 Discover the natural beauty and recreational mecca that is Mt. Shasta. Untouched mountain lakes and rivers, mighty forests, and backcountry galore offer outdoor enthusiasts superb skiing, snowboarding, biking, golfing, and of course, mountaineering.
As the tallest peak for 350 miles, Mt. Shasta dominates the landscape. It appears disconnected from other mountains in the Cascade Range and can even have its own weather system. On a clear day, clouds may still cling to Mt. Shasta. This can create challenges for hikers and climbers looking to tackle the peak. While routes are open year-round, only experienced hikers with proper preparation should climb during the winter. Avalanche Gulch may not have the most welcoming name, but it is the most popular approach to conquering the mountain. Not a hike for the timid, the trek to the snowy top of 14,162 Mount Shasta takes about 8 hours of continuous labor and requires a check-in at the ranger station. Don't worry, though, there are countless lower-lying trails to be enjoyed for the less extreme hiker.
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