{"id":4779,"date":"2018-12-27T10:28:51","date_gmt":"2018-12-27T17:28:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/?p=4779"},"modified":"2022-04-17T15:37:32","modified_gmt":"2022-04-17T22:37:32","slug":"sugarloaf-creek-trail-shasta-lake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/2018\/12\/27\/sugarloaf-creek-trail-shasta-lake\/","title":{"rendered":"Sugarloaf Creek Trail, Shasta Lake National Recreation Area"},"content":{"rendered":"

Remoteness and lush creek-side vegetation lure hikers to the Sugarloaf Creek trail near Shasta Lake. Sugarloaf Creek runs year-round, and originates a few miles northwest of the trailhead. The trail itself parallels the creek, and always stays on the north side. The first mile or so of trail is in good shape, but the upper reaches are covered with leaves and pine needles. The path also gets quite faint beyond that first mile.<\/p>\n

NOTE: The Sugarloaf Trail may be closed. Check for current updates here<\/a>. The trail and its surroundings were substantially burned in wildfire, so you’ll see plenty of evidence of that<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Sugarloaf Creek Trail hosts many wildflowers, including the wooly sunflower.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sugarloaf Creek Trail Key Data<\/h2>\n

Distance: 2.0 miles roundtrip, with opportunities to go farther on faint trail or cross-country
\nDifficulty: Moderate
\nType: Day hike
\nElevation gain: 300-800 feet
\nHigh point: up to 1950 feet
\nSeason: year-round
\nContact: Shasta Lake Ranger Station, Shasta Lake National Recreation Area, Shasta-Trinity National Forest; 530-275-1587; website here<\/a>
\nPermits: none needed
\nSugarloaf Creek Trailhead GPS coordinates: N 40 51.247 W 122 26.729
\nNotes: dogs allowed on leash; poison oak near trail<\/p>\n

Sugarloaf Creek Trailhead Directions<\/h2>\n

Take the Lakeshore exit off I-5 about 25 miles north of Redding to Shasta Lake National Recreation Area. Go under the freeway and turn left onto Lakeshore Drive. After 6.0 miles the pavement ends; the remaining 0.7 mile to Sugarloaf Creek is good dirt road. Park near the road on the north side of the creek, or down by the creek itself on the south side.<\/p>\n

Swimming in Sugarloaf Creek<\/h2>\n

If you hike on a hot day be sure to take note of the swimming hole just south of where Lakeshore Drive crosses the creek. If you’re willing to search, you can find a few smaller swimming spots farther upstream.<\/p>\n

\"Topographic
Sugarloaf Creek Trail map near Shasta Lake. Note that the upper reaches of the trail are unmaintained and difficult to follow. (Courtesy of Caltopo.com<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hiking the Sugarloaf Creek Trail (5W17)<\/h2>\n

The unsigned trail begins from the road on the north side of the bridge. The first 0.5 mile travels through relatively open territory, with good views of the steep, heavily forested mountains. This is also the driest part of the hike: notice the gray pines and interior live oaks on the south-facing slope to your right.<\/p>\n

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Best Day Hiking Trails in Upper California<\/h4>\n

\"Day<\/a>My<\/strong> compact guidebook has the 125 best day hikes:
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n