Heart Lake, one of the world’s best hikes.

I know, that’s a really big claim, especially considering how many of the world’s hikes I’ve done! But, I have a hard time imagining a hike where you get more bang for your buck, or more accurately, amazing scenery for your effort. The hike starts at Castle Lake, which is less than ten miles from the town of Mount Shasta. Note that as of this writing, Castle Lake has been designated as day use only. Camping is no longer permitted at the lake. To get there from Mt. Shasta, go west on South Old Stage Road to W.A. Barr Road, veer right and continue toward Lake Siskiyou, turn left at Castle Lake Road, which is just after you cross the Box Canyon Dam. The road is about 8 miles long and ends at the parking lot. The trail is accessed by heading left (east) along the lakeshore. The first half mile or so of the trail winds it’s way through the forest. Then, it slowly starts to get more rocky and less forested. Before you know it, you are high on a ridge with spectacular views in every direction!

Above Castle Lake

But these views are just a tease of what’s to come.

“Peak”aboo View

By this point, your legs might be feeling a little wobbly, if you are like me. While this trail is rated as “moderate,” my experience is that it’s on the more difficult side. It’s not a very long hike–a bit over a mile one way–but the elevation gain is about 600 feet, so it’s a bit of a climb. This is a good place to stop, rest a bit, and take in the view before proceeding another half mile up to Heart Lake. From here on, the trail is not very obvious, and similar to climbing in a dry stream bed.

Alpine Majesty

Once you reach Heart Lake, it becomes obvious why so many iconic photographs of Mount Shasta have been taken from here. The beauty of this location is unmatched and the soreness of leg muscles no longer matters. It’s as if you have arrived in heaven.

Mount Shasta; Mt. Shasta; Heart Lake; Castle Lake; trail; top; view; vista; high; fly; flying; California; CA; mountain; mountains; alpine; scene; scenic; nature; natural; wilderness; forest; sky; blue; pine; evergreen; cirque; snow; altitude; elevation; hike; Loree Johnson

The View From the Top

Heart Lake

Because of the location, high up on the side of a mountain, it’s usually somewhat windy. But, on this day I was lucky enough to experience calm conditions, and water almost as smooth as glass.

Mirror, Mirror

Visiting such a place always leaves me feeling renewed. And even with tired, sore leg muscles, I couldn’t resist stopping part way down the Castle Lake road for one last view of the mountain before sunset.

Days End

← Previous Next →

13 Comments

David on July 2, 2014 at 8:47 am

Extraordinary photos and beautifully presented website! Kudos! How much time would you suggest I plan for hiking to Heart lake and back from the trail head? Many thanks.
admin on July 2, 2014 at 10:02 am

Hi David. Thank you so much for the kind words about my website. I would suggest that you allow at least two hours up and back. It may not take that long, depending on your age and fitness level, but the trail is fairly steep and uphill pretty much all the way there. Also, once you get there, you may want to spend some time swimming or just enjoying the views! This time of year, I would suggest taking the hike early or late in the day so as to avoid the hottest part of the day. And, of course, take plenty of water!
Nancy Eakle on February 11, 2015 at 9:33 am

This is exactly what I needed today! My family and I are in Shasta for a few days and looking for a fun place to take the dogs hiking. Thanks so much for taking the time to write something that some out-of-towners can go on!
Loree on February 11, 2015 at 10:54 am

Glad I could be of assistance. I hope you and your dogs enjoy the hike!
Lori Quillen on June 17, 2015 at 11:23 am

I am so going to do this hike. What stunning scenery and you captured it perfectly. How was the trail, besides up? Narrow, steep drop offs? I would like to take my young dog, but don’t like the kind of hikes with steep drop offs.
Loree on June 17, 2015 at 1:21 pm

Your dog should be fine. No steep drop offs. I took my dog and she loved it. And she’s a spazzy labrador! Enjoy the hike!
Skip Canfield on August 27, 2015 at 4:06 pm

The Heart Lake hike is my favorite of all time. I ride my bike from Reynolds Resort up to Castle Lake and then hike up to Heart and a little beyond to the cliff overlook. I can sit there and contemplate happy thoughts for hours.
ernogy on August 28, 2015 at 12:20 pm

wonderful images and write up. if doing sunset photography, is the hike back in the dark gnarly? would be with other photographers with headlamps of course
Loree on August 28, 2015 at 6:23 pm

Thank you for the nice comment. I haven’t done the hike back in total darkness, but I don’t think it would be too bad as long as you have good lights. Have fun!
ile on October 9, 2015 at 6:30 pm

Thanks for the info, do you know if one can camp in heart lake?
Loree on October 9, 2015 at 7:12 pm

I have seen people camped there, so I assume it’s okay. But, you would have to check with the Forest Service for an official answer. Have fun!
Nicky on July 18, 2016 at 10:25 am

Hello, great site and lovely photos. I’m going this weekend and have had a hard time researching the trail name. Is this not named and just obvious?

Thanks so much
Loree on July 30, 2016 at 11:49 am

So sorry I didn’t see this sooner. This is an old post from 2013. I’m sure the trail is still there and it’s still a great hike. I hope you found it and enjoyed the trek.