The Shasta-Trinity National Forest protects more than two million acres of an incredibly diverse landscape ranging from 1,000 to 14,162 feet. Five wildernesses beckon those seeking solitude. Mountain lakes with hundreds of surface-acres and 1,900 miles of streams are ripe for water sports and fishing. Forest roads and trails can take you hiking, mountain biking, skiing, quad running, caving, or just scenic driving. You can easily stay overnight in the forest choosing from thousands of camping units, fire lookouts and cabins for rent. As the largest national forest in California, the “Shasta-T” takes its stewardship responsibilities seriously by working to enhance wildlife habitat, maintaining clean water and producing timber products.
History & Culture
The Shasta-Trinity National Forest (part of the Pacific Southwest Region) is located in the central part of Northern California between the interior Coast Range on the west and the Cascade Range on the east. Elevations range from 1,000 feet along the southern and eastern edges of the Forest to 14,162 feet at the summit of Mt. Shasta. The Shasta National Forest was established in 1905 and the Trinity National Forest in 1907 by proclamations of President Theodore Roosevelt. The two Forests were combined into one administrative unit in 1954.
The Shasta-Trinity National Forest lies within portions of Humboldt, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity Counties.
Recreation
Located in the foothills and mountains of Northern California, the Shasta-Trinity National Forests are lands of scenic wonder. Dominating the valley is Mount Shasta (el. 14,162 feet). This steep, glacier-covered, living volcano tests the alpine skills of mountaineers, while hikers, skiers and campers enjoy the lower elevations. The Trinity Alps Wilderness, another spectacular feature of these forests, is filled with glacially-chiseled peaks. High alpine lakes and soaring peaks rival the beauty of their European counterparts. Castle Crags, whose spires reach over 6,000 feet, can be seen from the Pacific Crest Trail, which crosses the Castle Crags Wilderness Area. Trinity Divide County, just north of Redding, boasts 58 lakes. Many of these lakes are accessible only by foot but others offer camping just off the roads.
The McCloud River, about an hour north of Redding, features three waterfalls, a Watchable Wildlife viewing area and access to the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway. Two Scenic Byways, the Trinity Scenic Byway and the Trinity Heritage Scenic Byway, provide motorists with views of some of California’s most interesting terrain.
Shasta Lake and Clair Engle (Trinity) Lake are superb lakes for boaters, offering California’s biggest fleet of houseboats. Millions of Californians enjoy these reservoir waters and thousands enjoy boating, waterskiing, fishing and miles of shoreline. Four National Wild and Scenic Rivers provide ample opportunities for fishing and rafting.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
3644 Avtech Parkway
Redding, CA 96002
Phone: 530-226-2500
Popularity: 1% [?]
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