X-Country Skiing & Snow shoe'n

Mt. Shasta and Lassen both offer hundreds of miles of groomed trails for winter recreation enthusiasts, and some areas of trail are specifically designated for snow shoeing and cross country skiing. 

The Lassen National Forest offers miles of established and marked trails in the Colby Creek and McGowan Lake areas. A real favorite for Nordic Buffs is the historic Bizz Johnson Trial, an abandoned railroad grade between Susanville and Westwood. Because of the Northern exposure and shading on the upper parts of the trail west of Hwy. 36, the snowpack is especially good for skiing on that section.

Other cross-country ski opportunities can be found on Forest Road, just off of Hwy. 44, about 12 miles west of the Bogard Rest Area. This road runs south into Lassen Volcanic National Park and allows skiers to tour into Butte Lake and return, a distance of about 14 miles.

Elsewhere, Pine Creek Valley, just over 20 miles northeast of Susanville, beckons skiers with a scenic valley surrounded by mountains reaching up to 7,400 feet high. A number of Forest roads in the area double as ski trails, running from the valley into the mountains.

Yet another popular area, Hog Flat, extends about ten miles to the Bogard Rest Area, boasting gentle rolling terrain and excellent skiing conditions, as well.

Beyond the designated areas listed, virtually the whole Forest is open to cross-country ski enthusiasts, with more challenging terrain on the west side, and gentler areas on the east side. Because much of the country is remote and wild, always remember to ski with a friend, and by all means, let others know your travel plans.

The Mt Shasta region also has an abundance of un-groomed, backcountry winter trails, which are suitable for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. At this time, the large majority of these trails are undocumented and unmarked.
The Nordic Lodge at Mount Shasta Board & Ski Park is the area's closest full-service Nordic ski area. Though part of a large resort, the cross-country trails are far from the alpine activity and offer a tranquil atmosphere. The mix of easy, intermediate, and challenging trails provides some of the best variety in the region. Trails are wide and grooming is excellent for skating and classic skiing.

Visit ShastaCascade.com for specific snowshoeing trails information for the entire region.