Castle Crags State Park, at the southern edge of Siskiyou County, is the setting for a spectacular 4+ hour hike from early spring until the snows of winter cover the high country. The steep trail is well worth the climb into the massive, granite spires of this incredible area. Round trip is 5.5 miles, with a healthy 2,200 foot elevation gain. Carry plenty of drinking water and a snack for your rest at the top.
Take I-5 south of Dunsmuir for 6 miles to the Castella exit and follow signs immediately into Castle Crags State Park. Stop at park headquarters to pay the day use fee and pick up maps and directions to the Vista Point parking area.
About 100 feet back down the road from the Vista Point parking lot is the trail entrance, clearly marked and very well maintained. Follow it through shady forests of pine and oak, bigleaf maple and dogwood. Climb slowly, enjoying the distant sound of forest birds, and perhaps a brief glimpse of a shy deer. As you gain elevation, the forest opens up with amazing views of the looming rocks and domes ahead.
At the 2 mile point, a short side trail leads to Indian Springs, where water seeps from cracks in the rocks into mossy pools and a sparkling stream. The final half mile of trail is steep, but increasingly spectacular as you winde below, then among, huge granite rocks and cliffs. The Crags are an ancient formation, shaped by glaciers and erosion, far older than the relatively new (geologically speaking) volcanic Mount Shasta to the north.
At last you reach the trail's end in a wide, brushy plateau at the foot of Castle Dome. Spires surround you, as well as views for hundreds of miles to the north, east and south.
The Crags are a world famous rock climbing destination. You may meet sport climbers with ropes and climbing gear on the trail, or enjoy distant views of climbers on some of the rock faces. Please do not attempt to scramble the steep rocks yourself unless you have solid expertise in rock climbing...it is not a sport to be taken lightly.
Castle Crags State Park offers many other hikes and scenic areas, both high in the Crags, and down along the Sacramento River in the valley below. Camping is available as well. For more information, click here to visit the Castle Crags State Park website.
This month's hike and photos by Kim Solga, web manager for this site and hiking enthusiast!