To the west of the lake, a few miles drive on Highway 299 will take you to French Gulch, a quaint little town whose single main street clings to the side of a rugged mountain bordering French Gulch Creek. In the 19th century the town was a boisterous, bawdy mining camp and the tailings still piled in the creek give evidence of its thriving past. Other sports Gold Hills Country Club has an 18 hole golf course that is open to the public, and there are four other facilities in the vicinity with 9 hole courses. Tennis courts are available at South City Park, Shasta College and several local high schools. The school courts, however, have restricted hours.
All courts are asphalt surfaced and lighted.
The surrounding area is a mecca for hikers. Trails range from those suited for short leisurely walks, to trails that will challenge a professional. A few of the more popular areas include the scenic trails around Lake Shasta, Whiskeytown Lake, Mount Lassen, Castle Crags and the Trinity Alps. Wildlife Wildlife abounds on Shasta. Families of deer can be seen crossing the lake or down by the water's edge.