Copley Mountain, Shasta Ohv, Shasta Dam, Matheson, Shasta Offroad Park, Whiskeytown Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, Shasta Trinity National Forest
Last Known Status
Open
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.
There is an alternate staging area to the south (see directions) which 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 toy haulers the northern access route (dam crossing) is highly recommended.
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.
Matheson Access: I-5 to Redding, 299 West 2 miles to Iron Mtn Road, 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 Road a few miles to get to the main camping/staging area under the dam. Note that this is a roughly graded road. 4x4s and 2x4s with high clearance are ok, but it is probably too rough for most RVs and travel trailers.
TYPE OF AREA
Area
Trail
Land
BLM, National Forest
QUALITY
Pros
beautiful scenery, lots of creek crossings, places to swim and fish, nice facilities
*Disclaimer: RiderPlanet strongly recommends that all visitors get insurance for their ATV, UTV or motorcycle before visiting any of the locations shown on this website.
FEES
Parking
No ($0.00)
Entry
No ($0.00)
Riding
No ($0.00)
Camping
Yes Tent: $10.00 RV: $10.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00
KEY SERVICES
First Aid
5-20 Miles (SW)
hospital Mercy Medical Center (530) 255-6000
Gasoline
5-20 Miles (NE)
7-11 (530) 246-2291
Diesel
5-20 Miles (NE)
7-11 (530) 246-2291
Water
On Site
Shasta Campground
RV Hookup
5-20 Miles (NE)
Mountain Gate RV Park (530) 275-4600
RV Disposal
5-20 Miles (NE)
Mountain Gate RV Park (530) 275-4600
Campground
On Site
various campgrounds in area
Conv Store
5-20 Miles (NE)
Chevron (530) 275-2775
Swim Area
1-5 Miles
Water Body
1-5 Miles (N)
Sacramento River, Shasta Lake
Boat Ramp
1-5 Miles (N)
Sacramento River, Shasta Lake
CONTACTS
Contact Info
BLM - Redding Field Office 355 Hemsted Drive Redding, CA 96002 (530) 224-2100 www.blm.gov
Comment
Extension 7
Contact Info
Bureau of Reclamation Shasta Dam Visitor Center (530) 275-1554 www.usbr.gov
These trails have some stunning scenic views of Shasta Dam. This was taken along the main loop.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
There is even some cololorful vegetation that surrounds some of the trails.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
There is a shallow swimming hole located along the main accesses road that follows the river.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
This is the main parking and staging area located below the dam. It's a scenic staging area located right on the river below the dam.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
A bridge on one of the trails.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
This is one of the upper elevation sections of the main loop.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
A few of the trails have a layer of sharp rocks the size of softballs or volleyballs, but only in certain sections. Most of the trails are very tame.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
A view of Shasta Dam from the road.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
This was a fun little rise along one of the main arteries. Along the main loop most of the trails were wide, basically jeep roads.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
Not all of the trails are jeep roads. There are also some narrow trails like this.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
There is some great mountain scenery too. The main loop follows the ridge of these hills before dropping back down to the staging area under the dam.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
Many of the trails are pretty smooth and easy. You can make good time, or take in the scenery. There are multiple places to stop and get a panoramic view.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
This was a cool canyon walled section of the main trail.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
Coming down the last hill back to the staging area. A loose rocky descent of medium difficulty.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
This is a view from the main trail very near the main staging area.
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Trail Photo
There are a few shallow water crossings, mostly along the access road that follows the river. Nothing too deep, kind of fun.