Castle Crags, Pacific Crest

Having entered the Cascade Range, before I take off on my hike, let me give you an insight into this extensive mountain range. Running from north-south, the range is 700mi (1,100km) long and 80mi (130km) wide. It starts in British Columbia, Canada, extending through Washington, Oregon and Northern California. With its highest peak in Washington State, the range is also home to several volcanic mountains. The Cascades are part of the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire", a zone of volcanoes and earthquakes circling the Pacific. The last two eruptions in the contiguous U.S. were in the early 20th century when Lassen Peak had its largest eruption in 1915 and Mount St Helens in 1980.

Crossing the dam at Lake Britton, I follow the trail that winds over DeLucci Ridge. The climb is gradual, ascending to 5,400ft (1,645m). The mix of forest and large open meadows makes the journey feel ever-changing. I catch my breath near Mushroom Rock as I approach Grizzly Peak. The valleys stretch out below, a patchwork of green and rugged terrain.

From Grizzly Peak, I descend into a valley to follow Deer Creek for about 5mi (8km), passing through Doodlebug Gulch before crossing a bridge over McCloud River. The river, named after hunter and trapper Alexander Roderick McLeod, had its spelling changed over time, partly to honour early pioneer Ross McCloud, who helped improve the region’s roads and railways in the mid-1800s.

The trail winds up and down through the dense woodland of Shasta-Trinity National Forest. As I reach the slopes of Girard Ridge, I climb to its historic lookout for the spectacular views of the Sacramento River Canyon, Mount Shasta and Castle Crags.

After another 10mi (16 km), the trail descended to 2,200ft (670m), crossing the Sacramento River and entering Castle Crags State Park. As the principal river of Northern California, the Sacramento originates in the Klamath Mountains and flows south for 400mi (640km) into San Francisco Bay. When gold was discovered, prospectors flooded its waters in search of fortune, forever altering the landscape.

Within the park, the grey spires of Castle Crags rise dramatically, rock formations dating back to the Jurassic Period. This land was once sacred to Native Americans, who relied on the Sacramento River for its abundant fish and the surrounding wilderness for game. But the Gold Rush brought disruption. Miners muddied the river, depleted wildlife, and in 1855, growing tensions led to violent conflict. Thanks to conservation efforts, the land was protected in 1933, and today, it thrives as a refuge for nature, home to 300 species of wildflowers, including the rare Castle Crags Bellflower.