Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
a busy place with parking spaces, information signboards and a toilet. The section of high-
way beyond Bunny Flat is only open from about mid-June to October, depending on snow,
but if it's clear, it's worth the trouble. This road leads to
Lower Panther Meadow
, where
trails connect the campground to a Wintu sacred spring, in the upper meadows near the
Old Ski Bowl
(7800ft) parking area. Shortly thereafter is the highlight of the drive,
Everitt Vista Point
(7900ft), where a short interpretive walk from the parking lot leads to
a stone-walled outcrop affording exceptional views of Lassen Peak to the south, the Mt
Eddy and Marble Mountains to the west and the whole Strawberry Valley below.
Climbing the summit is best done between May and September, preferably in spring and
early summer, when there's still enough soft snow on the southern flank to make footholds
easier on the nontechnical route. Although the elements are occasionally volatile and the
winds are incredibly strong, the round-trip could conceivably be done in one day with 12
or more hours of solid hiking. A more enjoyable trip takes at least two days with one night
on the mountain. How long it actually takes depends on the route selected, the physical
condition of the climbers and weather conditions (for weather information call the recor-
ded message of the Forest Service Mt Shasta climbing advisory on 530-926-9613).
The hike to the summit from Bunny Flat follows the
Avalanche Gulch Route
. Al-
though it is only about 7 miles, the vertical climb is more than 7000ft, so acclimatizing to
the elevation is important - even hearty hikers will be short of breath. Additionally this
route requires crampons, an ice ax and a helmet, all of which can be rented locally. Rock
slides, while rare, are also a hazard. If you want to make the climb without gear, the only
option is the
Clear Creek Route
to the top, which leaves from the east side of the moun-
tain. In late summer, this route is usually manageable in hiking boots, though there's still
loose scree, and it should be done as an overnight hike. Novices should contact the
Mt
Shasta ranger station
for a list of available guides.
There's a charge to climb beyond 10,000ft: a three-day summit pass costs $20; an annu-
al pass is $30. Contact the ranger station for details. You must obtain a free wilderness per-
mit any time you go into the wilderness, whether on the mountain or in the surrounding
area.
Mt Shasta Board & Ski Park
SNOW SPORTS
( snow reports 530-926-8686;
www.skipark.com
;
full-day lift tickets adult/child $44/25;
9am-9pm Thu-Sat, to 4pm Sun-Tue)
