Mt. Shasta

Hike Name: Mt. Shasta Location: north CA Length: ? Submitted by: ted Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more California trail reviews California national parks California state parks
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Description
This is a very well-travelled hike, and it's an ass-kicker too! You park at ~7000 feet. There's a campsite at 8000 with a really good spring and some compost toilets. Another campsite at 10,400 (Helen Lake) with lots of tent spaces set up amongst the rocks like little rock forts. It's a good idea to spend the night at 10,400 and acclimate, and start the hike up a couple hours before sunrise - get up early before the ice gets slushy, and before clouds move into the summit. (You'll need crampons and basic ice equipment, all of which can be rented at a great climbing store in Mt. Shasta City).

The last 1500' up to the summit is difficult because of the altitude. It's a bad place to be in a hurry.

One of the best parts of this hike is sliding down the mountain on your butt in the snow! Don't wear your crampons for this, and be careful, but damn it's fun!!

For the summit trek you'll need: (aside from your snow/ice gear) shades, sunblock, a camera, and lots of snacks and water! I drank 3L of water on the way up, and ate too many energy bars and other snacks to keep track of, and I needed every last drop of it!

Directions to Hike
this is a very popular hike, so all the details are pretty easy to find out. You'll need a wilderness permit from the forest service. You also won't be the only one on the mountain.

Fun Souvenirs: the human waste carry-out bags, complete with kitty litter and a target. Please don't crap on the mountain!

Contact Information
USDA Service Center
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
3644 Avtech Parkway
Redding, CA 96002
(530)226-2500

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