10 Amazing Things To Do in Mount Shasta, California in 2024

View of Mt. Shasta from Castle Crags State Park

View of Mt. Shasta from Castle Crags State Park

 

California is a state for adventurers. There is so much to see and do that every weekend can feel like a vacation. That is why I love living here so much! The downside, however, is that the secret has long been out. People from all over the state, country, and abroad come in droves to see the spectacular mountain tops and ocean views this place has to offer. That means that a lot of the best sights require advance booking and dealing with other tourists.

When my best friend recently bought a home in Dunsmuir, California at the seat of Mt. Shasta, I decided to drive up for a visit. I had heard of Mt. Shasta CA before, including some stories about the mystical powers of the mountain. However, I really had no idea what was in store - beautiful hikes, lush waterfalls, a vibrant spiritual community, and best of all, plenty of opportunities to commune with nature without the interruption of other people.

Given how beautiful the area is, I was really surprised that it wasn’t overrun with tourists. Imagine sitting at the base of tall, snow-capped mountains or alongside a majestic, serene lake, and realizing you essentially have the view all to yourself! I visited in September, which was a great time as the weather wasn’t too hot and the leaves were starting to change color, but Shasta is extremely popular in the winter as well given it’s plethora of winter sporting options.

I was able to do plenty of exploring during my time there. I’ve compiled a list of the absolute best things to do in Mount Shasta and the entire Siskiyou County region, including great hikes, spiritual spots, restaurant recommendations, and more. These can be packed into a long weekend if you are highly motivated, or spread out over a week or two if you want to take a more leisurely pace. Either way, I guarantee you’ll be blown away by the beauty and diversity of activities on offer!

 
Sunset in Mt. Shasta CA

Sunset in Mt. Shasta CA

 

WHERE IS MT. SHASTA LOCATED?

Mt. Shasta is both the name of a mountain in Northern California, and also the name of the cute town at the foot of that mountain. Other noteworthy towns surrounding the mountain include Dunsmuir, Weed (yes, that’s a town name!), and McCloud. Mt. Shasta CA is part of the Cascade Mountain Range, and lies within Siskiyou County, California near the border of California and Oregon. It is located right off the I-5 freeway, and driving is the best way to get there.

The nearest large airport is in Sacramento, with a smaller regional airport with limited flights in nearby Redding. To easily access all the top attractions I highlight below, you will definitely need to bring your own vehicle or rent a car.

Click here to compare prices and find the best deals on car rentals and flights.

Driving distances:

  • 1 hour north of Redding, CA (nearest domestic airport)

  • 3.5 hours north of Sacramento, CA (nearest international airport)

  • 5 hours north of San Francisco, CA

  • 9.5 hours north of Los Angeles, CA

  • 1.5 hours south of Medford, OR

  • 4 hours south of Eugene, OR

  • 3.5 hours west of Reno, NV

 
 
 
 

WHAT MAKES MT. SHASTA SO SPECIAL?

Mount Shasta spiritual legends abound, and the mountain has been revered by various groups of people for centuries. The Native Americans believed the mountain was a spiritual center of the universe, and performed their sacred ceremonies there. There are tales of ascended masters, energy vortexes, and a city called Telos underneath the mountain inhabited by 7-foot tall people called Lemurians. I even met a woman who came to the mountain in order to conceive atop it - no joke!

No matter what your beliefs, Mt. Shasta is more than a mountain, and you can feel that as soon as you step foot on it. It has long had a reputation as a gathering place for spiritual seekers from all over the world. Similar to Sedona, the mountain is said to have powerful energy centers one can tap into for spiritual growth and healing. The mountain helps you listen to whatever it is you need to hear. If there is something you have been avoiding that needs to be addressed, it amplifies it. I personally didn’t experience anything overtly transformational, but I did feel like I left Mt. Shasta with a renewed spirit and a deeper understanding of the divine. This book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to dive deeper into the truth about Mount Shasta, its historical background, mythological legends, and tribal traditions.

 

WHERE TO STAY: BEST HOTELS & VACATION RENTALS IN MT. SHASTA

Mt. Shasta hits the sweet spot of vacation destinations - it’s not overly touristy but still has an excellent selection of places to stay for every budget and group size. Here are my top picks for hotels and vacation rentals in Mt. Shasta:

Best options for budget travelers:

Best hotels and B&B’s:

Best Mt. Shasta cabins:

  • Peaceful Lakeside Home - Located right on the water, this home is the golden ticket for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature. Think canoeing and hiking in your backyard, amazing wildlife spotting including birds, squirrels, deer, bunnies, and a cozy stone fireplace to come home to after a fun day of exploring. — Check latest prices and availability

  • Family Alpine Retreat - This gorgeous cabin is perfect for families. It has a huge grassy area to run and play, a pond with a sandy beach, paddle boards, a zip line, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, and the most incredible views of Mt. Shasta. — Check latest prices and availability

  • Luxury Log Home - For the ultimate splurge, this stunning log cabin with spectacular mountain and lake views is the stuff my winter fantasies are made of! It sleeps 10 so if you have a large group, it’s absolutely worth it. — Check latest prices and availability

Didn’t quite find what you were looking for? Go here to compare hotel prices and here to compare prices on vacation rentals in Mt. Shasta.

 

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MT. SHASTA & SISKIYOU COUNTY:

 

1. Hike from Castle Lake to Heart Lake

If you only do one hike during your time in Mt. Shasta, I would recommend doing this one. It gives maximum bang for your buck, meaning you get disproportionate views for the amount of effort it takes to hike to the top. I have done much harder hikes with paltrier payoffs, so I was pretty blown away by this one. This is easily one of the best Mount Shasta hikes because the view of Mt. Shasta is nothing short of magical.

To get there, drive to Castle Lake and park in the lot or along the roadside outside the entrance. Castle Lake is a destination in and of itself - there are lots of people paddle boarding or picnicking by the lake. It’s a lovely place to while the day away. I would recommend getting there early, having a nice snack or lunch by the lake, and then beginning the ascent to Heart Lake.

The hike up to Heart Lake is 2 miles out and back, with a moderate 682 ft. of elevation gain. There isn’t a trail marker - once you enter the area from the parking lot, walk past Castle Lake and through the rock field until it starts to gain elevation, and then you will be on the trail. The trail itself features beautiful greenery and flowers, and as you ascend, you’ll see great views of Castle Lake through colorful foliage. In total, I would give yourself 2-3 hours to complete the round trip (depending on your speed) so that you can take your time and soak in the views. Here is a more detailed view of the route.

 
Heart Lake (roughly shaped like a heart) with Mount Shasta and Black Butte in the distance

Heart Lake (roughly shaped like a heart) with Mount Shasta and Black Butte in the distance

Stunning views of Mount Shasta, California from the viewpoint at Heart Lake

Stunning views of Mount Shasta, California from the viewpoint at Heart Lake

 

2. VISIT OR Hike Mount Shasta

No visit to Mount Shasta, California is complete without visiting the mountain this whole area is named after! This is worthwhile no matter what your physical level - you can just drive up to its base, do a mild hike, or if you are an extreme adventurer, spend a few days hiking to the summit (and even ski down)! The drive to the mountain is super scenic, with views of its majesty at every turn. When you see Mt. Shasta in all its glory, it’s easy to understand why it was worshipped and revered for so many generations by so many people. And if you are especially lucky, you may get a glimpse of the iconic Mount Shasta clouds: UFO-shaped lenticular clouds that are known to surround it when the elements align.

Given that Mt. Shasta has an elevation of 14,180 ft., I opted for the middle option (though climbing to the summit remains on my bucket list for someday). I drove along Everitt Memorial Highway to the parking lot next to the Bunny Flat Trailhead (here is the marker on Google maps). From that trailhead, there are a myriad of trail options you can do, depending on your preferences. I did the following hike which I highly recommend if you want to experience the magic of the mountain without overexerting yourself:

  • Hike to Horse Camp - This is a very popular trail as this is the starting route for most people who are summitting Mt. Shasta. I chose this route so I could get a taste of what it might be like to summit the mountain. It is a 3.2 mile out and back hike with 975 ft. elevation gain, and the views of Mt. Shasta from the camp are definitely worth the effort. From Bunny Flat Trailhead, walk straight towards the mountain and go left. There will be a fork in the road - the left path has a sign leading to Sand Flat, but to get to Horse Camp take the path on the right. After that, just keep going along the trail and follow the signs to Horse Camp until you reach it. It’s a pretty iconic view to the see the camp with the mountain looming behind it. Inside the cabin, there are books, a dining table, and news clippings on the wall. You can tell that a lot of adventurers and seekers have passed through, and I felt a special energy when I went inside imagining all those that had come before me.

  • HikeMtShasta.com has a ton of in-depth articles that outline the myriad of Mt. Shasta hikes available on the mountain. I recommend checking it out if you are looking for something more rigorous than the hike I did. If you wish to continue on beyond Horse Camp, there are a bunch of great options including Hidden Valley, Helen Lake, Avalanche Gulch, and Green Butte. You could spend weeks exploring all the different trails on the mountain, but I think the most important thing is to just commune with Mt. Shasta in whatever way suits you best.

  • Want to find the best Mount Shasta hikes? Check out these guidebooks:

 
Amazing views of Mt. Shasta from Bunny Flat Trailhead

Amazing views of Mt. Shasta from Bunny Flat Trailhead

 

3. Mossbrae Falls

This is a special gem that anyone visiting this region should add to their must-do list. It’s not really a hike to these waterfalls, but rather a flat walk through rocks alongside railroad tracks. It is doable for all skill levels, including children, but you should exercise caution as moving trains do pass by.

To get there, drive and park where the I-5 meets Scarlet Way in Dunsmuir (here is the marker on Google maps). There is plenty of parking in the area, and the walk is 2.9 miles out and back. Follow the road down Scarlet Way until you cross the river. From there, take a right and just keep going straight alongside the railroad tracks until you see a metal bridge in the distance. The path down to the Falls will be on your right just before the bridge.

The waterfalls are reminiscent of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - lush green moss covered by trickles of water glistening like diamonds in the sun. I was so taken by the scenery that I jumped into the water with all my clothes on! Bring a picnic, swimsuit, and camera - this is a place to linger a while.

 
 
 

4. Hike to Castle Dome in Castle Crags State Park

Of all the hikes I did in the Mt. Shasta region, this was the toughest, but it was also incredibly rewarding. It’s a 7.2 mile out and back hike with 2,611 ft. elevation gain, with gorgeous views along the way. It took me 5-6 hours to complete the whole round-trip hike, and it was a technical path with a lot of scrambling towards the end. Go here for a detailed route map. (If this hike sounds more difficult that what you are looking for, check out this guidebook which covers more moderate hikes in Castle Crags).

A huge advantage of this hike is that it is not heavily trafficked at all. I saw less than 10 people the whole day, and when I reached the top, I experienced complete solitude - just me, an apple, and views that I dreamt about for days afterwards.

This hike requires appropriate gear and preparation. Be sure to bring a good daypack (I love this one), plenty of snacks and water (ideally in a hydration reservoir like this one to fit into your daypack), sunscreen, a lip balm with SPF, a sun hat, and layers because it gets chilly at the top. I also recommend good hiking boots to ensure you have adequate ankle support and don’t injure yourself during the complex scrambling portion of the hike. My go-to boots are any of these hiking boots by Solomon.

 
 

5. Hedge Creek Falls

This is a super easy stroll right in the heart of Dunsmuir. Here is a map to the trailhead right off the I-5 freeway. I wasn’t expecting much, and was very pleasantly surprised with what I found here. The total walk is only 0.6 miles, so you can allot less than an hour for this excursion. That will allow for plenty of time to stop and soak in the serenity.

The path provides lookout points to see the Sacramento River from, but the real treat of this hike is the way the rock formation allows you to walk right underneath the waterfall. From that vantage point, you can see the forest through the water. It’s a perfect little sojourn, and then you can follow it up with a great meal at one of Dunsmuir’s wonderful dining spots (see #10)!

 
 

6. Visit Lake Siskiyou

The first thought I had when I reached this lake was, “How have I never heard of this place before?” It is tranquil and placid - a place you want to return to often. I imagined myself as a local living in Mt. Shasta, coming to the lake every morning for meditation and long walks. I imagine that a lot of introspection has occurred by this lake.

 
Gorgeous Lake Siskiyou at sunset

Gorgeous Lake Siskiyou at sunset

 

7. Hike McCloud Falls

Every local recommended this hike to me. Mount Shasta waterfalls are a thing, and McCloud Falls is the most popular because it boasts 3 separate waterfalls all on one trail! There are the upper falls, middle falls, and lower falls, each unique and worth seeing in their own right. All 3 falls have parking lots nearby, so if you don’t have the energy to hike the whole loop, you can drive to each. But if you can muster it, the trail is 3.9 miles out and back with 354 ft. of elevation gain throughout, and is definitely worthwhile. I recommend starting at the lower falls - this way you get the uphill hike over with first and can have a leisurely downhill walk back to your car. Here is a detailed route map.

 
 

8. Roam around the town of Mt. ShastA CA

The town of Mt. Shasta - in the shadow of its namesake mountain - is brimming with spiritual activity. In just 2 blocks on the main street (Mt. Shasta Blvd.), I encountered 3 crystal shops, a school for Shamanic healers, and dozens of hippies with dreadlocks and tie dye. I also enjoyed the good vibes at the Mt. Shasta Gateway Peace Garden. The town is a place where seekers congregate, and even if you’re not a believer, it’s fun to walk around and see all the activity.

There are also great eateries and coffee shops, and on the more practical side, a laundromat, hardware store, and grocery stores. I fell in love with Berryvale Grocers and made an excursion there practically everyday. They have a range of fresh, organic produce, vitamins, and healthy ready-made meals - my heart beat a little bit faster with excitement every time I visited (ginger-turmeric ice cream sandwiches, anyone?).

 
 

9. Visit Mount Shasta City Park

This is a park located right in the center of the city of Mt. Shasta. People say that the park is sacred and that its waters have healing powers. Though I didn’t drink the water, I did spend a couple hours getting lost in the forest, and I can attest that there is something truly magical about this place. I recommend coming here, spending some time strolling through the various trails, watching the sun dance on the leaves of the majestic trees, and internalizing the sense of calm that permeates the air.

 

Mt. Shasta City Park

 

10. Eat and drink to your heart’s content AT THE BEST MOUNT SHASTA restaurants

Northern California is a hotbed for culinary excellence, and the Mt. Shasta region is no exception. Here’s a round-up of some of the best restaurants in Mt. Shasta and the surrounding area:

In Dunsmuir:

In Mount Shasta:

In McCloud:

  • Sage - Locally sourced upscale dining

 

Have you visited Mount Shasta, California? Leave a comment below and let me know what you thought! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I donate 10% of all proceeds made from this blog to charity. Find out more about the charity I am supporting here.

 
 

Shop my favorite Mt. Shasta guidebooks & gear:

 

Hi, I’m Sumeeta

I’m an Austin, Texas native, Dartmouth grad, and perpetual seeker. Here at Sumeeta Seeks, I share expert travel advice for spiritual destinations, insights on yoga and self-love, and uplifting interviews.

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