Flanagan Trail

For an opportunity to experience the grandeur of Shasta County including a mountain, lake, river, and dam, Flanagan Trail is a great trail to hike. The trail is not only family-friendly and dog-friendly, but it also offers plenty of opportunity for those that are after a strenuous hiking challenge the chance to explore further through other connecting trails.

Flanagan Trail begins right at the Flanagan Road parking lot located north of Redding and east of the Keswick Reservoir. The trail is a 2.5-mile out-and-back dirt trail that is mostly a moderate incline, but with some sections that are steep. You are required to keep Fido on a leash and pick up after your dog. There are no bathroom or water amenities, so make sure that you carry plenty of water for your hike.

Along the trail, you will be surrounded by wildflowers, manzanita, pine, and oak trees. The beginning of the trail doesn’t have wide landscape views because you will be surrounded by trees. However, your hike will pay off a short distance into the trail once you tackle Chamaise Hill and suddenly get breathtaking views of the Cascade Range. You will get to see Mt. Lassen, as well as ‘The Three Shastas’ which include Mt. Shasta to the north, Shasta Lake and Shasta Dam. Carry your camera for fur-tography opportunities.

Midway along the trail, you will reach an intersection where you can choose to either stick with Flanagan Trail or change your path and join the Chamise Peak Trail that leads to Chamise Peak. If you stick to Flanagan Trail, you will eventually get to the end of the trail where another trail begins, the Upper Sacramento Ditch Trail. At this intersection, there is a bench where you can stop and catch your breath as you decide which route to take.

Generally, Flanagan Trail is a fun, spiraling, modest climb with unfurgettable views making it a pleasant hike for all members of the family including the furry kind. Enjoy!