Castle Crags

            Kelli and I took a road trip to Castle Crags State Park and hiked the 5.5-mile roundtrip Castle Dome trail. A two-hour slow, steady climb through the forest was well worth it. The trail took us to the base of Castle Dome, a giant rounded tower that looks like a miniature Half Dome. Climbing Castle Dome without gear is definitely possible. It is more of a scramble than a free solo, with some technical bouldering at the top. Sadly, I only made it about 100 feet up before my friend below begged me to come back down.

            The crags are a rock lover's paradise. Endless boulders to tackle, trad climbing routes, and even a few sport climbing sites. After enjoying some bouldering, building a cairn, and chatting with some fellow-hikers, we headed back. The return journey took an hour and was a pleasant downhill stroll in comparison to the trek up. 

Access: From I-5 South, take Exit 724, six miles south of Dunsmuir. Enter Castle Crags State Park and follow the one-lane road to the Vista Point parking lot. The Castle Dome trailhead is on the lower end of the parking lot. 

Castle Dome with Mt. Shasta in the backdrop

Valley View Panorma