Length:  3.5 miles
Trailhead(s):  Little Castle Lake / Mount Bradley Trailhead (Castle Lake Parking)
Elevation Gain:  1,136’
Trail Type:  Lollipop
Dogs:  Allowed
Difficulty:  Moderate
Permit Required?  No
Considerations:  Route in this article requires off-trail navigation (see explanation below.);  Popular hike, so arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Season:  Spring through Fall

Overview

The Castle Lake to Heart Lake lollipop is a gem, offering outstanding views of Mount Shasta, the Castle Crags, and the surrounding area.  This hike goes beyond the traditional hike from Castle Lake to Heart Lake by including an off-trail section, forming a lollipop.  (A map showing the hike route is the first slide in the slideshow below.)

Hiking from Castle Lake to Heart Lake

Traditionally, the hike from Castle Lake to Heart Lake is an out and back of 2.5 miles roundtrip with a elevation gain of 700′.  It is a very pretty hike climbing through the trees and above Castle Lake.

As you climb out of the trees and above Castle Lake, great views of Mount Shasta, distant buttes, and far off Cascades mountains come into view.  These views become ever present as you climb toward Heart Lake.  

Heart lake, itself, is very scenic.  The heart shaped lake sits nestled against a granite hillside with views peaking out to the west.

Traditionally, the hike from Castle Lake to Heart Lake stops here.  For those who want to leave the crowds behind and bag even better views, the hike can be extended as described next.

Beyond the Castle Lake to Heart Lake Hike

For those seeking to greater adventure, virtually no other people, and even better views, the hike can be extended beyond Heart Lake to form a lollipop.

The trail from Castle Lake to Heart Lake continues past Heart Lake heading east and climbing to a viewpoint.  Take in the views here and have a snack before leaving the trail and going higher.

(Please note that the route described below requires off-trail navigation and technical hiking experience.  If you are unsure of your skills, I do not recommend going past where the marked trail ends.)

Just before the viewpoint you will have passed an unmarked footpath continuing to climb to the left.  Follow this path uphill. Be aware that as you climb, the footpath will diverge into multiple footpaths.  Find what works best for you.

When you approach the top of divergent footpaths, there are some well situated rocks below a snowfield that remains into the summer.  These rocks are a great place to take in the outstanding views.

Leaving the rocks, climb through the snowfield (if present) to the top.  From here, you will have a fantastic view of the Castle Crags.

Traveling from the high point on the Castle Lake to Heart Lake lollipop gets a little tricky.  There are some footpaths, but they disappear.  Basically, pick one and start descending the western side around Heart Lake to the main trail.

When the footpaths disappear, you will still be able to see the lakes and where you want to head, but you will have to navigate some obstacles such as rock outcrops, boulders, and thick vegetation (mostly Manzanitas).  Just keep working your way toward the Heart Lake Trail which stays mostly visible below.

Eventually, you will make your way back to the Heart Lake Trail, where you take a right to head back to the trailhead.

Concluding Thoughts About the Castle Lake to Heart Lake Lollipop

The traditional hike from Castle Lake to Heart Lake is a nice, but very short hike with outstanding views and a lot of people.  Don’t get me wrong, it is well worth doing even for experienced hikers.

For Mac and I, however, continuing past Heart Lake and adding the increased adventure, outstanding views, and off-trail challenge, without the crowds, made the hike come alive.  If you have the skills, I highly recommend you go beyond Heart Lake and do the Castle Lake to Heart Lake lollipop.  Hike on!

Scroll down to learn about the GEAR WE USE and OTHER OUTVENTURES in this area.