01
Best overall summit pick
Goosenest Trail
South Of Macdoel In Klamath National Forest • Short Forest Summit Hike With Big Views • Local Favorite For A Half-Day Climb
A steady, pine-shaded climb to a fire-scarred summit with sweeping views of Mount Shasta and the Butte Valley.
From the trailhead, the route wastes no time gaining elevation as it switchbacks through mixed conifers toward the broad summit ridge. The upper slopes open up to wide panoramas, with Shasta dominating the southern skyline and layers of forest and grassland rolling away in every direction. It is a straightforward, out-and-back hike that rewards a moderate effort with classic North State views.
02
Best classic trail sampler
Pacific Crest Trail near Highway 97
East Of Macdoel Along Highway 97 Corridor • Iconic Long-Distance Trail Section • Best For Mileage And Solitude
This mellow Pacific Crest Trail segment threads through quiet pine forest and open flats, perfect for an out-and-back of any length.
Just a short drive from Macdoel, the Pacific Crest Trail crosses Highway 97 and offers easy access to a famous long-distance route without committing to a thru-hike. The walking is generally gentle, with soft forest tread, scattered volcanic outcrops, and frequent clearings that reveal Shasta and surrounding cinder cones. Pick a direction and hike until you are ready to turn around—navigation is simple, and the feel is remote despite the nearby highway.
03
Best lakeside stroll
Orr Lake Trail
East Of Mount Shasta Near Orr Lake • Easy Lakeshore Loop And Campground Walk • Best For Relaxed Family Time
A gentle path loops around Orr Lake, mixing forest shade with open shoreline views of Mount Shasta.
The Orr Lake Trail stays mostly level as it traces the water’s edge, making it a welcoming option for kids, casual walkers, and anyone adjusting to the local elevation. Along the way you will find fishing spots, birding opportunities, and a few quiet coves that feel far from Highway 97. Pair the walk with a picnic or a night at the adjacent campground for an easy-going escape from town.
04
Most unique landscape walk
Living Memorial Sculpture Garden Trails
Along Highway 97 Between Weed And Macdoel • Short Interpretive Paths Through High-Desert Art And Sagebrush • Best For Reflective Wandering
A network of short paths winds among metal sculptures and juniper-dotted hillsides with wide-open views to Mount Shasta.
Although known first as an outdoor art installation, the garden’s paths function as gentle hiking routes that encourage you to slow down and explore. The terrain is classic high-desert: low shrubs, volcanic soil, and big sky, with Shasta’s snowy cone framed by many of the works. It is an ideal stop for a leg-stretcher drive break or a sunset walk when the light on the sculptures and surrounding hills is at its best.
05
Best fire lookout hike
Herd Peak Trail
East Of Macdoel In The Goosenest Ranger District • Steady Climb To A Historic Lookout • Best For Sunrise And Sunset Views
A forested route climbs to Herd Peak’s lookout site, delivering wide-angle views of Shasta, the Klamath Basin, and distant ranges.
The hike to Herd Peak follows old roads and singletrack through quiet timber before breaking out onto more open slopes near the summit. At the top, the former lookout site offers a 360-degree sweep over volcanic peaks, forested ridges, and the patchwork of fields around Macdoel. It is a rewarding choice for hikers who like a bit of elevation gain and a strong sense of place at the high point.