Shasta-Trinity National Forest

A cool experience with 6 to 10 mile hikes
Trek into the wilderness and sleep in the backcountry
Pups are welcome at camp and on hiking trails

Galavanting and swimming at Granite Lake in Trinity Alps Wilderness

Galavanting and swimming at Granite Lake in Trinity Alps Wilderness

Galavanting and swimming at Granite Lake in Trinity Alps Wilderness

Galavanting and swimming at Granite Lake in Trinity Alps Wilderness

Designed by
Yvonne Leow
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Last updated
August 3, 2024

Trip · 3-day backpacking trip

For · Friends and first-time backpackers

Vibe · Moderate and fun

Distance  · 9.7 miles and 2,052 feet of elevation gain

Permits · Pick up a free wilderness permit at Weaverville Ranger Station (360 Main Street), and apply for a CA campfire permit online

Drive · 5 hours from SF

Ideal dates · September-October (to duck the heat and beat the snow)

Pets · Welcome on trails and campgrounds!

Shasta-Trinity National Forest (STNF) is the largest national forest in California! It features 2.2 million acres and over 6,200+ miles of streams and rivers. There are five wilderness areas: Castle Crags, Chanchellulla, Mount Shasta, Trinity Alps, and Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel, and more than 150 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail runs through the forest. This place is a natural wonderland that starts at 1,000 feet of elevation at Shasta Lake and tops out at Mt. Shasta at 14,179 feet. Ready to go galavanting? We are.

Official National Forest Website

Official Fire Restrictions

Directions to Trailhead

Main image credit: Matt Whitman

Stuff to know

  • Bear canisters are required in Shasta-Trinity NF! Pack your scented items inside too.
  • Mosquitoes like to hang out during the summer. Bring yo' bug spray.
  • Backcountry campfires are typically allowed, but campfire restrictions are in place until December 31, 2022.
  • Practice Leave No Trace! That means properly poopin' in the backcountry and packing out all of your trash.

Resources

Check the weather
Swift Creek Trail
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Itinerary

Day One

Granite Lake in Trinity Alps Wilderness
Granite Lake. Credit: Shasta-CNPS

Leave SF by noon

  • Last pit stop · Trinity Center Fuels - 55 Scott Boulevard in Trinity Center
  • Nearest grocery store · Trinity Center General Store - 55 Scott Boulevard in Trinity Center

Park at Swift Creek Trailhead and hike to Granite Lake

  • It's a 4.9 mile one-way hike, with 1,022 feet of elevation gain, to Granite Lake
  • Power up on snacks, layer on sunscreen, bug spray, and fill up your water bottles (at least 1.5 L). You'll be hiking along Swift Creek so there'll be plenty of chances to refill your water

Arrive and set up camp at Granite Lake

  • Once you arrive, there are several campsites along the northeast side of the lake. Sites are first-come, first-serve.

Cool off in Granite Lake! 

  • Remember to re-apply bug spray after your swim

Chill and cook up dinner

  • You did it! Enjoy your first night in Trinity Alps Wilderness

Car to camp: 4.9 miles - 1,022 feet of elevation gain - 3 to 4 hours

In 1905, President Teddy Roosevelt designated over 1.2 million acres as the Trinity Forest Reserve, and a few months later created a separate Shasta Forest Reserve. These two areas officially became Shasta–Trinity National Forest in 1954.

Day Two

Seven Up Peak
Seven Up Pass. Credit: Leor Pantilat

Make brekkie and day hike to Seven Up Pass

  • It's about a 5.5 mile round-trip hike, with 2,208 feet of elevation gain, to Seven Up Pass
  • Pack a daypack with at least 2L of water, lunch, bug spray, water filter, a small towel, and lunch
  • Soak up the spectacular views once you reach the highest point in the pass

Enjoy lunch with an alpine view

Return to Granite Lake for a swim and sunset dinner

  • Cook up your last dinner in Trinity Alps Wilderness!

Day hike: 5.5 miles - 2,208 feet of elevation gain - 4 hours

Seven Up Peak is 8,100 feet tall and made of crumbling volcanic rock. It's surrounded by iconic Trinity Alps, such as Siligo, Gibson, and TriForest Peaks. From the top, you'll have views of Bear Basin, Granite Creek, and the Four Lakes Loop area.

DAY THREE

Swift Creek Trail
Swift Creek Trail

Pack up and leave camp around 8 AM

  • Cook up brekkie, pick up any random pieces of litter around camp and save some snacks for the return trek
  • Layer on sunscreen, bug spray, and fill up your water bottles!

Hike 4.9 miles back to Swift Creek trailhead

Drive to From the Hearth Chicken and Pie Shop in Redding for lunch

  • Diners love their burgers and sandwiches
  • Located at 1292 College View Drive in Redding
  • Open everyday · 7 AM to 8 PM except Sundays · 7 AM to 6 PM

Head home!

Camp to car: 4.9 miles - 3 hours

California has the second largest number of wilderness areas in the country (Alaska has the most)
June 1, 2024

Bewilder at LAist Super-Fun Saturday

Make wildflower seed bombs with Bezzi the Yeti at LAist's Super Fun Saturday

Event in 2 days

Bewilder Basecamp: Spooky Wonders

Join Bezzi the Yeti on her first spooky camping adventure!

Shop curated gear

Everything your family needs for a fun and easy campout

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Bezzi's Pick
$399.95

NEMO 4-person Aurora Highrise Tent

This colorful tent can fit 4 to 6 people, and is easy to set up and pack out!

Bezzi's Pick
$249.95

NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair

Lean back, and we mean all the way back, in this luxurious camp chair. You'll never want to sit up.

Bezzi's Pick
$249.95

NEMO Roamer Self-Inflating Mattress

These are the cushiest sleeping pads we've tried! They come in Extra Wide and Double (for extra cuddles).

Bezzi's Pick
$99.95

Big Mo Toddler Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag that's designed for toddlers from ages 18-36 months.

Bezzi's Pick
$139.95

Big Mo 20° Down Kids Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag designed for kiddos age 2-4 years old

Bezzi's Pick
$42

First Peak All-Season Sweatshirt

A cozy sweatshirt for ages 6 months to 4T designed for outdoor exploration.

Bezzi's Pick
$38

First Peak Flannel

A durable and soft flannel shirt that's kid-sized from 6 months to 4T

Bezzi's Pick
$59.95

NEMO Fillo Luxury Camping Pillow

Bring your own or splurge on this pillow that's designed for outdoor fun.

Bezzi's Pick
$100

GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Cook Station

Picnic tables don't always cut it for cooking outside. This one is easy to use and has plenty of counter space.

Bezzi's Pick
$89.99

Coleman Pack-Away Cot

Elevate your sleep system (literally) with this heavy-ish but easy to set up cot.

Bezzi's Pick
$69.95

Kelty Lowdown Chair

It's sturdy, reliable, well-designed, and a tad pricier than most camp chairs, but it'll last for awhile.

Bezzi's Pick
$189.99

Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove

A popular and reliable dual-burner camp stove that stays hot in windy conditions.

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Meal & snack ideas

It turns out everything tastes better when we're outside

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Dessert

S'mores

Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Mac n' cheese

Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Snack

Lorissa's Kitchen Korean BBQ Steak Strips

Gluten Free

Bezzi's Pick
Snack

Solely Pineapple Coconut Fruit Jerky

Gluten Free · Vegan

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