01
Best overall pick
Greenhorn Park Trails
South Yreka Foothills • Reservoir Loop With Rolling Foothill Singletrack • Best All-Around In-Town Hike
A versatile network of lakeside and hillside trails just minutes from downtown Yreka.
Greenhorn Park is where most locals go when they say they are “going for a hike in Yreka.” A main loop circles the reservoir with spurs that climb into oak-dotted hillsides for broader views, so you can keep it easy or add some elevation. It is a great first stop if you are new to the area and want a quick sense of the local landscape.
02
Best easy stroll
Yreka Creek Greenway
Through Central Yreka • Urban Creek Greenbelt Path • Easiest Everyday Walk
A mostly gentle path following Yreka Creek through town, ideal for low-key walks and birdwatching.
The Yreka Creek Greenway links neighborhoods, parks, and bits of riparian habitat into a surprisingly quiet in-town escape. Sections of the path are paved or well-graded, making it friendly for casual walkers, kids, and anyone easing into hiking. Go early or near sunset for cooler temperatures and a good chance of spotting herons, ducks, and other creek life.
03
Iconic mountain outing
Bunny Flat to Horse Camp, Mount Shasta
South On I-5 Near Mount Shasta City • High-Alpine Volcano Trail • Classic Mount Shasta Day Hike
A well-traveled route up the lower slopes of Mount Shasta with big views and a high-mountain feel.
From the Bunny Flat trailhead, the path climbs steadily through open forest and volcanic terrain to the Sierra Club’s historic Horse Camp. Even if you are not attempting the summit, this hike gives you the full Mount Shasta atmosphere—thin air, wide views, and plenty of climbers passing through. Check road and snow conditions before you go, as access and difficulty change dramatically with the seasons.
04
Best view hike
Black Butte Trail
Near Mount Shasta City Off I-5 • Steep Volcanic Summit Climb • Best For Big Views And A Workout
A rocky, switchbacking climb to a pointed summit with sweeping views of Mount Shasta and the Shasta Valley.
Black Butte looks intimidating from the highway, and the trail matches its appearance: it is steep, rocky, and best for hikers comfortable with a sustained climb. The payoff is a 360-degree panorama, with Mount Shasta dominating the skyline and the Shasta Valley stretching back toward Yreka. Start early on hot days, and be prepared for loose rock underfoot near the top.
05
Best quick stop
Hedge Creek Falls Trail
North Side Of Dunsmuir • Short Waterfall And River Overlook Walk • Quick Family-Friendly Stop
A short, shady path to a small waterfall you can walk behind, with an optional viewpoint over the Sacramento River.
Just off the freeway in Dunsmuir, Hedge Creek Falls makes a convenient leg-stretcher on the drive between Yreka and points south. The trail is brief but rewarding, dropping through forest to a lava-rock alcove behind the falls that kids love. If you have a few extra minutes, continue to the overlook for a classic view down to the Sacramento River canyon.