A Tolkien Tour of Northern California

The Lonely Mountain

The dwarves call it Erebor. The big people call it Mount Shasta. To us, it will always be the lonely mountain. From winter sports to summer hiking and mountain climbing, this is a great destination for your next unexpected journey. If you're looking for a great photo on a clear day, try the hike from Castle Lake to Heart Lake.

Mount Doom

Long have the fires of Ordruin slumbered, but the big people still remember the last time they awoke. If you try to reach the summit of Mt. Lassen, you may wish you had Sam to carry you for a while.

This photo shows the cinder cone, but Lassen National Park has dozens of volcanic features, trails and lakes to explore. It’s just what you’d expect from Mordor, even after the passing of ages has tried to heal the land.

Rivendell

The last of Elrond’s kin sailed west long ago and no traces can be found of their home near the base of Burney Falls. Yet, if you listen closely, you can still hear their songs in the noise of the waterfall.

Note: Dogs are not allowed on the trail to the falls, and summer weekends can be VERY busy. McCloud falls is a great alternative for pet owners.

Shelob’s Tunnel

Make sure to bring the light of Eärendil (or at least your cell phone flashlight) as you explore the “Subway Cave”. This 1/3-mile lava tube is right off the highway. And don’t worry, the smell and the webs are all gone! This is a great stop for hot summer days as the temperature in the cave stays at 65 F year-round.

Emyn Muil

Bring your elvish rope and watch out for sneaking scoundrels that speak to themselves in the third person, precious. The big people call this Castle Crags, and it’s definitely worth going around in circles to explore it.

Root Creek Trail is a favorite of ours, especially in the spring/early summer when the falls are going strong.

The Glittering Caves of Aglarond

Follow the footsteps of Gimli and Legolas as you explore these gardens of stone that the big people call Shasta Caverns. If you want to complete the journey of those famous friends, head to the Trinity wilderness and see if you can find any of the Ents still wandering their woods.

Note: You'll need to book a tour of the caverns by calling (530) 238-5423 or visiting  lakeshastacaverns.com and bring a jacket or sweatshirt! It may be over 100F outside, but the caverns stay around 60F year-round. Also, plan on a lot of stairs!