grocery stores in town and the surrounding areas to stock up on picnic food and drinks for your outings.
Where to stay: I recommend checking out the Airbnb we stayed at. It was centrally located right near everywhere we wanted to go, the gorgeous Sisson Meadow was around the corner, and the home was fully stocked for home cooked meals and was exceptionally cozy and comfortable.
And as promised, my advise for navigating to Mossabre Falls:
1. Start at Hedge Creek Falls trail. After a few short switchbacks, Hedge Creek Falls is at the bottom.2. Keep walking past Hedge creek falls, basically seems like you're making a U-turn, but now you're on the other side of the ravine3. Walk about a 1/4 mile until you reach the shore of the Sacramento River. You really can't miss it or make any wrong turns.4. Now the tricky part, you'll need to cross the river, and you should be able to find a spot that seems not too deep or the water too rapid. **hold your friends tight for support!5. After crossing the river, you'll climb up the other side of the ravine and find train tracks at the top.6. Take a right, and walk along the tracks for about a 1/2 mile. **This is an active railway** If you're lucky enough to catch a (very slow) train passing along, there's always plenty of space to step to the side.7. Finally, you'll reach a bridge, and also probably hear the sounds of the falls at the same time. Right before you'd cross it, look for an opening in the brush and you'll find a path down to Mossbrae Falls on the Sacramento River.
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Happy road-tripping! Xx Suz
Follow my footsteps through Shasta with this Google Maps List
Love the post! Mount Shasta is now on my bucket list!
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