Paddle With Mt. Shasta

Lake Siskiyou is all about the views, with Mt. Shasta towering over you. Lake Siskiyou is a local favorite to spend the whole day lounging on the bank or paddling around. It’s also conveniently located 5 minutes from downtown and is the perfect place to cool off after a day spent hiking, biking or exploring town. There are many options for how to access the lake based on what you’re interested in doing. See the information about each access point to find directions.

The Meadow ( Boat Launch)

The most direct launch location, the Boat Launch is what it sounds like; a purpose-built boat launch. It has a pull-through parking area, a natural surface (dirt) boat ramp, and a developed restroom. Although it’s the easiest location to launch, it requires a 10 min drive on a dirt road and can be a challenge to paddle back to in the afternoon if the winds pick up.

Directions to the Boat Launch

Spini Meadows

A local favorite for its late afternoon protection from the wind and direct access to the lagoon and Wagon Creek Bridge, Spini Meadows is a good launch and hang-out location. It offers several informal launch locations, several shaded lounging areas, a smaller pull-through parking area, and a developed restroom. Although a shorter drive than the Boat Launch, it still requires a short trip down a dirt road.

Directions to Spini Meadows

Dam Parking Area

By far the easiest and fastest launch location to reach, the Dam Parking Area offers a large, paved pull-through parking area, developed restroom, direct access to the Lake Siskiyou Trail, and a short paddle to the lagoon and Wagon Creek Bridge. The launch here is a little challenging, with a short walk through an area that is rocky at lower water levels, and a ~3ft. the high cable which requires hoisting your equipment over.

Directions to the Dam Parking Area

Cable Beach

With the best views of Mt. Shasta and ample shaded hang-out areas with direct lake access, Cable Beach is a popular destination for a day at the lake. The parking area is rather small at this location and can fill up fast on the weekends. It offers pull-through parking, a developed restroom, direct access to the Lake Siskiyou Trail, and it’s just a 5 min walk down to the water. The launch here is easy, but the hard part is carrying your equipment back up after you’re done. If you aren’t the fittest and/or you’re paddling solo, you’ll have an easier time at other launches.

Directions to Cable Beach

It’s Called Castle Lake For A Reason…

The towering cliffs surrounding this lake really leave you in awe. This area offers many options for a great day spent near the water. You can hike to Heart Lake and then when you come down enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake. There is also a dock in the middle of the lake that you can swim or paddle to. Or you can snag a spot to chill somewhere around the shoreline. There is no doubt a day spent at Castle Lake will leave you feeling stoked!

Getting There

It’s a beautiful winding road up to the lake, which is all paved. Parking may be full but you can park further down the road and walk-up. There is a pit toilet near the parking lot.

Google Map Directions

Boat Launch

There are no motorized boats allowed on this lake- which is perfect for us paddleboarders! Find the boat launch near the north end of the lake- right off the parking lot.

Visit Historical McCloud

McCloud Reservoir is a man-made lake that is created from the snow melt from the east side of Mount Shasta from the McCloud River and many smalls springs. Being directly fed from snow melt, the waters of McCloud Reservoir are one of the most stunning colors of turquoise around. It is definitely a hidden gem and you can tell because there’s typically very people around. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, so if you are kayaking or paddle boarding, be aware that you might be sharing the lake with water skiers, wake boarders and fisherman.

After a day on the lake, head back into McCloud for an ice cream at Floyds Frosty or enjoy dinner at one of the great restaurants located in the historic downtown area.

Getting There

About a 30min drive from Mt. Shasta, McCloud is a hidden gem. Make sure to check out the town when you head in. Lake McCloud requires a $ 5-day pass or annual pass. Find more about that here.
Google Maps Directions

Boat Launch

The boat launch is fairly obvious, and in the summer they have a dock you can walk out on. There is a small parking area, and a pit toilet.