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The Best Backpacking in Shasta

Looking for the best backpacking in Shasta? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Shasta. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top backpacking spots in and near Shasta

  • Shasta County, California

    Hike to the top of South Fork Mountain

    5 mi / 4181 ft gain
    Starting from the Kanaka Peak Trailhead, follow the Kanaka Peak Trail all the way, continuing on past the Peltier Trail Junction and the Kanaka Cutoff Trail Junction until the trail begins to head east (about 2-2.5 miles from the trailhead) and there is a gently sloping hill on your right that is...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Backpack Stony Ridge in the Trinity Alps

    16.5 mi / 4500 ft gain
    The Trinity Alps has miles and miles of beautiful trails, but one of the more stunning sections is the Four Lakes Loop. There are two main trail heads that access the trail. Long Canyon Trail and Stony Ridge Trail both are both beautiful but Stony Ridge is the more popular route yet strenuous. To...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Backpack Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lake

    25 mi / 4448 ft gain
    The Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes trail features many beautiful lakes, meadows, and an area that resembles a jungle. Dogs are able to use this trail. This trail can be done as a day hike, an overnight, or a three-day backpacking trip. If you choose to make it a three day, the meadows ...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Stuart Fork Trail to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes

    5.0
    27.06 mi / 4213 ft gain
    The trail begins just past the Trinity Alps Resort, a private collection of cabins near Weaverville, CA. Hikers wanting an early start can spend the night at the Bridge Camp Campground, located next to the trailhead. The path starts out wide and level, following an old road to the wilderness bou...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Stuart Fork to Alpine Lake

    16 mi / 4265 ft gain
    Nestled in the heights of the Trinity Alps, this hike to Alpine Lake is not for the faint of heart. Before embarking on this adventure call the Weaverville Ranger station to check snow levels as well as the flow of the Stuart Fork River. If you are too early in the summer season the snowpack wi...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Granite Lake via Swift Creek Trail

    9.66 mi / 1982 ft gain
    Granite Lake via Swift Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Trinity Center, California.
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Backpack to Bear Basin and The Four Lakes Loop

    30.1 mi
    Day 1 Swift Creek Trail Head to Bear BasinThe trip begins at the Swift Creek trailhead in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Permits are very easy to get, just stop by the Ranger station in Weaverville, CA. They are free and can be self-issued in front of the ranger station, or you can go in if you wou...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Backpack Swift Creek

    18.1 mi / 3769 ft gain
    After the first set of switchbacks, you'll emerge in Mumford Meadows. A few switchbacks later and you'll be stunned by the huge granite cliffs. There some great spots to camp - if you cross the stream (perfect for filtering water) you'll find some more spots near the water. The furthest spot has ...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Eleanor and Shimmy Lakes

    6.12 mi / 1703 ft gain
    Eleanor and Shimmy Lakes is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Trinity Center, California.
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  • Junction City, California

    East Fork Lakes

    9.09 mi / 3763 ft gain
    East Fork Lakes is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Junction City, California.
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Hike to Boulder Lakes

    3.9 mi / 859 ft gain
    The upper lake (Little Boulder) is warm and perfect for swimming later in the summer. There are fairly large trout in this lake. The lower lake is bigger and has an abundance of campsites. If you want a bit more solitude, the trail continues further in two directions. Mosquitos can be a problem, ...
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  • Junction City, California

    Canyon Creek Lakes & L Lake Trail

    16.93 mi / 3497 ft gain
    Canyon Creek Lakes & L Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Lewiston, California.
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  • Junction City, California

    Canyon Creek Lakes

    4.3
    14.35 mi / 2605 ft gain
    Numerous starting points with over 550 miles of trail and easily 50+ different featured trails depending on length and what type of activity you are are looking for. One of the more popular trails, and rightfully so, is Canyon Creek Lakes Trail. This 16 mile roundtrip hike has an overall elevatio...
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  • Junction City, California

    Boulder Creek Lakes and Forbidden Lakes

    14.58 mi / 2841 ft gain
    Boulder Creek Lakes and Forbidden Lakes is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Junction City, California.
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  • Junction City, California

    Scramble Thompson Peak

    4.0
    22.7 mi / 6100 ft gain
    This adventure begins at the Canyon Creek Lakes in the Trinity Alps wilderness. Park at the Canyon Creek Trailhead near Junction City and hike the well-maintained and easy-to-follow trail for 8 miles. Once you reach the Canyon Creek Lakes, your off-trail adventure officially begins. I’d recommend...
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  • Junction City, California

    Backcountry Camp in the Canyon Creek Drainage

    9 mi / 2600 ft gain
    The first half of the Canyon Creek Drainage is one of the most popular destinations within the Trinity Alps, but the second half goes largely unexplored and uninhabited by sojourners. Four peaks – Thompson Peak, Wedding Cake, Mt. Hilton, and Sawtooth Peak – surround the basin and offer adventurer...
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