Upper Goosenest Trail #5701

Overview

Goosenest (8,280 feet) is an extinct (hopefully) shield volcano with a cinder cone on top, resembling a goose\u2019s nest (actually it looks more like an albatross nest, but those aren\u2019t that common in Northern California). It sits just north of Mount Shasta and affords amazing views of the north side of that peak and a 360-degree view across much of Northern California. The hike to these views is short on a well-graded, well-maintained trail plus an obvious use trail.<br><br>From the official trailhead (this can be confusing to reach\u2014see driving directions in "Need to Know"), the main trail climbs for 1.3 miles through several switchbacks and level stretches to the western rim of the summit crater. From here, an obvious use trail (actually an old road) goes along the southern edge of the rim for 0.5 miles to the summit. Views start along the main trail and just get bigger and bigger as you reach the rim and climb toward the summit. Pick a clear day for your hike and you can see for 100 miles!<br><br>You can return back along the southern rim or follow a faint, but easy, use trail down the northern rim back to the main trail - allowing you to circle the nest.

Trail Stats

Photos

View of Mount Shasta, June 22, 2019.

View of Mount Shasta, June 22, 2019.

The Shasta Valley and the Trinity Alps from Goosenest

The Shasta Valley and the Trinity Alps from Goosenest

Mount McLoughlin (far horizon) from Goosenest's summit

Mount McLoughlin (far horizon) from Goosenest's summit

Start of the Goosenest Trail

Start of the Goosenest Trail

Mount Shasta from along the Goosenest Trail

Mount Shasta from along the Goosenest Trail

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