The Latour State Demonstration Forest is a 9,000 acre forest owned and managed by Cal Fire and is a great lesser-known destination for hiking, mountain biking, hunting and camping in Shasta County. 

The forest consists primarily of coniferous trees and is actively managed by Cal Fire with timber harvests and other vegetation management techniques.  As a result, the woods are inviting with an open understory, and are home to a variety of wildlife species.

The lowest elevation of Latour State Forest is about 3,800 feet, and its highest point is over 6,700 feet.  It is located against the western edge of the Lassen National Forest, and is the headwaters of several creeks that cross much of central Shasta County.  The terrain of Latour includes examples of volcanic formations, indicative of this region of the southern Cascades.

Cal Fire harvests the trees at Latour to "provide research and forest management demonstration projects on forest management, while providing public recreation opportunities, fish and wildlife habitat, and watershed protection."

Latour's wildlife and relatively remote location make it a popular place for hunting and fishing during the summer.  There are four campsites, each of which have restrooms, water, and picnic tables.  Several dirt roads cross the forest and are generally well maintained during the summer. 

In the winter, snowmobiling is a popular activity at Latour, and offers beautiful winter views of the surrounding landscapes.

Mountain biking is also popular, but bikes must be kept on the roads that crisscross the property. 

The roads to and within Latour are generally open June through November, but heavy snow years can delay their opening several weeks.  In the winter Latour can only be accessed via snowmobile.

Facilities are not ADA accessible.

Dogs are welcome, but must remain on a leash.  Horses are not permitted in the campgrounds.