Heart Lake, Shasta-Trinity National Forest Backpacking Guide
Heart Lake is the perfect overnight backpacking trip for beginners or those looking for a short but rewarding trip into California’s backcountry. The route offers incredible alpine terrain and panoramic views without having to commit to big mileage or a long trip. The lake sits high up in the rocky cliffs that tower over Castle Lake, a popular swimming and water sport destination in the summer months. Heart Lake itself is more of a big pond - it is not the lake but the surrounding views that draw backpackers to this area. The views of Castle Lake, Black Butte and a snow-capped Mount Shasta are magnificent and during twilight you can even catch a mirror reflection of Shasta in the still waters of Heart Lake. The trip is 2.8 miles roundtrip with 675 ft of climbing. This short distance allows for the trip to be rated as easy but it is a steady climb up to the lake which will feel challenging with a heavy pack. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Shasta region and our favorite viewpoint of Mount Shasta.
Heart Lake is the perfect overnight backpacking trip for beginners or those looking for a short but rewarding trip into California’s backcountry. The route offers incredible alpine terrain and panoramic views without having to commit to big mileage or a long trip. The lake sits high up in the rocky cliffs that tower over Castle Lake, a popular swimming and water sport destination in the summer months. Heart Lake itself is more of a big pond - it is not the lake but the surrounding views that draw backpackers to this area. The views of Castle Lake, Black Butte and a snow-capped Mount Shasta are magnificent and during twilight you can even catch a mirror reflection of Shasta in the still waters of Heart Lake. The trip is 2.8 miles roundtrip with 675 ft of climbing. This short distance allows for the trip to be rated as easy but it is a steady climb up to the lake which will feel challenging with a heavy pack. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Shasta region and our favorite viewpoint of Mount Shasta.
Heart Lake is the perfect overnight backpacking trip for beginners or those looking for a short but rewarding trip into California’s backcountry. The route offers incredible alpine terrain and panoramic views without having to commit to big mileage or a long trip. The lake sits high up in the rocky cliffs that tower over Castle Lake, a popular swimming and water sport destination in the summer months. Heart Lake itself is more of a big pond - it is not the lake but the surrounding views that draw backpackers to this area. The views of Castle Lake, Black Butte and a snow-capped Mount Shasta are magnificent and during twilight you can even catch a mirror reflection of Shasta in the still waters of Heart Lake. The trip is 2.8 miles roundtrip with 675 ft of climbing. This short distance allows for the trip to be rated as easy but it is a steady climb up to the lake which will feel challenging with a heavy pack. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Shasta region and our favorite viewpoint of Mount Shasta.
An easily downloadable, detailed compilation of everything needed to plan an exceptional trip to Heart Lake, Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
Guide Includes:
Best Time to Travel
Route Information including Days Needed, Mileage, Elevation, Recommended Campsites and More
Trip Report including Directions, Landmarks, Trail Names and More
Custom AllTrails Map for Live GPS Tracking
How To Get There and Trailhead Information
Packing List
Gear Recommendations
What to Know Before You Go
Wilderness Information
Trip Checklist
Guide will be sent immediately after purchase via email with a downloadable link in PDF file format. The download link expires 24 hours after first download so be sure to save to a computer, tablet or smart phone after opening.
Guide can be used for all pre-trip planning and taken with you on the trip itself, making your next adventure easier and more informed than ever!