I appraoched this trail head from I-5 in Yreka. You could approach from Hwy97 if you have a good map also. Go east on SR3 to Montague and then continue going east on Little Shasta Rd and then Ball Mtn - Little Shasta Rd. This road traverses the Northern California Cascades north of Goosenest and south of Willow Creek Mtn. I don't have mileages, but you have to find NF road 45N22 that heads south from the Ball Mtn - Little Shasta Rd. A Klamath National Forest Map or Topo Map would be very handy in finding the TH because there are lots of branches off these roads and some logging activity on Goosenest. I finally found a Hiking TH sign along the road on the east side of Goosenest and it pointed me towards the TH. The TH is well marked next to the road and there is a sign that indicated the Goosenest Crater is 2.0 miles from the TH. There is a little register at the TH to sign in. No permits are required. My GPS reading of the TH was 41.7266483N, 122.2192235W.

Route Description

From the TH the trail is easy to follow and well maintained. It switchbacks several times up the north side of Goosenest. Along the way you pass a Benchmark that marks the section corners of 19,20,30, and 29 sections.

After climbing about 500 ft in elevation the trail traverses the west side of Goosenest all the way over to the southwest ridge. The trail then has a few more switchbacks up this ridge to the Crater. The Goosenest summit is on the east side of the crater and the trail ascends up the south ridge of the crater. The trail is wide and easy to follow up to the summit. On the summit there is a cairn and a register to sign. There were lots of signatures, so this must be a popular spot.

Essential Gear

No special gear is required. Take water and sunscreen. this is a summertime climb. Go too early and you will deal with muddy roads and snowdrifts. Go too late and you will be snowed in for the winter.

Miscellaneous Info

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