Lake Siskiyou Trail - Hiking

Intro

The Lake Siskiyou Trail is an easy 7-mile loop that is well-traveled with minimal elevation gain making it an enjoyable trail for hikers, cyclists, and runners. Featuring easy water access, kayakers will enjoy exploring this 430-acre lake. For those who want to make a weekend of it, Lake Siskiyou Resort offers campsites, cabins, beaches with boat rentals, and an on-site bar and grill. After a day of exploring the area, you can grab a beer at Shasta Brewing Co. just 11 miles away. Their Lemurian Lager is amazing!

What Makes It Great

Beginning at the parking lot across from Castle Lake Road, you can turn right at the trail head and follow the path out along the road. After crossing the dam, the trail makes its way off the main road and down to the lake. The path meanders along a small creek that feeds into the lake before arriving at the beautiful Wagon Creek Bridge.

Around the 3-mile mark, the trail opens up to a vast meadow featuring panoramic mountain views.  In about a quarter of a mile, the trail moves closer to the lake where you will find options to take an alternative route along the shore.

About four miles in, you will arrive at the delta where the Sacramento River feeds into Lake Siskiyou. If the seasonal bridges are up, you simply cross them to the North Shore segment of the trail. If not, you can wade across the river being mindful of the current and the uneven river floor.

From the North Shore, the trail makes its way along the creek to a green gate with pedestrian access. The trail continues along the lake until arriving at a boat ramp. You will turn right and continue on past the ramp and cabin rentals until turning left at the trailhead sign. The trail gets a little confusing at the campgrounds, but you can continue to the beach area and follow the trail on the right marked with logs.

The remainder of the trail makes its way through lush woodlands crossing several babbling creeks until completing the loop at the parking area.

Who is Going to Love It

The Lake Siskiyou Trail is well-marked, well-traveled, and features little to no elevation gain. This is a great trail for hikers of all calibers as well as cyclists and runners.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From Redding, follow I-5 N to W Lake St in Siskiyou County. Take exit 738 from I-5 N. At the overpass, take a sharp left onto W Lake St (signs for Lake Siskiyou). Continue onto Hatchery Ln. Turn left onto S Old Stage Rd. Veer right onto W A Barr Rd. Park in the lot on the right across from the road to Castle Lake.

There are no fees to access this trail.

Dogs are allowed on a leash.

Written by Shawn Lehman for RootsRated.