01
Best close-to-home wander
Butte Valley National Grassland
Butte Valley National Grassland • Open Sagebrush And Grassland Walking • Closest-To-Town Wander
Miles of old ranch roads and two-tracks make this open grassland the easiest place to grab a quick hike right out of Butte Valley.
If you want wide horizons without a long drive, the national grassland delivers big sky views of Mount Shasta and the surrounding volcanic plateau. Expect gentle grades, wind, and seasonal wildflowers rather than a signed trail system, so pick a track, follow it out, and keep an eye on your turnaround point. It is a great spot for sunset walks and for stretching your legs on the way to or from Highway 97.
02
Most unique landscape
Lava Beds National Monument
East Of Butte Valley • Volcanic Caves And Rim Trails • Best For Adventurous Explorers
Just over the hill from Butte Valley, Lava Beds pairs short rim hikes with a maze of lava tubes you can explore on foot.
This is the place locals point visitors when they ask for something they cannot do anywhere else. Short trails like the Symbol Bridge, Schonchin Butte, and Captain Jack's Stronghold walks combine history, views, and odd lava formations, while the signed caves range from easy strolls to headlamp-only crawls. Bring at least one good light per person, a helmet if you have it, and a warm layer, because the caves stay cool even on hot summer days.
03
Iconic mountain day
Mount Shasta – Bunny Flat and Gray Butte
South Of Weed • High-Alpine Forest And Volcanic Slopes • Classic Day-Hike Destination
From Bunny Flat, well-used trails climb through red fir forest and meadows toward Gray Butte and the flanks of Mount Shasta.
When locals say they are heading 'up the mountain' for a hike, this is usually where they mean. In summer and early fall, the route toward Gray Butte offers a steady but manageable climb with sweeping views back over the Shasta Valley and north toward Oregon. Snow can linger well into the season, so check conditions, carry layers, and be prepared for thin air and stronger sun than down in Butte Valley.
04
Cooler summer escape
Medicine Lake Recreation Area
Medicine Lake Highlands • Lakeside Forest Loop Hikes • Best For Relaxed Rambling
Shaded trails and old roads around Medicine Lake make for mellow loops with lava-rock views and plenty of swimming options.
Set high in the Medicine Lake Highlands, this area feels pleasantly cooler than the valley on hot days. Short hikes loop through mixed conifer forest to viewpoints, pumice flats, and quiet coves along the lake, so you can tailor the outing to your group and the weather. Many hikers pair a morning loop with an afternoon paddle or swim, then linger for an unpolluted star show before heading back toward Butte Valley.
05
Best bird-watching walk
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Tulelake Area • Wetland Paths And Ridge Trail • Scenic Wildlife-Focused Stroll
Easy walking paths and the steeper Sheepy Ridge Trail offer relaxed birding and big views over the marshes and farm country.
While people come here first for the birds, the refuge doubles as a low-key hiking option close to town. The short interpretive paths near the visitor areas are ideal leg-stretchers with kids, and the climb up Sheepy Ridge rewards you with a wide-angle look at the basin, neighboring refuges, and distant peaks. Visit in spring or fall for the most dramatic migrations, and bring binoculars if you have them.