Shasta Divide Nature Trail

A switchback along the lush green Shasta Divide Nature Trail.

Difficulty

Moderate.
Gravel and dirt surface.
3-4 feet width.

Length

0.4 mile loop

Elevation

400 feet, down to 1200 feet, back up to 1400 feet

Directions

The trail begins on the far side of the Visitor Center parking lot. Please keep dogs on leash and purchase an entrance pass before setting out on this short hike.

Trail Description and Highlights

This “lollipop” loop trail is short and drops approximately 200 feet in elevation down to the shoreline of Whiskeytown Lake. Because this is practically the only area of the national recreation area that did not burn during the Carr Fire, significant shade and lush vegetation remain. Species of oak, pine, toyon, manzanita, and poison oak dominate.

The brief shoreline segment of this trail is a popular spot for swimming.

After meeting the shore of the lake, the trail then climbs back up about 200 feet to the parking lot.

The name Shasta Divide is the name of the ridgeline just east of this trail. This low series of mountains represents the eastern boundary of the park and separates the Whiskeytown from the town of Shasta, also known as Old Shasta.