The Shasta Trinity Wilderness Area, most well known for its namesake lake and mountain, is also home to wide variety of other wonders both natural and to some supernatural. I have traveled to this area at least once a year for most of my life for a wide range of reasons including, house painting, boating, mushroom gathering, sheet-rocking, and atv riding. This past August, I found myself there along with some friends to spend some time exploring the area west of the mountain.
We decided to undertake a weekend backpacking trip and found a beginner friendly route to Porcupine Lake and Toad Lake along the Pacific Coast Trail. We drove up after work one Friday and spent the night in. Dunsmuir before parking nearby Gumboot lake at a PCT trailhead. From there we hiked about 6 miles along the PCT to the turnoff to Porcupine lake. We encountered few people and the views were very nice (including many views of Mt Shasta’s western face and the town below). About halfway through is a small stream to refill water. The hike was mildly uphill but not too challenging. At Porcupine Lake, we spent some time scrambling around the rocks to setup camp on the far west side. The lake was inhabited by a few other campers. The water was clear and cold, and very convenient as a swimming and drinking source. From the small lake we had views of Mt Shasta. We had all packed some snacks to hold us over most of the day and had some dehydrated meals before night.
The next morning we hiked down to Toad Lake where we observed a few more campers. We followed a creek a few miles east where we encountered toads and other wildlife. The hike back to Porcupine was a little steep but a good time. The next morning we made the journey back to the car, but hit the original Black Bear Diner before hitting the road. It was very good.
I highly recommend this route for a beginner friendly backpacking trip. The hiking isn’t too bad and there is plenty of water. The below photos are AI generated per the requirements of this assignment.
The Northern California Guide 