Take The 3 Mile Trail From Castle Lake To Heart Lake In Northern California

Shasta-Trinity National Forest encompasses some of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Northern California. You could spend a lifetime exploring it all, but there’s one destination that you especially have to be sure to see. The Heart Lake Trail leads hikers to a view of a beautiful alpine lake, Mt. Shasta, and vistas of Castle Crags Wilderness. And at just about 3-miles long, this trail packs in a lot of beauty into a short day hike! What are you waiting for? Hit the trail and see what beauty awaits.

For a hike that’s short but offers utterly jaw-dropping views, look no further than the Heart Lake Trail in the Trinity Divide. Combining beautiful alpine terrain with views that seem to go on forever, this trail is simply a must.

Robert Salinas/AllTrails

First of all, you couldn’t ask for a better place to start the trail. The Heart Lake Trail begins at the Castle Lake trailhead. Following the Castle Lake Trail for just over half of a mile, you’ll be treated to periodic views of the larger lake while gaining elevation.

Nora Bellows/AllTrails

The rugged alpine backcountry is pure bliss. With a total elevation gain of 813 feet, it’s also a bit of a workout. Still, hikers say that it takes only an hour or so to complete the hike.

Dana McDonald/AllTrails

As you climb, the views only get better and better. Following the trail, you’ll be led to a bench that overlooks Castle Lake. Look around and you’ll see the small but stunning Heart Lake tucked amid the cliffs hundreds of feet above Castle Lake.

Ashley Hicks/AllTrails

It may be small, but the view of Heart Lake - which, as you can see, is really shaped like a heart - with Mount Shasta shining brightly in the distance is simply sublime. This majestic view is worth every drop of sweat.

yiftah shahar/AllTrails

Even better views await at the top of Castle Peak, which you can reach via a trail that departs the Heart Lake Trail. From the top, you’ll have the perfect vantage point of not only Heart Lake but the striking Castle Crags and Lassen Peak.

Ian Danielson/AllTrails

It seems almost too good to be true that such a short and simple hike boasts such outstanding views! The next time you find that the mountains are calling, check out the Heart Lake Trail. See the trail map here.

Eden Behringer/AllTrails

Have you hiked the Heart Lake Trail from Castle Lake? This looks like an awesome hike when you feel like a manageable mountain adventure! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.