Posted in Northern California Hiking, Nature February 07, 2023 by

The Marvelous 1.4-Mile Trail In Northern California Leads Adventurers To A Little-Known Overlook

Now here’s a Northern California trail everyone can hike. The Shasta Dam Trail is a short, looped trail that goes over Shasta Dam. With incredible views and a chance to learn something new, you can have a little adventure by exploring this little-known overlook.

The Shasta Dam Trail is a 1.4 mile trail that can be completed in about a half hour.
Jason Smith/Google Images
This out-and-back trail can accommodate bikers and hikers, as well as people with strollers or wheelchairs. You’ll get a good look at the dam and its spillways along the way.
While on this short trail there are many beautiful landscapes to enjoy. From this trail you can take in a marvelous view of the Sacramento River as it snakes through the mountainous region.
Bureau of Reclamation/Flickr
And the bright blue of Shasta Lake and its rust colored shores with Mount Shasta in the background. There are many photo opportunities on this short trail.
Construction on the dam was completed in 1945.
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The concrete dam is 602-feet-tall and holds back water to form the massive reservoir known as Shasta Lake. When the dam releases water it is sent through the Shasta Powerplant, producing hydroelectric power for the 15-state western power grid.
It's worth checking out the Shasta Dam Visitor Center. In fact, you might want to start here before your hike to learn more about what you’ll be looking at as you walk across the dam.
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The Visitor Center is located near the trailhead. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This is a nice little hike that for some reason many people don’t know about. It’s usually not crowded, and if you visit during a weekday it’s possible you may not see many people.
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There is not much shade on this hike, so be prepared with water and a hat, especially if it’s a hot day (and Shasta can get hot!). There is plenty of parking at the trailhead.
There are so many fun things to do in the Lake Shasta area yearound. In the summer, Shasta Lake is known as the house boating capital of the world.
Krussh/Google Images
You can rent luxurious houseboats and sleep on the water. The Shasta area is also home to the beautiful Mount Shasta. There are many hiking trails around the area where you can find some stunning views of the lake and mountains.

 

This paved trail is a great way to get outside, see some incredible views, and possibly learn something new.

Have you visited the Shasta Dam Trail or the Visitor Center?

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Address: Shasta Dam Visitors Center, 16349 Shasta Dam Blvd, Shasta Lake, CA 96019, USA