There are many beautiful lakes in Northern California, but Castle Lake in Siskiyou County rises to the top of the list as a place that is a must-see for all Northern Californians. It’s located within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and it a great place to spend a few nights camping or just visit for an afternoon.

Trails lead from Castle Lake across the nearby Castle Crags Wilderness area and Castle Crags State Park. Other amazing lakes you can get to from here include Little Castle Lake and Heart Lake. You can also access the Pacific Crest Trail from this area.
Flickr/ Susan Stienstra
To reach the lake, visitors approach it from Lake Sikiyou by driving approximately 7 miles and passing Ney Springs and Faery Falls. It offers stunning views of Lake Shasta and the surrounding wilderness.
Wikimedia/ Castle Lake Limnological Research Station
In addition to swimming, kayaking, row boating and rafting are also popular activities at Castle Lake.
Wikimedia/Vlad Butsky
About one-quarter mile north of Castle Lake is a campground where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the lake's mesmerizing beauty overnight.
Wikimedia/ Vlad Butsky

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In the winter, many visitors partake in cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing along the trails in the area, and ice fishing in the lake itself.
Flickr/ Susan Stienstra
It's incredible for early summer wildflowers, as well. Red Columbine, Fawn Lily, and Shasta Penstemon all grow in abundance here.
Wikimedia/ NorCalHistory
Castle Lake was formed by a glacier about 10,000 years ago. It is about 110 feet down at its deepest point.
Wikimedia/ Castle Lake Limnological Research Station
Aside from being an amazing place for fishing, camping, and hiking, Castle Lake is also a great place to spot wildlife. Trout, bears, deer, otters, frogs, and osprey are all common sights here.
Flickr/ psyberartist
This unforgettable spot in the Trinity Mountains will stay with you long after you go. This area is part of the headwaters for the Sacramento River and an important watershed for California.
Wikimedia/ Castle Lake Limnological Research Station

What other lakes are must sees in Northern California? Be sure to share your thoughts with us on Facebook, we would love to hear your stories about Castle Lakes and other amazing spots in this beautiful landscape.

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