10 Amazing Things To Do in Mount Shasta, California in 2025

things to do in Mount Shasta

You’ll be blown away by all the amazing things to do in Mount Shasta

 

Are you heading to Mt. Shasta but aren’t sure what to do when you get there? Do you want to make the most of your weekend getaway? From beautiful hikes and lush waterfalls to tapping into the region’s spiritual community, this guide covers all the best things to do in Mount Shasta.

When my best friend bought a home at the foot of Mt. Shasta, I was super excited to visit. I’d heard about the mystical powers of the mountain, but I really had no idea what was in store. Since this area isn’t on the typical California tourist trail, I was thrilled to commune with nature without the interruption of crowds.

There are so many spiritual legends surrounding the mountain, and it has been revered by different cultures for centuries. Native American tribes believed it to be a spiritual center of the universe and performed sacred ceremonies there.

Others believe Mt. Shasta contains energy vortexes and even a hidden city called Telos beneath its surface. If you’re curious about the deeper mysteries, spiritual history, and sacred stories of the area, this book offers a fascinating journey into the myths, legends, and tribal traditions that have shaped Mt. Shasta’s enduring mystique.

Given how stunning the area is, I was surprised it wasn’t overrun with tourists. Imagine sitting at the base of a tall, snow-capped peak or beside a tranquil alpine lake, and realizing you have the view all to yourself! To sweeten the deal, there’s something to do here all year round.

No matter what your beliefs, Mt. Shasta is more than a mountain, and you can feel that as soon as you arrive. It has long been a gathering place for spiritual seekers from around the world, and for good reason. After my time there, I left with a renewed spirit and a deeper connection to the divine.

I’ve compiled a list of the absolute best things to do in the entire Siskiyou County region, including unforgettable hikes, spiritual spots, restaurant recommendations, and more. You can pack these into a long weekend if you’re ambitious, or stretch them out over a week or two for a more relaxed pace. Either way, I guarantee you’ll be blown away by the beauty and diversity this region has to offer!

 
Sunset in Mt. Shasta CA
 

HERE ARE THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MOUNT SHASTA:

My Top Picks: The Best of Mt. Shasta at a Glance

1. Hike from Castle Lake to Heart Lake

If you only do one hike during your time in Mt. Shasta, I would recommend doing this one. It gives maximum bang for your buck, meaning you’ll get disproportionate views for the amount of effort it takes to hike to the top. It’s hands down one of the best hikes in the region!

Castle Lake is a destination in and of itself - there are lots of people paddle boarding or picnicking by the lake. It’s a lovely place to while the day away. I would recommend getting there early, having a nice snack or lunch by the lake, and then beginning the ascent to Heart Lake.

The hike is 2 miles out and back, with 682 ft. elevation gain. There’s beautiful greenery and flowers along the way, so give yourself 2-3 hours to complete the round trip. Here is a detailed explanation of the route.

 

The payoff : A view of Heart Lake with Mount Shasta and Black Butte in the background

 

2. VISIT Mount Shasta

No visit to Mount Shasta is complete without visiting the mountain this whole area is named after! This is worthwhile no matter what your physical level - you can just drive up to its base, do a mild hike, or if you are an extreme adventurer, spend a few days hiking to the summit (and even ski down)!

The drive to the mountain is super scenic, with views of its majesty at every turn. When you see Mt. Shasta in all its glory, it’s easy to understand why it has been worshipped and revered for so many generations by so many people. If you are especially lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the iconic Mount Shasta clouds, which are these cool UFO-shaped lenticular clouds that pop up from time to time.

Given that Mt. Shasta has an elevation of 14,180 ft., I opted for a more moderate experience and did the hike to Horse Camp. It’s a popular trail because it’s also the starting route for those aiming to summit the mountain. The views of Mt. Shasta from the camp were definitely worth the effort!

The lodge is maintained by the Sierra Club, and inside there are books, a dining table, and news clippings on the wall. A lot of adventurers and seekers have passed through, and I felt a special energy imagining all those that had come before me. Some other loved trails by the mountain are Clear Creek, Helen Lake, Avalanche Gulch, and Green Butte.

You could spend weeks exploring the area, but honestly, you don’t need to hit every trail to feel the magic here. Just being on the mountain, in your own way, is enough.

If you want to go deeper and discover Mt. Shasta’s lesser-known sacred spots, I highly recommend this local guided tour. It’s a powerful way to connect more intimately with the energy of the land, especially if it’s your first visit or you’re drawn to the spiritual side of this mountain.

 
Amazing views of Mt. Shasta from Bunny Flat Trailhead

Amazing views of Mt. Shasta from Bunny Flat Trailhead

This video shows the hike to Horse Camp

 
 

3. Mossbrae Falls

These waterfalls are a special gem that anyone visiting this region should add to their must-do list. It’s a flat walk through rocks alongside railroad tracks. It is doable for all skill levels, including children, but you should exercise caution as moving trains do pass by.

The waterfalls are reminiscent of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - lush green moss covered by trickles of water glistening like diamonds in the sun. I was so taken by the scenery that I jumped into the water with all my clothes on! Bring a picnic, swimsuit, and camera - this is a place to linger a while.

Here is the route to get there. (It says the trail is closed, but check the recent reviews to see if folks are still going).

 

See the stunning falls in this video

 

4. Hike to Castle Dome in Castle Crags State Park

Of all the hikes I did in the Mt. Shasta region, this was the toughest, but it was also incredibly rewarding! It’s a 7.2 mile out and back hike with 2,611 ft. elevation gain, with gorgeous views along the way.

It took me 5-6 hours to complete the whole round-trip hike, and it was a technical path with a lot of scrambling towards the end. Here are the route details.

A huge advantage of this hike is that it’s not heavily trafficked - I saw less than 10 people the whole day. When I reached the top, I experienced complete solitude - just me, an apple, and views that I dreamt about for days afterwards.

 
 

5. Hedge Creek Falls

This is a super easy half-mile stroll right in the heart of Dunsmuir. I wasn’t expecting much, and was very pleasantly surprised. One hour will give you plenty of time to stop and soak in the serenity.

Here’s the route specifics. The path has lookout points to see the Sacramento River, but the real treat of this hike is the way the rock formation allows you to walk right underneath the waterfall! From that vantage point, you can see the forest through the water!

It’s a perfect little sojourn that you can follow up with a great meal at one of Dunsmuir’s wonderful dining spots!

 
 

6. Visit Lake Siskiyou

The first thought I had when I reached this lake was, “How have I never heard of this place before?” It is tranquil and placid - a place you want to return to often. It’s a 7-mile walk around the lake.

I imagined myself as a local living in Mt. Shasta, coming to the lake every morning for meditation and long walks. I imagine that a lot of introspection and life decisions have been made by this lake.

 
Lake Siskiyou at sunset

Lake Siskiyou at sunset

 

7. Hike McCloud Falls

Every local recommended this hike to me. Mount Shasta waterfalls are a thing, and McCloud Falls is the most popular because it boasts THREE separate waterfalls all on one trail!

There are the upper falls, middle falls, and lower falls, each unique and worth seeing in their own right. All three falls have parking lots nearby, so if you don’t have the energy to hike the whole loop, you can drive to each. But if you can muster it, the full trail is roughly 4 miles and definitely worthwhile.

I recommend starting at the lower falls - this way you get the uphill hike over with first and can have a leisurely downhill walk back to your car. Here is a detailed route map.

 

See the falls from an aerial viewpoint

 

8. EXPLORE MOUNT SHASTA CITY CENTER

The town of Mt. Shasta, in the shadow of its namesake mountain, is brimming with spiritual activity. In just 2 blocks on the main road, Mt. Shasta Blvd., I encountered 5 crystal shops, a school for Shamanic healers, and dozens of hippies with dreadlocks and tie dye. It’s a vibe!

The town is a place where seekers congregate, and even if you’re not a believer, it’s fun to walk around and see all the activity. If you do happen to be interested in venturing deeper, you’ll be able to tap into the spiritual offerings by visiting metaphysical shops and seeing the flyers around here.

There are lots of great eateries and coffee shops, and on the more practical side, a laundromat, hardware store, and grocery stores. I also loved the calming energy at the Mt. Shasta Gateway Peace Garden in town - stop by if time allows!

 
 

9. Visit Mount Shasta City Park

This is a park located right in the center of the city. People say that the park is sacred and that its waters have healing powers. Though I didn’t drink the water, I did spend a couple hours getting lost in the forest, and I can attest that there is something truly magical about this place.

I recommend coming here, spending some time strolling through the various trails, watching the sun dance on the leaves of the majestic trees, and internalizing the sense of calm that permeates the air.

 

Mt. Shasta City Park

 

10. Eat and drink to your heart’s content AT THE BEST MOUNT SHASTA restaurants

Northern California is a hotbed for culinary excellence, and the Mt. Shasta region is no exception. Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite dining in the region:

In Dunsmuir:

In Mount Shasta:

In McCloud:

  • Sage - Locally sourced upscale dining

In Weed:

 
 

GETTING THERE & WHERE TO STAY

Mt. Shasta is both the name of a mountain in the Cascade Mountain Range, and also the name of the cute town at the foot of that mountain in Siskiyou County. Other nearby towns include Dunsmuir, Weed (yes, that’s a town name!), and McCloud.

The nearest large airport is in Sacramento, with a smaller regional airport with limited flights in nearby Redding. To easily access all the top attractions I highlighted in this post, you will need to bring your own vehicle or rent a car.

Click here to compare prices and find the best deals on car rentals and flights.

 

Best accommodation for budget travelers:

  • Angler Lodge - This hotel is in a convenient location near all the sights, and has all the amenities you need for an affordable price. What more can you could ask for? — Book now

  • Affordable Downtown Loft - This centrally-located and affordable loft is my top pick for solo travelers or couples on a budget. It has elegant decor, incredible views of Mt. Shasta, and perfect 5-star reviews. — Book now

  • Large Riverside Home - This newly remodeled home right by the Sacramento River in Dunsmuir fits up to 5 people and is perfect for families or groups. It’s also great value for the money. — Book now

 

Best hotels and B&B’s:

  • Summit Lofts Boutique Hotel - A sleek, modern and stylish hotel conveniently located right in the center of town and above Theory Coffee Roasters. — Book now

    Mossbrae Hotel - This quaint boutique hotel is a surprising breath of fresh air in Dunsmuir. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, with soaking tubs and kitchenettes. It’s also walking distance from the upscale Cafe Maddalena. Perfect for folks who want city amenities coupled with a small town feel. — Book now

  • Mount Shasta Ranch Bed and Breakfast - This B&B has everything a bed and breakfast should: adorable decor, friendly hosts, and excellent breakfasts. Not to mention, it boasts some of the best views of Mt. Shasta around. — Book now

  • McCloud River B&B - A beautiful property with incredible breakfast, run by the kindest and most welcoming local hosts. — Book now

 

Best Mt. Shasta cabins:

  • Peaceful Lakeside Home - Located right on the water, this home is the golden ticket for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature. Think canoeing and hiking in your backyard, amazing wildlife spotting including birds, squirrels, deer, bunnies, and a cozy stone fireplace to come home to after a fun day of exploring. — Book now

  • Family Alpine Retreat - This gorgeous cabin is perfect for families. It has a huge grassy area to run and play, a pond with a sandy beach, paddle boards, a zip line, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, and the most incredible views of Mt. Shasta. — Book now

  • Luxury Log Home - For the ultimate splurge, this stunning log cabin with spectacular mountain and lake views is the stuff my winter fantasies are made of! It sleeps 10 so if you have a large group, it’s absolutely worth it. — Book now

Didn’t quite find what you were looking for? Go here to compare hotel prices and vacation rentals in Mount Shasta.

Are you excited to experience the magic of Mount Shasta, California? Let me know in the comments! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I donate 10% of all proceeds made from this blog to charity. Find out more about the charity I am supporting here.

 
 

Shop my favorite Mt. Shasta guidebooks & gear:

 

Hi, I’m Sumeeta

After traveling to 50+ countries, I realized that what I was truly seeking was a deeper understanding of myself. Here at Sumeeta Seeks, I share travel tips for spiritual destinations, self-love tools, and mindful living insights to help you reconnect with yourself.

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