Castella - Castle Crags State Park

2022 Castle Creek Road
Castella, California 96017
Shasta County
Website
Phone: 530-235-2684

The park, named for its 6,000-feet tall glacier-polished crags, offers swimming and fishing in the Sacramento River and camping near its banks. 
There is phenominal hiking both within the park's boundaries (28 miles worth) as well as in the back country; both of which offer astounding views of Mount Shasta. 
An extremely popular and worthwhile hike is the Castle Dome Hike (5 miles round-trip); an intense but unique hike and one of the best in the area.  The Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the park. 
Even for just an afternoon, the park is a great place to visit and have a picnic, take a leisurely nature walk or just relax in the woods.  
There are also interpretive exhibits and plenty of wildlife to be seen. 
How to get there:
The park is located 50 minutes north of Redding and 6 miles south of Dunsmuir, right off of I-5.  You'll see signs on the highway for where to turn.  Check out the map for more specific directions. 
Camping information:
There are 76 developed campsites at the park. Camping is year-round and on a first come, first-served basis. 
More information:
Spanish explorers use to refer to the crags as; "Castle del Diablo" ~ Castle of the Devil.  Dogs are not allowed on any of the park's trails.  For more info on the park and/or camping here, visit the Park's Website. 
Other things to do in the area:
Just north, in Dunsmuir, take a hike to the incredible Mossbrae Falls or make the trip to the McCloud area, just east of Mt. Shasta City, and visit the popular McCloud Waterfalls.   
*Click on the photos below to enlarge them