Mount Shasta – Trails, Nature and Culture at the Volcano

Mount Shasta lies at the foot of the volcano of the same name, which is visible from almost every street in the city. At 14,162 feet high, the composite stratovolcano is one of the largest and highest volcanoes in the Cascade Range and shapes both local orientation and the choice of possible vacation days. Between forests, water, trails, history and active pursuits, you can shape your trip in very different ways.

Nature Experiences Among Springs, Wetlands and Forest Trails

One particularly characteristic place is Sisson Meadow in the center of Mount Shasta. The 7.5-acre protected wetland provides habitats for wildlife and plant communities. Boardwalks, benches, picnic tables and public installation artworks make the site versatile to experience. For a shorter walk, there is a 0.5-mile paved path and a boardwalk. The level walk is easy, making it a peaceful stop between longer activities.

The Mt. Shasta City Park also combines water and forest. An aquifer feeds the Big Springs spring there; nature trails follow Big Springs Creek through areas with native plants, native wildlife and some of the park’s largest trees. The Elsa Rupp Nature Trail crosses Big Springs Creek and side channels and runs through mixed conifer forest as well as a riparian habitat. The spring at the foot of Spring Hill also has a viewing platform, benches and trails.

Those who enjoy taking in different landscapes along the way will find benches and tables with views of Mount Shasta, Black Butte and Strawberry Valley on the Spring Hill Trail. Near Mount Shasta, the Gateway Trail System offers 30 miles of trails for mountain bikers, hikers, dog walkers and horseback riders. The existing Gateway Trailhead is located on Everitt Memorial Highway, north of Bear Lane. The trail network is therefore an option for travelers who want to combine exercise and nature observation.

Active Days and Excursions at Mount Shasta

The Gateway Trail System is designed for outdoor activities. For cycling, Shastice Bike Park complements the offerings with jumps, berms, rollers and a practice area. These elements are suitable for beginners while also being interesting for experienced riders. Mt. Shasta Skatepark is a 13,000-square-foot skateboard terrain park. Mount Shasta Ice Rink is an 85-by-200-foot outdoor ice rink and the only California outdoor ice rink with NHL regulation dimensions.

For a drive into the mountain landscape, the two-lane, paved Everitt Memorial Highway runs from Mt. Shasta City to Mount Shasta. The 14-mile Everitt Memorial Scenic Drive climbs the slopes of Mount Shasta. This connection can be given a different emphasis in your day planning than a walk in the city: You can choose between short nature experiences, forest trails, sporting activities and a longer route toward the volcano.

History and Regional Insights

The Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum has three large exhibition halls and an event room for special activities and exhibitions. The permanent exhibition Climbing Mount Shasta explores the mountaineering history of Mount Shasta. Other permanent exhibitions focus on the history of the region, lenticular clouds, the railroad and Mount Shasta mountain. The Sisson-Callahan Trail adds a historical perspective: It was established in the 19th century by ranchers, trappers and miners and connected Sisson, present-day Mount Shasta, with Scott Valley.

When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore first decide which travel rhythm suits you. A vacation rental or vacation home in Mount Shasta can be included in your plans as a starting point for nature trails, the museum, park activities and excursions at the volcano. For a varied stay, you can combine a short, level walk in Sisson Meadow with a museum visit, an activity at the bike or skate park, or a drive along the Everitt Memorial Scenic Drive.

Other Destinations at a Glance

For further travel planning, you can also view Weed, Dorris, Dunsmuir, Yreka, McCloud and Happy Camp.

The Downtown-to-City-Park-Trail project is intended to connect downtown Mount Shasta with City Park. The overall section is described as under development. Starting at Mt. Shasta City Park, there is already an easy, 1-mile loop hike on dirt paths and over wooden bridges.

For the overarching travel overview: Siskiyou.