One of California's most varied national forests, the Shasta Trinity is also one of California's most beautifuland not just because imposing Mount Shasta towers over all. The Circle of Mount Shasta would be our pick for a bike ride for anybody. Advanced bikers looking for an overnighter will groove on the Three Rivers ride.
Castle Crags
Distance: 35 Miles
Type: FS maintained and Single-track
Difficulty: Moderate
Getting There: From 1-5 in Mt. Shasta City take the Central Mt. Shasta City exit and make an immediate left on W Lake Blvd. Follow to Old Stage Road and turn left. At the Y, stay right and follow signs to Siskiyou Lake. Stay on W.A. Barr Road (FS 26) for 12 miles to Gumboot Lake.
About the ride: See spectacular views of the Castle Crags and forested valleys and peaks. Follow FS 26 until it forks and take the unmaintained road to the right to Willits Ravine. Pick up FS 25 and follow down to the gravel road which leads back to 1-5 in Castella. Can also loop back around to 26 and do a short loop that takes you back to Gumboot Lake.
Circle of Mt. Shasta
Distance: 50 miles
Type: FS maintained
Difficulty: Beginner-Moderate
Getting There: Exit 1-5 N at 89 just before Mt. Shasta City and follow to Forest Service Road 88. Turn left and follow 88 to the intersection of FS 3 1. The ride begins here.
About the ride: Circle Mt. Shasta in a counter-clockwise direction. Follow FS 31 to the junction of FS 19. Turn left and then immediately left on 42NO2 for 6.7 miles to 42NI6. Turn left at tree cutting sign 42N34; right at 42N33 down to railroad tracks. Follow tracks out to south of Weed or arrange for a shuttle. There is a lot of opportunity to make variations at the beginning and end of the ride, so be sure to study a map. The scenery is spectacular with views of Mt. Shasta to the left with glaciers on the eastern slope and lava flow fields in the valley to the right. This ride can be done in more than one day at a leisurely pace with plenty of opportunities for camping.
Clikapudi Trail
Distance: 6.6 Miles
Type: Single-track
Difficulty: Beginner-Moderate
Getting There: From Redding, take 15 north to Mountain Gate Blvd. exit. Turn right and follow Old Oregon Trail to Bear Mountain Road. Turn left on Bear Mountain Road and follow down to the Jones Valley Boat Ramp parking lot. Trailheads are located at the SW and SE corners of the lot.
About the ride: The trail covers beginner to intermediate terrain and offers nice views of Shasta Lake. The total elevation gain is 500 feet with only two moderate climbs to deal with. Try riding it counter-clockwise for best downhill.
Three Rivers
Distance: 70 miles
Type: Single track, FS maintained and gravel
Difficulty: Advanced