Headwaters of the Sacramento River located in the Mount Shasta City Park. A big spring gushes icy clear water from a lava tube originating deep within Mt. Shasta. The water flows into Cold Creek which is the northern most feeder stream of the Sacramento River, traveling from here down through the Golden Gate in San Francisco, a 270+ mile trip. Hiking trails through protected areas in the park feature native plants. Picnic tables, barbecues, play fields, playgrounds, gazebo and public rest rooms, all available for free. .

Box Canyon Dam offers a stunning view of the rugged 200 foot deep Sacramento River Canyon and pristine Lake Siskiyou. Park on either side of the dam and walk with caution near the roadway to enjoy the view. Look carefully to see eagles and osprey fly over the sheer, rocky cliffs.

Castle Lake, Little Castle Lake, and Heart Lake located about 12 miles southwest of Mount Shasta. Castle Lake is an  easily accessible clear alpine lake in a granite bowl is surrounded by pine forests located high in the Eddy Mountains west of Mt. Shasta. Fishing, swimming picnic table. Ice skating in the winter. Campground is 1/2 mile from the lake. 

Climbing Mt. Shasta There are 17 established routes to the summit of this 14,162 foot volcano, Avalanche Gulch Route is one of the most popularly climbed routes in the United States. Always carry Crampons and Ice Axe! Visit the Mt. Shasta Climber's Guide for detailed information, photo tour, store, and condition updates!

Black Butte Black Butte is located at the base of Mount Shasta in northern California about halfway between the towns of Weed and Mount Shasta City. This 6,325 foot plug dome is often confused for Mount Shasta by travelers along Interstate 5 when Shasta is covered in clouds. Black Butte formed at about the same time as Shastina, the "other" peak of Mount Shasta, about 9500 years ago and is a "cluster of dacite plug domes." The cooled lava rolled down the slopes forming the steep, rocky sides of Black Butte. Prior to the formation of Black Butte as we know it today, several domes of both Shastina and Black Butte exploded producing pyroclastic flows composed of ash, rocks, and gases. Weed and Mount Shasta City are built on these "block and ash" flows. Climbing Black Butte is a favorite pastime for many local residents and visitors. 

Backpacking/Hiking Trails Shasta Trinity National Forest offers exceptional mountain scenery for the backpacker. The Pacific Crest Trail has access points west of Mt. Shasta at Parks Creek, South Fork Road, Whalen Road and Castle Crags State Park. Trailheads up the east side of Mt. Shasta offer challenging hikes. Wilderness permits and maps are available at the Mt. Shasta Ranger District, (530) 926-4511

Water Sports: Boating/Fishing, Swimming, Kayaking, Canoeing, Wind Surfing: Anglers and boaters enjoy our uncrowded lakes. Boat ramps available at Lake Siskiyou (swimming, wind surfing) , Lake Shastina , McCloud Reservoir and Medicine Lake. McCloud Reservoir, Lake Shastina and Shasta Lake (50 miles south on I-5) allow water-skiing. Visit Lake Shastina  just 10 minutes north of Mt Shasta on I-5, take the Weed exit to Hwy 97, then follow Hwy 97 to ,Big Springs Rd then to Jackson Ranch Rd.

Fishing - high alpine lakes, rivers and streams are abundant with rainbow, lake and brown trout. River season open April 30 on the McCloud and Sacramento Rivers. Current fishing regulations at sporting goods stores and bait ships.

Explore Caves & Lava Tubes Spelunkers can enjoy exploring the caves and lava tubes that fill the surrounding Mt. Shasta area. Popular destinations are Wind, Barnum, Pluto Caves of A-12, Lava Beds National Monument, and Medicine Lake complex.

Winter Sports/Skiing, Cross-Country/Snowboarding Downhill and Snow Boarding at Mt. Shasta Ski Park, on the southern slope of Mt. Shasta. 21 alpine runs with 1,100 vertical feet, two chair lifts, lodge, food rentals and ski school are offered at this friendly family-oriented ski resort. Night skiing and 25km groomed Nordic area also available. The pristine snow of Mt. Shasta provides cross-country skiing for both novice and expert skiers. Marked ungroomed trails at Bunny Flat on Mt. Shasta' s Everitt Memorial highwayy are free and open to the public. Trail maps available at Mt. Shasta Ranger Office.

Snowmobiling in designated areas only. Snowmobilers have 300 square miles area east of Mt. Shasta. Plowed roads and parking areas provide access to flat runs, daring hills and jumps. For maps contact Mount Shasta Visitor's Bureau. Available 7 days a week, Experience the Deer Mountain snowmobile park, the turnoff is just 17 miles up hwy 97 out of Weed.

Climate

The Pacific jet stream typically sits over the states of Washington and northern Oregon, causing more precipitation and cooler temperatures to encompass the volcanoes in the northern Cascades. During the winter months, the jet stream broadens and shifts south over Mt. Shasta, sometimes sending the bulk of the storms through northern California. The movement of the jet stream causes the area around Mt. Shasta to have long, hot summers and cold, wet winters which play a vital roll in the growth of the flora on the Mountain. There are abundant species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that make dramatic changes with the increase of elevation and their location on the Mountain.

We are one of the few places that truly enjoy four distinct seasons. The mean minimum and maximum annual temperatures are 37 degrees F. and 62 degrees F. respectively. Average minimum temperature is 25 degrees F. in January; the average maximum temperature is 85 degrees F. in August. Average annual precipitation is 37 inches, average snowfall in the city from November to May is 96 inches. Snow depths in the city can average two feet. Occasional thunderstorms can occur during our dry summer months and quite often these storms produce summer snowfalls on the mountain. Record Temperatures: Winter 13 below zero (December 1990) ~ Summer 105 degrees in (August 1981)

We acknowledge Mt. Shasta Chamber of Commerce, Mt. Shasta Visitor's Guide and Shasta Cove Stables for their photos and Information.

"When I first caught sight of Mount Shasta over the braided folds of the Sacramento Valley, my blood turned to wine, and I have not been weary since."   John Muir, 1874

 

Mount Shasta, Dunsmuir and McCloud
are pristine gems that offer a quality of life
that many towns only dream about...