Mt. Shasta Wilderness
Mt. Shasta is a popular destination for a wide spectrum of visitors. Some come for the challenge of climbing to the mountain’s summit, some are spiritual seekers drawn to the mountain, and some come for the floral displays of meadows or sweeping panoramas of vista points.
Mt. Shasta's upper slopes are designated as the Mt. Shasta Wilderness. The United States Congress designated the Mt. Shasta Wilderness in 1984 and it now has a total of 36,981 acres.
For year-round current information on the conditions on Mount Shasta, please visit the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center.
Active Alerts
General Information
Mt. Shasta is a snow and glacier capped volcano that rises 14,179 feet, dominating the view in all directions. Mt. Shasta is the highest peak on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, second highest peak in the Cascades, and fifth highest in the state. It has an estimated volume of 85 cubic miles, which makes it the most voluminous volcano in the Cascade Range.
Although the last documented eruption occurred in 1786, geologists classify Shasta as an active volcano. There are seven glaciers that drape the mountain's slopes and their outstanding views attract many human visitors armed with crampons and ice axes.
No trails lead up Mount Shasta, but trails provide access to the Wilderness and the foot of the mountain. The Avalanche Gulch Route (six miles) is considered the easiest, but the elevation gain is over 7,000 feet, and at least 8 to 12 hours should be allotted for the round-trip.
The glaciers are cracked by crevasses and are more visible in late summer and fall. On the south slopes, rockfall becomes a danger after midsummer. Major storms off the Pacific Ocean can send high winds and snow across the mountain any time of year. Sound preparation is a must.
- Group size is limited to 10 persons or less.
- Camping is limited to seven nights within a 30-day period.
- Due to scarcity of fuel, wood fires are not permitted.
- Dogs are not allowed anywhere within the Mt. Shasta Wilderness including the Sierra Club property at Horse Camp.
- Stay on designated trails in spring-fed meadows
- Confine all camping and washing to areas at least 100 feet from all water sources
Private gatherings are allowed, such as friends in meditation groups or ceremonial circles, etc. As long as there are less than 75 participants, you do not need to have a Special Use Permit. These gatherings must be of a non-commercial nature and not tied to, or an active part of, any commercial workshop or enterprise occurring elsewhere, such as in one of the surrounding communities.
Wilderness permits, available free of charge, are required for entry into the wilderness area year round, and there are currently no quotas (limits on the number of permits available). Permits are free and can be issued at the Mt. Shasta and McCloud Ranger Stations and all trailheads that are open.
If you climb above 10,000 feet on Mt. Shasta you will need a Summit Pass:
Standard Mt. Shasta Summit Pass: $25 per person. Valid up to 3 days from the date of purchase. (A Shasta-Trinity Annual Pass can be substituted for this standard pass). People under 16 years of age are not required to purchase a Summit Pass.
Mt. Shasta Annual Summit Pass: $30 per year, is valid for the calendar year (to December 31). For visitors who anticipate frequent visits, or plan on staying for several days, this pass provides an affordable and convenient alternative to purchasing multiple summit passes.
If you camp at Horse Camp, it is $5 per tent, per night. The Sierra Club Foundation's facilities are open to the public and include campsites, seasonal fresh water, emergency shelter, Leave No Trace information, and a composting toilet. Donations help Foundation staff to continue a more than 80 year-old tradition of stewardship and service on Mt. Shasta.
Dogs are not allowed anywhere within the Mt. Shasta Wilderness including the Sierra Club property at Horse Camp.
Address: 204 West Alma Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
Phone: 530-926-4511
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; Closed Saturday, and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Elevation
14162
Directions
From the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station, head east on Alma Street (towards the mountain). Cross the railroad tracks and turn right at the signal onto Mt. Shasta Blvd. Continue two blocks to the next signal at Lake Street and turn left. Stay on Lake Street. You will climb a hill and veer to the left. You are now on Everitt Memorial Highway. Stay on this road through the four way stop, past the school (on the right) and over the railroad tracks. You will leave town and begin driving up the mountain. In 12 miles, you will arrive at Bunny Flat Trailhead.
Travel Considerations
The primary access road for Mt. Shasta is the Everitt Memorial Highway, a continuation of Lake Street in the town of Mt. Shasta. Lake Street is also the central exit for Mt. Shasta City (Exit 738). From Interstate 5, take Lake Street east (toward the mountain). You will drive through the business district of Mt. Shasta City before the road climbs a hill and changes names to Everitt Memorial Highway, also signed as county road A-10. The Everitt Memorial Highway ascends the south side of the mountain, starting at 3500 feet in town and terminating at timberline near 8,000 feet.
More Wilderness Trailhead Access Point information: Mt. Shasta Wilderness Area/Climbing Mt. Shasta
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restroom information is not available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Viewing Scenery
MiscellaneousMiscellaneous Info
Groups and Weddings
If you are considering marriage on the Mountain, here’s what you need to know:
As with all group events taking place on National Forest lands, you will need to obtain a Special Use Permit in advance if your group size is more than 75 people. The reason a permit is needed is to ensure responsibility in providing for the needs of your group, such as providing adequate shade, water, sanitation (portable restrooms), and removal of all refuse and equipment after the event. There may be additional requirements specified in the permit. There is no fee for the permit, but due to the processing time involved, please make your request as far in advance as possible. Contact the Ranger Station at 530-926-4511.
If your group size is less than 75 people, you do not need a permit, but you should still consider the needs of your guests.
Wedding locations on the mountain are a bit limited. There are no permanent facilities except the toilets at the campgrounds and Bunny Flat. There is no piped water; you must bring your own. Sites cannot be specifically reserved; all areas on the mountain are open to the public. Due to the rules and regulations at Panther Meadows (especially group size limitations) the meadow area and campground is not a viable location. The open area at the top of the Everitt Memorial Highway, where the old ski lodge was located, has lots of room, open vistas, and easy access; however this area is heavily used by other visitors. Privacy and parking may be a concern. Nearest toilet facilities are at Bunny Flat.
Bunny Flat has the convenience of toilet facilities and plenty of parking, and has a nice view of the upper mountain, but is also heavily used by hikers and climbers since it is the primary trailhead on Mt. Shasta.
Red Fir Flat Group Camp is another option for smaller wedding parties. There is a toilet available but parking may be limited. It is a nice forest setting but has no view of the mountain. Although a permit is not necessary to use this site during the day, overnight use or camping does require a permit. Please check with the Ranger Station for availability, as other groups may already have this site reserved.
Another good option for wedding groups, especially larger groups, is Sand Flat. This area is located one mile off the Everitt Highway, has beautiful views of the mountain, shaded by Shasta Red Firs, is more secluded than the areas mentioned above, and therefore has a more natural feel to it. Drawbacks include access via dirt roads that are a bit rough for some vehicles and the sandy ash soils in Sand Flat, as elsewhere on the mountain, can be dusty when winds are blowing or other vehicle traffic is in the area.
Time of year is also a factor for weddings on Mt. Shasta. On wet years, the upper part of the mountain, including Sand Flat and the Old Ski Bowl, can be under snow until July or even August. On dry years these areas may be fine as early as mid-June. It is also not unusual to get our first significant snows by the beginning of October. As a general rule, late July through early August is usually the best time, although afternoon thunderstorms can occur.
