01
Most unique landscape
Lava Beds National Monument
South Of Tulelake • Lava-Tube And Cinder-Cone Trail Network • Best For Cave Explorers
A stark volcanic plateau laced with short hikes, summit views, and hundreds of lava tubes to explore.[4]
South of Mount Hebron, Lava Beds National Monument offers a completely different kind of hike, with trails crossing rough lava flows to cinder-cone viewpoints and cave entrances.[4] Easy walking routes around the Cave Loop Road pair well with a short but steep climb up Schonchin Butte for a wide look at the Medicine Lake Volcano and surrounding high desert.[4] Bring a headlamp and sturdy shoes if you plan to combine above-ground hiking with a few of the signed lava-tube routes, which are a signature experience here.[4]
02
Best overall pick
Lake Siskiyou Loop Trail
Near Mount Shasta City • Forest-And-Lakeside Loop • Best Family-Friendly Loop
A gently rolling lakeshore circuit with constant Mount Shasta views and plenty of spots to pause and swim.[4][5]
The Lake Siskiyou loop is one of Siskiyou County’s most popular hikes, circling the reservoir on a roughly 7-mile path with long views of Mount Shasta on clear days.[4][5] The mostly level trail mixes shaded forest stretches with open shoreline, small bridges, and access to picnic areas and small beaches, making it an easy fit for varied groups.[4][5] Start from the day-use area on the south shore for an intuitive circuit and a post-hike dip when the weather is warm.[4][5]
03
Top waterfall outing
McCloud River Falls Trail
East Of Mccloud • Multi-Tier Waterfall River Path • Best For Waterfall Lovers
A short, scenic river trail linking the Lower, Middle, and Upper McCloud Falls with multiple overlooks and access points.[4]
The McCloud River Falls Trail strings together three distinct waterfalls—Lower, Middle, and Upper McCloud Falls—along a well-traveled riverside route east of the town of McCloud.[4] You can hike the whole stretch or cherry-pick sections from the signed parking areas, with railings and overlooks that make the scenery accessible to a wide range of hikers.[4] In summer, some locals cool off in the pools near designated access spots, but the trail is rewarding year-round for the sound and spray of the river alone.[4]
04
Best short alpine challenge
Castle Lake and Heart Lake Trail
Southwest Of Mount Shasta City • Alpine Lake And Viewpoint Hike • Best For Big Views In A Half-Day
A stepped hike from a road-accessible alpine lake up to a smaller perch with sweeping views of Mount Shasta and the Trinity Divide.[4]
From the trailhead at Castle Lake, a brief climb leads along use paths and rocky slopes to Heart Lake, a small tarn perched above its larger neighbor.[4] The effort is rewarded with postcard views of Mount Shasta rising beyond Castle Lake, one of the classic vantage points featured in many guides to Siskiyou County hiking.[4] Go early in the day for easier parking at Castle Lake and clearer skies over the peak, and be prepared for uneven footing on the upper sections.[4]
05
Iconic mountain outing
Bunny Flat Area Trails, Mount Shasta
On The South Flank Of Mount Shasta • High-Elevation Volcanic Mountain Trail • Best For High-Country Feel
A high-elevation trail hub on Mount Shasta where day hikers can sample meadows, old ski terrain, and big views without committing to the summit.[4]
Bunny Flat is the classic access point on Mount Shasta’s south side, used by climbers but also by day hikers exploring the upper mountain meadows and ridges.[4] In summer and early fall, signed routes and use trails fan out toward Panther Meadow and beyond, giving strong legs a taste of thin air, volcanic rock, and wide open views without technical climbing.[4] Weather can change quickly at this elevation, so even for shorter hikes it is wise to pack layers and check conditions before driving up from the Mount Hebron area.[4]