Castle Crags

Granite spires, right off the freeway.

Castle Crags State Park protects a cluster of granite spires above the upper Sacramento River near Dunsmuir, right off Interstate 5 — under an hour north of Redding.

There's a day-use area, a paved vista point, and hiking trails ranging from short walks to a strenuous climb toward the base of the crags, with views toward Mount Shasta across the canyon. It's an easy add-on to an I-5 run north — or a half-day of its own. A full guide with drive times, the trails, and my own photos is coming. Relocating and want the rundown on the I-5 corridor north of town? Get in touch.