There’s something magical about hiking in Siskiyou and the trail from Castle Lake to Heart Lake is one of those short but unforgettable adventures that stays with you long after your boots are off. I was asking myself why I have never done this particular hike and when a friend mentioned that she hadn’t been there in years, we decided this was a must and headed out on a recent September Saturday.
We started our morning with a light breakfast and chugged lots of water on our way to the trailhead. Castle Lake Road is a winding, two-lane, tree-lined route that climbs steadily into the mountains. The road is paved and well-maintained, but it twists and turns through dense forest, so we took our time, rolling down the windows to let in the cool mountain air. The drive is only about 7 miles from town, but it feels like entering another world. The temperature dropped slightly, and the scent of pine filled the truck. Eventually, the road ended at a small parking area beside Castle Lake, nestled in a granite basin surrounded by forested ridges. It was absolutely breathtaking, and I was impressed that you can drive right up to this scene!
The parking area felt a bit crowded, as people took about any available space to park it seemed. There were plenty of overflow spots still available when we arrived at eleven o’clock this Saturday. It’s paved and I’ve been told it can fill up quickly on weekends and during peak summer months. The lot sits right beside Castle Lake, offering immediate access to the shoreline and trailheads, which is the draw for many. There is a pit toilet restroom that was stocked with plenty of TP. No frills, but it did the job. There are no garbage services, so we made sure to pack out any trash.
We started our adventure by taking the trail on the right of Castle Lake which follows the shore about 1/3 way around the lake. Although this trail was not the way to Heart Lake, I am glad we ventured this route. Castle Lake was greenish -blue and crystal clear. The sunshine was warm and I immediately felt calm. There were a few people swimming at the floating dock, and a couple had carried in inflatable kayaks, which I made note to do for a future visit. Overall It wasn’t too crowded but we did pass other hikers and picnickers along the path. My friend, who was braver than I, took a quick dip in the cool water, and swam around a bit. We then decided to head back to the parking area in search of the trailhead to Heart Lake.
The correct trail to Heart Lake begins at the northeast end of the parking lot, just to the left of the water’s edge. It’s unmarked but well-used, so it was easy to spot. We eventually saw a sign pointing us in the right direction. We crossed a small stream of water and were on our way.
The trail climbs quickly, and within minutes we were gaining elevation. The views of Castle Lake below grew more dramatic with each step. The terrain is rocky and steep in places, but manageable. I paused ever so often to catch my breath in a shaded spot. The hike was work, I am not going to lie, and I was working for it. When we saw a family with small children, or a couple of older ladies pass by us going down I said to myself, “If they can do this, so can I!” so we kept on.
I found myself turning back to take in the sweeping vistas of Mount Shasta and Black Butte as they emerged the higher we climbed. We could see people swimming and congregating in the Castle Lake recreation areas below get smaller and quieter the further up we went.
After about 45 minutes of steady climbing, we reached a meadow that was full of way-trails and hard to decide which one to take. This area was also full of hikers, coming or going, and felt a bit chaotic. Our choice of the path less travelled led us to the saddle and once we crested, nestled in a bowl of granite and alpine meadow, was Heart Lake. The panoramic view over my shoulders made me stop in my tracks.
True to its name, the lake is shaped like a heart. It was smaller than Castle Lake, but more intimate, surrounded by wildflowers and boulders perfect for lounging. The water was murky, but didn’t seem to bother a woman that arrived shortly after us, as she rewarded herself with a cold plunge.
We found some large rocks along the shore to take seat and rest. I saw a female mallard duck across the lake and as soon as we took out our snacks, she headed right for us. We drank some cool water and munched on chunks of watermelon that we had packed up with us. The watermelon tasted like victory, sweet and perfect. I fumbled a cube and as soon as it hit the ground, that duck was there to scoop it up. She sat with us, clearly used to humans and eager for any snacks they might drop.
After our encounter and short rest, we headed to the ridge for the iconic view: Heart Lake behind us, Castle Lake below, and Mount Shasta towering in the distance. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in Northern California, and we had it nearly to ourselves.
We could have spent a good hour or two at Heart Lake, soaking in the sun, watching dragonflies skim the surface, and munching on trail mix. The silence felt peaceful, and the air smelled clean. Time seemed to stand still in those moments. We decided it was time to head back and leave this rewarding view for the next person.
The descent was quicker, but I lingered a bit to soak in the shifting light and noticed how familiar the trail felt, yet different from the way up. The sense of achievement put a pep in my step, and I greeted ascending hikers with a smile knowing what feeling was in store for them up ahead. The views of Castle Lake were especially stunning from the vantage point on our way down.
All in all, I suggest this hike for locals, visitors, families, beginner hikers, or even solo adventurers. If you are looking for a short adventure with big rewards near Mt Shasta, Castle Lake to Heart Lake is a must. This hike isn’t long, but it packs a punch. It’s steep, rugged, and absolutely worth every step. This hike was exhilarating and reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are just a few uphill steps away.
