View more about what makes Shasta Lake special.
Local Activities
Points of Interest
Shasta Dam: Tour the second largest concrete dam in the U.S. Free tours provided at the visitor center.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Exit 685 and head west until you reach the dam.
BY BOAT: Beach your boat on the east side of the dam and walk up to the visitor center.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Exit 685 and head west until you reach the dam.
BY BOAT: Beach your boat on the east side of the dam and walk up to the visitor center.
Shasta Caverns: Begin your tour with a boat ride across Lake Shasta and then a scenic bus ride–going up 800 feet–to the caverns. You will see stalactites and stalagmites, draperies, helictites, and cave coral. BRING YOUR CAMERA!
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Exit 695, then go east and follow the Shasta Caverns signs.
BY BOAT: Go to the lower McCloud Arm on the east side, across from Holiday Harbor Marina. Tie off houseboats on the shore. Smaller boats may tie off on the dock.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Exit 695, then go east and follow the Shasta Caverns signs.
BY BOAT: Go to the lower McCloud Arm on the east side, across from Holiday Harbor Marina. Tie off houseboats on the shore. Smaller boats may tie off on the dock.
Samwell Cave: The cave’s first room is open to the public. Samwell Cave is noted for its use among the Wintu Indians. In the closed portion of the cave, scientists have discovered cultural artifacts and Ice Age fossils. Legends tell of pools of magic powers and ritual ceremonies. A key from the Forest Service can by applied for if you wish to visit the entire cave.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Exit 697, drive over McCloud Bridge, and park on the right-hand side.
BY BOAT: The cave is accessible by parking at Point McCloud. Follow the nature trail to the entrance at the north end of the McCloud Arm on the east side.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Exit 697, drive over McCloud Bridge, and park on the right-hand side.
BY BOAT: The cave is accessible by parking at Point McCloud. Follow the nature trail to the entrance at the north end of the McCloud Arm on the east side.
Hiking Trails
Samwell Cave Nature Trail
BY CAR: Take Gilman Road (Exit 698 off of Interstate 5), then go down to the cave by a footpath, which starts 2.8 miles past the McCloud River Bridge.
BY BOAT: Go to Point McCloud (on the McCloud Arm) and follow the nature trail one mile up to the cave entrance.
BY CAR: Take Gilman Road (Exit 698 off of Interstate 5), then go down to the cave by a footpath, which starts 2.8 miles past the McCloud River Bridge.
BY BOAT: Go to Point McCloud (on the McCloud Arm) and follow the nature trail one mile up to the cave entrance.
Greens Creek Trail
The trail is six miles round-trip and climbs over limestone mountains.
BOAT ACCESS ONLY: Go to the east side of the McCloud River or to Bear Cove on the southwest Squaw Creek Arm.
The trail is six miles round-trip and climbs over limestone mountains.
BOAT ACCESS ONLY: Go to the east side of the McCloud River or to Bear Cove on the southwest Squaw Creek Arm.
Sugarloaf Creek Trail
The trail is four miles long and ends at Sugarloaf Road.
BY CAR: Take Lakeshore Drive (Exit 703), turn left, and follow the signs.
BY BOAT: The trail is accessible at Sugarloaf Creek, crossing on the Sacramento River Arm.
The trail is four miles long and ends at Sugarloaf Road.
BY CAR: Take Lakeshore Drive (Exit 703), turn left, and follow the signs.
BY BOAT: The trail is accessible at Sugarloaf Creek, crossing on the Sacramento River Arm.
Hirz Bay Trail
A scenic two-mile walk crossing creeks and great vistas.
BY CAR: Take Gilman Road (Exit 697) to Hirz Bay Amphitheater.
BY BOAT: The trail can be hiked from Hirz Bay Amphitheater or Dekkas Rock Campground on the northwest McCloud Arm.
A scenic two-mile walk crossing creeks and great vistas.
BY CAR: Take Gilman Road (Exit 697) to Hirz Bay Amphitheater.
BY BOAT: The trail can be hiked from Hirz Bay Amphitheater or Dekkas Rock Campground on the northwest McCloud Arm.
Hirz Mountain Lookout
This lookout is available for rent to the public seasonally–by reservation only–to anyone 18 years of age or older. Seasons normally run from May 1st through October 15th. The lookout has a maximum capacity of four people. The rental fee is $35 per night with a maximum four-day stay per group/per year. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m. Make reservations to stay by calling the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) at 1-877-444-6777 or by contacting them through the web at www.Recreation.gov.
This lookout is available for rent to the public seasonally–by reservation only–to anyone 18 years of age or older. Seasons normally run from May 1st through October 15th. The lookout has a maximum capacity of four people. The rental fee is $35 per night with a maximum four-day stay per group/per year. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m. Make reservations to stay by calling the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) at 1-877-444-6777 or by contacting them through the web at www.Recreation.gov.
Packers Bay Trail System
A four-trail loop system.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Packers Bay Exit. Take Exit 695, get back on I-5 and go south, and then take Exit 693.
BY BOAT: Go to Packers Bay across from Bridge Bay.
A four-trail loop system.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Packers Bay Exit. Take Exit 695, get back on I-5 and go south, and then take Exit 693.
BY BOAT: Go to Packers Bay across from Bridge Bay.
Bailey Cove Trail
Three miles of sightseeing, fishing, and swimming. Includes a public boat ramp.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Exit 695, then follow Shasta Cavern Road.
BY BOAT: Go to the west side of the McCloud Arm.
Three miles of sightseeing, fishing, and swimming. Includes a public boat ramp.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Exit 695, then follow Shasta Cavern Road.
BY BOAT: Go to the west side of the McCloud Arm.
Clikipudi Trail
An eight-mile loop, the longest maintained trail on Lake Shasta.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Oasis Road (Exit 683) to Bear Mountain Road, then take the trail at Jones Valley Campground.
BY BOAT: The trail starts at Jones Valley Campground on the Pit River Arm and ends at the boat ramp.
An eight-mile loop, the longest maintained trail on Lake Shasta.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Oasis Road (Exit 683) to Bear Mountain Road, then take the trail at Jones Valley Campground.
BY BOAT: The trail starts at Jones Valley Campground on the Pit River Arm and ends at the boat ramp.
Dry Fork Trail
A trail following the shoreline to the Dry Creek Inlet. Great fishing and panoramic views.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Shasta Dam Blvd. (Exit 685) and follow the signs.
BY BOAT: The trail is on the west side of Shasta Dam at a county road that is only accessible when the lake is down 15 feet or more.
A trail following the shoreline to the Dry Creek Inlet. Great fishing and panoramic views.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Shasta Dam Blvd. (Exit 685) and follow the signs.
BY BOAT: The trail is on the west side of Shasta Dam at a county road that is only accessible when the lake is down 15 feet or more.
Bully Hill Mine
BOAT ACCESS ONLY: The mine is located at the Squaw Creek Arm on the northwest side. The ruins of Bully Hill Mine can be seen on a flat just above the north shore line. This was a copper-producing mine from 1901–1927 that sat just above the town of Delamar. You can reach the mine ruins by taking a 2.5-mile trail at Baxters Gulch and ending at the mine.
Photo Collection: Relating to the Lawerence May Family. Contributor: The Bancroft Library, University of CA., Berkeley .
BOAT ACCESS ONLY: The mine is located at the Squaw Creek Arm on the northwest side. The ruins of Bully Hill Mine can be seen on a flat just above the north shore line. This was a copper-producing mine from 1901–1927 that sat just above the town of Delamar. You can reach the mine ruins by taking a 2.5-mile trail at Baxters Gulch and ending at the mine.
Photo Collection: Relating to the Lawerence May Family. Contributor: The Bancroft Library, University of CA., Berkeley .
Waterfalls
Little BackBone RockSlide
BOAT ACCESS ONLY: Go to the Sacramento Arm at the end of Little Backbone Creek. Hike up the creek for approximately 20 minutes.
BOAT ACCESS ONLY: Go to the Sacramento Arm at the end of Little Backbone Creek. Hike up the creek for approximately 20 minutes.
Waters Gulch
BOAT ACCESS ONLY: Go to the Sacramento Arm on the northern end near Packers Bay. This 20-foot waterfall is visible from the Waters Gulch Trail.
BOAT ACCESS ONLY: Go to the Sacramento Arm on the northern end near Packers Bay. This 20-foot waterfall is visible from the Waters Gulch Trail.
Bear Canyon Falls
BOAT ACCESS ONLY: Go three miles past Stein Creek on the Pit River Arm. This is a 25-foot waterfall. Do not attempt to go by boat if the water is below 25 feet down; hike in. The waterfall is near Arbuckle Flat.
BOAT ACCESS ONLY: Go three miles past Stein Creek on the Pit River Arm. This is a 25-foot waterfall. Do not attempt to go by boat if the water is below 25 feet down; hike in. The waterfall is near Arbuckle Flat.
Indian Creek Falls
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Gilman Road (Exit 698) to Gregory Beach Campground.
BY BOAT: Access the waterfall across from the Antlers Resort on the Sacramento Arm.
BY CAR: Take I-5 to Gilman Road (Exit 698) to Gregory Beach Campground.
BY BOAT: Access the waterfall across from the Antlers Resort on the Sacramento Arm.
Potem Falls
BY CAR: Take Fenders Ferry Road, Exit 697, one (1) mile past the bridge over the North Pit River.
BY BOAT: Beach the boat close to the Pit 7 Dam in a safe place. Beware of dangerous conditions for parking your boat. Hike up to Fenders Ferry Road. Go over the bridge and follow the road one (1) mile.
BY CAR: Take Fenders Ferry Road, Exit 697, one (1) mile past the bridge over the North Pit River.
BY BOAT: Beach the boat close to the Pit 7 Dam in a safe place. Beware of dangerous conditions for parking your boat. Hike up to Fenders Ferry Road. Go over the bridge and follow the road one (1) mile.
Shasta Resources
Shasta Lake Houseboat Sales: This is the largest selection of BROKERED HOUSEBOATS in California! They also feature: Shasta Lake Houseboat Storage, Dry Dock Boat and RV Storage, and Shasta Marine Transport.
ShastaLake.com: Go here for Shasta Lake tourism and recreation information.
Shasta Lake Chamber of Commerce: The Shasta Lake area is located at the very top of the great Central Valley in beautiful Northern California and is nestled between lush green mountains.
Lodging
Tsasdi Resort: Immaculate cabins–with fully equipped kitchens and private decks–are nestled among a forest of blacks oaks overlooking our dock on Shasta Lake. Come hide away at Tsasdi Resort. Our year-round cabin rental resort offers the finest Shasta Lake lodging for all your Northern California adventures.
SugarLoaf Cottages Resort: These cozy cabins are nestled along the shore of Lake Shasta. Sugarloaf Cottages is the perfect location for a romantic weekend getaway, a fishing vacation, or a family gathering. Escape to Sugarloaf Cottages Resort.
Lakeshore Inn and RV: We are nestled in a shady grove of tall pines and oak trees overlooking Shasta Lake!
Restaurants & Bars Near Us
Silverthorn Pizza & Pub: Enjoy a cocktail on the large outside deck or enjoy our awesome pizza or the coldest beer or beverage. Check out the latest sporting events on our two big screen TVs or enjoy a game of eight-ball on our pool table.
Cook House: 10300 Bridge Bay Rd. Redding, CA 96003 530 275-3021
Basshole Brews: Catch the excitement! We also feature a tackle and bait shop. We are your headquarters for fun, seven days a week! Families welcome.
Country Cooking at Lakeshore Inn and RV: We are a full-service restaurant. Dinners on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights are our barbecue nights–featuring chicken, tri-tip, and baby back ribs with all the fixings.
Government Resources
Government Campground Reservations: Reserve your place under the stars with the National Recreation Reservation Service.
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association: Northern California’s Shasta Cascade region is a unique experience that fulfills just about any interest. Start planning your vacation now by exploring the website or downloading the online Visitors Guide.
U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Reclamation: Established in 1902, the Bureau of Reclamation is best known for the dams, power plants, and canals it constructed in the 17 western states. These water projects led to homesteading and promoted the economic development of the West.
USDA Forest Service: The Forest Service was established in 1905 and is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands, which encompass 193 million acres.
California Department of Water Resources Division of Flood Management: This page will show you the current lake levels at Shasta Lake.
Wakeboarding & Water Fun
International Amateur Tour: The INT League is an exciting league for wakeboarding, waterskiing, kneeboarding and wakeskating. We are turning these recreational activities into a SPORT!
Fishing Resources
Phil’s Propellers: We specialize in high-performance bass boat propellers. We carry over 1,000 new and used propellers in stainless, bronze, and aluminum. We offer high-quality repairs of propellers on-site, as well as polishing services.
Lakehead Trout Derby: We are in the Lakehead Community of Shasta Lake and would like to WELCOME all anglers old and young to our Trout Derby. We hope you will get to know all that this part of Shasta Lake has to offer.
Shasta Tackle Company: It was a boyhood dream and the love of fishing that inspired Gary Miralles to begin inventing fishing lures at age 16.
Dockside Grocery Delivery
Sunset Marketplace: Sunset Marketplace is proud to provide delivery service directly to your houseboat when you’re vacationing on beautiful Lake Shasta. We can provide you with all of your grocery, produce, and beverage needs. Ordering is easy.
Farmer’s Market: Start your trip off right! Allow Shasta Lake’s premier full-service supermarket to make your houseboat vacation fun from the start. It’s easy!
Photography
Keith Marsh: Keith is one of our favorite repeat customers who also enjoys photography. If you found Keith’s pictures extraordinary, click on this link to see more of his work.
Reviews
Houseboating Shasta Lake, CA: What to Expect: Visit this travel review by Nancy D. Brown. “A three hour drive from the San Francisco bay area to Lake Shasta, we arrived at our destination, Shasta Marina Resort, in the early afternoon. The summer sun was…”
Shasta Lake Area Documents
- Bald Eagles of Shasta & Trinity Lakes
- Bear Precautions
- Birds of the Shasta Trinity
- Boating Regulations at Shasta Lake
- Fishing at Shasta Lake
- Giardia
- Poison Oak
- Recreation Facilities Guide
- Shasta Lake Trails
- The Western Rattlesnake
- Trees of the Shasta Trinity
- Wildflowers of the Shasta Trinity
- Wildlife of the Shasta Trinity
- You Can Report Trail Conditions