Lake Shastina’s suburban setting in the Northern California wilderness
Lake Shastina is a human-made reservoir in Siskiyou County, California. It’s also the name of the community that surrounds it. People move this far north in the Golden State to be surrounded by wilderness — the community has no stores or restaurants, just homes, the lake and panoramic views of the Cascade Range in the shadow of Mount Shasta’s snow-capped summit. “The pro golf course, the lake, the mountains. That’s what people come for,” says Realtor Valerie Speaks with J. Harris Real Estate, who’s lived in the area for over 20 years. Siskiyou County is one of the largest and least populated counties in California, but Lake Shastina’s suburban arrangement keeps it from feeling isolated. “It’s a super settled-down, friendly community,” Speaks says. “When you’re driving through the subdivision, everyone waves and stops to say hi.”
Newer lakefront homes and mountain cabins than in surrounding communities
Unlike many Northern California communities, Lake Shastina wasn’t an 1800s gold rush town or hiking outpost. “Lake Shastina has newer homes, whereas everything in Weed and Mount Shasta is older,” Speaks says. “It’s one of the reasons people choose to live here over being in town.” Lake Shastina’s homes were built between the 1970s and 2000s, which is new for this area. The median price is about $320,000, which is in the typical range for most two- and three-bedroom cabins, ranch-style homes and New Traditional builds. Smaller A-frames and tract homes can be found under the median. They rest on tree-studded lots that provide privacy and mountain views without being too far from neighbors. Lakefront properties can reach north of $600,000. The community also has condos that can cost about $150,000. Lake Shastina continues to grow, as there are many lots for sale. These can go for anywhere from about $3,000 to nearly $20,000.
Lake activities and climbing Mount Shasta
Life in Lake Shastina is all about being outdoors. Of course, there’s the lake, where residents swim, boat, fish and paddle all summer long. The Lake Shastina Golf Resort also attracts many residents and visiting golfers. The resort’s 18-hole and 9-hole courses take full advantage of the mountain scenery. They were designed by the famed father and son duo Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Sr. Hikers can follow a 1-mile loop trail around parts of the lake, along with other routes in the surrounding hills. Mount Shasta, one of the country’s largest volcanic peaks, is about a 30-mile drive south. Its summit can be climbed from trailheads around the base. There’s also a ski resort.
Restaurants and groceries in Weed
Lake Shastina offers residence and recreation but no shopping or dining. Shastina Mini Mart & Deli is a short drive down Big Springs Road. It’s the closest place for basic groceries. People drive about 10 miles south to the town of Weed for supermarket shopping or a bite to eat. Weed has a larger grocery store, and Main Street has a few restaurants, bars and small shops. There’s even more shopping and dining in Mount Shasta, 20 miles south.
Schools in Weed, about 10 miles away
Students in Lake Shastina must drive about 10 miles south to Weed for school. They typically begin at Butteville Elementary, a kindergarten through eighth grade school that earns a B grade from Niche. Butteville isn’t part of a school district; it’s run by the Butteville Elementary School Board. They go on to Weed High School, rated a B-plus. Weed High is in the Siskiyou Union High School District, which receives a B.
Interstate 5 leads north and south to larger cities
Lake Shastina isn’t close to any large cities, but Interstate 5 runs through the area, making the long drive a bit easier. For nearby employment or commercial activity, locals can drive 20 miles south to the town of Mount Shasta or 25 miles north to Yreka. Mount Shasta and Yreka have hospitals, but Lake Shastina has a small medical clinic. Redding, Northern California’s central, larger city, is 80 miles south on I-5.
Wildfires in Siskiyou County
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Siskiyou County is at a severe fire risk. This is true for much of Northern California, due to the region’s expanse of wooded wilderness. The 2022 Mill Fire and the smaller 2018 Shastina Fire were the most recent blazes to destroy structures in and around Lake Shastina. The community has its own fire station to respond to local calls. Still, it’s important for residents to have a prepared evacuation plan. Homeowners can also remove dry, overgrown brush from their property to create a defensible space around their home.
