Hike Mt. Shasta

Mount Shasta at Bunny Flat.

Of the nine hiking trails on Mount Shasta, five of them begin on the Everitt Memorial Highway, the only paved road that climbs the giant volcano. The highway climbs high enough to reach just below treeline at the Old Ski Bowl. As documented here, three of the trails set out from this area. The other two trails begin at a site called Bunny Flat, which is 3 miles before the road’s end and 900 feet lower. With great views to the south and the immense bulk of Mount Shasta towering overhead, it is an exceptionally scenic location. The great scenery is not limited to the trailhead at Bunny Flat. The Horse Camp and Green Butte Ridge Trails, climb up the mountain from the trailhead and explore extremely scenic areas on the volcano. The Horse Camp Trail leads to the Shasta Alpine Lodge, which is owned by the Sierra Club. From there, several destinations await, including beautifully barren Hidden Valley. In contrast, the Green Butte Ridge Trail is a straight-forward ascent up a ridge to its namesake butte. Interestingly, these are possibly the best and least-known trails on Mount Shasta. Despite how many people may or may not use the trails, both are worthy hikes that access tremendous scenery.

Mount Shasta glows above Green Butte Ridge.

One great feature of the two trails setting out from Bunny Flat is the opportunity to combine them into a fantastic loop through Mount Shasta’s epic high country. The loop’s destination is the summit of Green Butte, one of the five color-themed buttes that surround the mountain (the others being Black, Red, Gray and Yellow Buttes). Though the Green Butte Ridge Trail is a straight, steady ascent of the ridge that leads to the butte, the Horse Camp Trail can also be used to access the peak. For those interested in making the loop, it is advisable to make the ascent via the Horse Camp Trail and then descend via the Green Butte Ridge Trail. This means that the extremely pleasant and scenic hiking through Avalanche Gulch is enjoyed earlier in the journey. The grade is also more moderate as it is stretched out over greater distance. The steep ascent of Green Butte Ridge is reversed and is much more manageable as a descent. Of course, it must be noted that much of this loop, especially the connecting scramble from Avalanche Gulch to Green Butte Ridge is cross country and should only be attempted by those prepared to meet the challenges.

Horse Camp Trail

Looking toward the summit from Avalanche Gulch.

It is possible that the view of the Shasta Alpine Lodge and the mountain towering behind it may be among the most iconic images of Mount Shasta. The lodge is located at Horse Camp, near treeline at 7,900 feet. After departing Bunny Flat, the majority of the 1.6 miles to the lodge pass through forest canopy. The best views, such as they are, are of the Trinity Alps far to the west. Once at the lodge, the forest thins and the ground is covered by wildflowers. A gurgling fountain of water piped in from a spring highlights this restful setting. Beyond Horse Camp there are four good options for hikers looking for a longer journey. Perhaps the best option is the climb up to Hidden Valley. A route also climbs up to Lake Helen but this option is better done with snow on the ground. Those looking for a real mystery can hunt for the hidden spring deep in Avalanche Gulch. The final option, and among the best, is to continue on to Green Butte. Whichever option hikers pursue, the immensity of Avalanche Gulch is an impressive sight.

Green Butte Ridge Trail

Alpenglow on Mount Shasta, from Green Butte Ridge.

Making a beeline up steep Green Butte Ridge, the Green Butte Ridge Trail is a quick ticket to Mount Shasta’s secluded backcountry waiting above the treeline. Climbing through dense forest initially, the trail eventually breaks out of the forest and onto a rocky ridge with fantastic views in all directions. Although the trail eventually fades away, the route is obvious and easy to follow. During the climb there are rare views of Sun Bowl and Powder Bowl, popular destinations for backcountry skiing during the winter. From here, hikers must continue up the ridge toward a prominent point that has truly exceptional views. From there it is an easy scramble down a narrow neck to the top of Green Butte. Marked by evidence of repeated lighting strikes, it is an amazing summit in its own right, boasting still more incredible views. Particularly inspiring are the views of Sargents Ridge and the Old Ski Bowl.