Directions to the Trailhead: Take the Central Mount Shasta exit off I-5 and drive west. Turn south on Old Stage Road and then bear right onto W. A. Barr Road. Cross the dam at Lake Siskiyou at 2.6 miles and follow the paved road (now Road 26) for another 15.7 miles and park at Gumboot Saddle, which is 2.5 miles west of the turn-off to Gumboot Lake and Gumboot Campground and a total of 18.3 miles from the I-5 exit.
Description and Comments: Walk to the south side of the saddle to find the Pacific Crest Trail (hikers and equestrians only). A brief climb brings the first open views of the craggy peaks of the Trinity Alps to the west. The PCT winds along a ridge crest for 2.4 miles, alternating between a forest of Jeffrey pine, western white pine, and red and white fir and open areas that offer great views. When on the actual ridge crest you will see Mount Shasta and the Eddy Range, and also catch an occasional glimpse of Cascade volcanoes to the southeast in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
The four-wheel-drive road leads you to Upper Seven Lake, perhaps the best lake in the basin. Its rock-rimmed waters are cool and clear–very inviting on hot days. Also visit Lower Seven Lake 100 yards to the south.
You can hike cross-country to explore the rest of the basin. (Get the relevant topographic map.) Note that a pocket of private land encompasses much of the land around Echo Lake, so please respect those boundaries.