A specific outing is described below. Source checks are dated; weather, closures, operating hours, and reservations can change before your trip.
Castle Lake to Heart Lake
Climb along the east side of Castle Lake toward Heart Lake for a view back across the basin toward Mount Shasta. Follow the newer signed alignment through the alpine terrain.
- Activity
- Viewpoint hike
- Distance / format
- 2.2 miles round-trip
- Effort / terrain
- Moderate · about 600 feet of elevation gain
- Start here
- Castle Lake parking lot
Good to know
Stay off old, decommissioned shortcuts and recovering meadows. The road and trail can hold snow; the spring drainage crossing also deserves care.
Details checked November 10, 2026 · Source & current notices ↗
Plan with official information
Use the official source for current closures, fees, reservations, and permitted activities. This directory is independent and does not issue permits.
Official destination information ↗