| Alt Names |
Copley Mountain, Shasta Ohv, Shasta Dam, Matheson, Shasta Offroad Park, Whiskeytown Shasta-trinity National Recreation Area |
| DESCRIPTION |
The trails here could be described as dry and a bit rocky, but the scenery is really top notch.
Nestled right under a large dam, this area offers a dozen creek crossings and some clean and new facilities. Unfortunately (due to 9/11 hijacking), you need a permit to cross dam to get to the main staging area and campground. A further inconvenience may be that you need to apply for the permit 72 hours in advance.
There is an alternate staging area to the south which requires no dam crossing permit (see directions) and it works just fine for day use. You can reach the campground this way also, but there are three or four creek crossings, some nasty washouts, and some short sections of volleyball sized rocks. Pickups should have no problem and short travel trailers could probably make it, but it might take you all day. For big RV's or travel trailers a dam crossing permit is highly recommended, unless of course, you are a certifiable nut job! Detailed Trail Map.
|
| LOCATION |
| Nearest City |
Shasta City, CA |
| GPS Coordinates |
N 40º 42.841' W 122º 24.970' |
|
From: Redding, CA
1). Take I-5 N to Shasta City Exit
2). Go straight through light
3). Bear right
4). Go straight through stop sign to Shasta Dam, cross the dam (Permit required)
Matheson Acces (No Permit Required): I-5 to Redding, 299 West 2 miles to Iron Mtn Rd, turn right, go north 6 miles, right on Matheson road. "Copley Mountain" staging area is on the right (GPS coords: N40.39.536 122.28.136W). You can continue on Coran Rd a few miles to get to the main camping/staging area under the dam, BUT!! This is a roughly graded road, 4x4 ok, 2x4 with high clearance ok, but probably too rough for an RV or travel trailer. There are 3-4 creek crossings, a few rocky sections about 30 yards long and some fairly deep washouts. |
| AREA TYPE |
| Area Type |
Trail |
| QUALITY |
| Pros |
beautiful scenery, lots of creek crossings, places to swim and fish, nice facilities |
| Cons |
need permit to cross dam to get to campground & main sraging area with an RV. (Matheson access required 4x4) |
| Rating |
 Very Good
|
| Recommended Stay |
3-5 Days
|
| TERRAIN |
| Square Miles |
25 |
| Miles Of Trail |
250 |
| Climate Type |
Forest |
| Trail Maintenance |
Marked, Rated, Lightly Maintained |
| Loose Dirt |
 Some |
| Hard Pack |
Some |
| Sand |
Some |
| Mud |
 Little |
| Dust |
Some |
| Rocks |
Some |
| Trees |
 All |
| Steep Hills |
 Many |
| Water Crossings |
Many |
| Small Jumps |
 Few |
| Large Jumps |
 None |
| Berms |
Few |
| Sand/Gravel Pits |
None |
| Single Track |
Some |
| Roads |
Some |
| Intersections |
Few |
| Rider Traffic |
Few |
| Shade |
Many |
| Ranges/Gunfire |
None |
| Hazards |
Some |
| Novice Terrain |
Some |
| Amateur Terrain |
 Mostly |
| Expert Terrain |
Some |
| Comment |
trails are marked for difficulty |
| REGULATIONS |
| Permit Required |
Yes |
| Dates Open |
Year-Round |
| Spark Arrestor |
Yes |
| Noise Limit |
Yes (96 dB) |
| Night Riding |
Unknown |
| Flags |
Not Required |
| Two Strokes |
Certain Times |
| Cross Country |
Prohibited |
| ATVs |
No Restriction |
| UTVs |
No Restriction |
| 4x4s (registered) |
No Restriction |
| Unregistered Cars/4x4s/Buggies |
Some Areas |
| Bicycles |
No Restriction |
| Hiking |
No Restriction |
| Horseback |
No Restriction |
| Camping |
Some Areas |
| Campfires |
Some Areas |
| Alcohol |
No Restriction |
| Fireworks |
Prohibited |
| Firearms |
Prohibited |
| Law Enforcement |
Few/Periodic |
| Comment |
permit required to cross damm to camp area - 72 hours advance notice is required |
| FEES |
| Parking Fee |
No ($0.00)
|
| Entry Fee |
No ($0.00)
|
| Riding Fee |
No ($0.00)
|
| Camping Fee |
Yes
Tent: $10.00
RV: $10.00
Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00
|
| KEY SERVICES |
| First Aid |
5-20 Miles (SW) |
| Gasoline |
5-20 Miles (NE) |
| Diesel |
5-20 Miles (NE) |
| Water |
On Site |
| RV Hookup |
5-20 Miles (NE) |
| RV Disposal |
5-20 Miles (NE) |
| Campground |
On Site |
| Conv Store |
5-20 Miles (NE) |
| Swim Area |
1-5 Miles |
| Water Body |
1-5 Miles (N) |
| Boat Ramp |
1-5 Miles (N) |
| CONTACTS |
| Contact Info |
CA BLM - Redding Field Office
355 Hemsted Drive
Redding, CA 96002
(530) 224-2100
www.blm.gov
|
| Contact Info |
Bureau of Reclamation Shasta Dam Visitor Center
(530) 275-1554
www.usbr.gov
|
| Comment |
Call for info on damm crossing. Permit required to cross dam - must apply 72 hours in advance |
|
| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Stunning scenic views of Shasta Dam. |
| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Colorful floral vegetation surrounds some of the trails. |
| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Some of the trails have rocks the size of volleyballs. |
| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Shasta Dam. |
| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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| Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo |
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Scroll down for trail contact information and regulations. Select a photo to enlarge.
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