California · Hiking

Samwell Cave

1.3 mi
round trip
337 ft
climb
1,426 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–May, Oct–Nov
best months

Is Samwell Cave open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It doesn't name Samwell Cave, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Samwell Cave is an easy out-and-back hike in the Shasta Lake Ranger District of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in California, about 1.3 miles long and gaining roughly 337 feet from the trail's low point of 1,063 feet to its high of 1,426 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is natural-surfaced and open year-round. The most comfortable stretch for a visit is late spring or early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Shasta Dam weather station show May highs around 79°F with lows near 55°F and October highs around 78°F, while July and August average highs in the mid-90s. The trail is within a short drive of several campgrounds. Pine Point Cg-F is about 0.3 miles away, and Pine Point (Shasta Lake, CA) and Ellery Creek Cg-F are both within half a mile. For paddling, Nosoni Creek is about 3.4 miles off.