Experience Off-The-Beaten-Track Adventures At This Underrated California Park

Located in California's Shasta-Trinity National Forest, about 50 miles north of Redding, Castle Crags State Park teems with natural wonders that few travelers visit. This includes majestic views of Mount Shasta and the towering granite formations near the park's northwestern edge, which have risen from the wilderness for more than 170 million years. The granite formed when lava from Mount Shasta erupted and solidified, and glaciers helped carve it into distinctive shapes. There are smaller wonders to behold as well. One is the charming Root Creek Trail, a mile of shady, easy-to-navigate terrain dotted with benches and a boardwalk that crosses a small stream. In other words, there's plenty to do whether you're an experienced adventurer or a casual fan of exploring the outdoors.

Castle Crags is an essential stop when attempting America's triple crown of hiking since the Pacific Crest Trail cuts through its 4,000-acre expanse. The park's 76 campsites, which can be booked on the California State Parks reservation website, may feel like luxury hotels if you're hiking the 2,650-mile trail that inspired Cheryl Strayed's best-selling memoir, "Wild." Each has a bear-deterring food storage setup, a designated spot for a campfire, and a picnic table, plus access to hot showers, flushing toilets, and fresh drinking water. Unlike the most-visited campgrounds in the United States, you're likely to have lots of peace and quiet and little competition for the bathrooms. Plus, the lack of crowds can make it easier to connect with your travel companions and reach a state of supreme relaxation.

As you may have gathered, Castle Crags State Park is a hiker's paradise. Grab a map of the park's 28 miles of trails at the visitor center, or ask its staff to suggest hikes that meet your needs. The 3.5-mile Flume Trail starts near the park's entrance and features fantastic views of the dark and lovely Gray Rocks. It connects to the Pacific Crest Trail, so you might meet long-distance hikers there. Or enjoy the pristine beauty of Castle Lake, where the 3-mile Heart Lake Trail begins.

While hiking or snowshoeing, look for "crag faces," visage-like features that ice has sculpted into the granite formations. The faces evolve as water freezes and melts in the rock's cracks. You can also climb these granite towers to experience their commanding presence from a different perspective. There are rocks suitable for both beginners and seasoned climbers. One of the most impressive is the Cosmic Wall, which offers a vertical climb with must-see-to-believe views.

The park also provides access to the Sacramento River, a refreshing spot for swimming and kayaking. If you like to fish, you're in luck: The river is brimming with rainbow trout. You just need to get a fishing license and return the trout you catch to the river. Trout are one of many creatures you may encounter at Castle Crags. Grab a pair of binoculars to spot black-tailed deer, gray foxes, and some of the 125 bird species that frequent the area. If you haven't tried nature photography, now's the time. Everywhere you turn, there's a worthy subject, especially if you head toward the park's best scenery.

If you're on a quest to find the best mountain views in the United States, Castle Crags State Park should be on your itinerary. For unbeatable scenery, head to the Vista Point Trail's overlook, where you can admire three of the park's most impressive volcanic attractions: Castle Crags, Gray Rocks, and Mount Shasta. There's even a telescope to help you get a closer look. At just a half a mile round trip, this trek is manageable for many people who seldom hike. Plus, there are plenty of benches in case you need a water break. Another showstopper is Castle Dome, which you can reach from its eponymous trail lined with soaring granite towers and verdant forests. This 5.5-mile hike is steep, but it's worth the sweat, revealing panoramic views of the whole park. Some hikers say that the highest point of the trail makes them feel like they're on top of the world.

For a different kind of visual treat, pack a dinner and venture to one of Castle Crags State Park's many picnic sites near the Sacramento River. Enjoy your meal, take a stroll on the river's suspension bridge, and watch the sun set over the park. Afterward, marvel at the night sky. Castle Crags State Park is an official dark sky location for stargazing, which means you can see loads of stars and planets that light pollution obscures elsewhere. It's also a great spot for observing an eclipse or glimpsing the Northern Lights.