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McCloud River Trail

Trinity · Managed by Shasta-Trinity National Forest (USFS) · Region: Shasta-Trinity NF backcountry
Difficulty 60/100 · Strenuousout and back#usfs#backcountry#stnf
Distance
34 mi
Elevation
512–3,701 ft
Days
3–4
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

McCloud River Trail is a 17-mile trail (one way per the Forest Service; out-and-back mileage listed) in Shasta-Trinity NF backcountry. Difficulty is estimated from distance (Strenuous); the Forest Service trail page carries the official description.

Highlights

  • 17 miles of trail per the Forest Service trail page
  • No entrance fees on national forest land

Logistics

  • Trailhead: McCloud River Trail Trailhead (512 ft)
  • Water: Creeks and lakes along the route; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None nearby; plan a self-supported trip.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.

Permits

  • Agency: Shasta-Trinity National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on fs.usda.gov
  • Quota: Free wilderness permits are self-issued at most trailheads in the Trinity Alps, Castle Crags and Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wildernesses.
  • Reservation window: None for most trailheads — sign the register at the trailhead.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Fires are allowed only in established rings, and seasonal forest-wide restrictions are common — check current alerts. A California Campfire Permit is required for camp stoves. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: May, June, July, August, September, October.

Snow: Snow clears by late spring at most trail elevations.

Heat: Summer afternoons can be hot at lower elevations.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in early summer near water.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Check current fire restrictions and forest alerts before your trip
  • A California Campfire Permit is required even for a stove
  • Poison oak is common below about 4,000 feet.
  • Water sources are seasonal — confirm flows before you go

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. McCloud River Trail. Shasta-Trinity National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/shasta-trinity/recreation/trails/mccloud-river-trail. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail distance (17 mi one way) and trail number (03W11) per the Forest Service trail page.
  3. Hiking — Shasta-Trinity National Forest (USFS). Shasta-Trinity National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/shasta-trinity/recreation/opportunities/hiking. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Forest hiking overview and trail index.
  4. Passes & Permits — Shasta-Trinity National Forest (USFS). Shasta-Trinity National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/shasta-trinity/passes-permits. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirements for the forest and its wilderness areas.