Future Field Trips: July 2023

Please join us for the following field trips, which will be co-hosted by Shasta Chapter CNPS and Shasta Environmental Alliance (SEA).

Heart Lake from Castle Lake Hike
Saturday, July 15, 8 AM

(This hike was originally scheduled for June 15, but we had to change plans when we found the area still snowed in!) The three-mile, moderately difficult hike to Heart Lake from Castle Lake, in Castle Crags Wilderness, has one of the most beautiful views of Mt. Shasta in the area. The climb is fairly steep in parts, with a total of 1,175 feet in elevation gain, but most people can manage it. We should see a great variety of flowering plants, both on the trail and around the lakes. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, hat, and plenty (at least two bottles) of water; dogs OK on leash if you pick up after them. We can have lunch in Mt. Shasta, or you can bring your own.

Caldwell Lakes Field Trip
Saturday, July 22, 8 AM

Caldwell Lakes are on China Mountain in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest west of Weed. The hike to the upper lake is ~4.2 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of ~1,200 feet (starting at an elevation of 5,900 feet and climbing to 7,100 feet). We will hike past lush meadows and under mixed-conifer forest canopy, and find views of Mt. Shasta and Mt. Eddy along the way. Serpentine-influenced vegetation that grows in the vicinity includes California pitcher plant, along with a diversity of wildflowers. This beautiful trail follows Parks Creek for part of its length, and usually has few people on it. The hike is considered to be of moderate difficulty, and we should have cool to moderate temperatures. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, hat, and plenty (at least two bottles) of water, and lunch; no dogs, please.

For further information on either field trip, or to sign up, please contact me at david@ecoshasta.org. ~David Ledger