A Mount Shasta Pelican?

Posted by bubbasuess on March 28, 2021
Posted in: Cascade Range, Desert, Hiking, Mount Shasta. 4 Comments

Saturday was the nicest day of 2021 thus far. No doubt days will be getting better as we plunge into spring. The nice weather meant it was a moral imperative to get outside. The morning was spent tracking unnamed waterfalls in the Castle Crags but evening meandered into an unanticipated trip out to Trout Lake in the Shasta Valley. Though there were no clouds of any kind in the sky over Mount Shasta, I thought the high desert terrain and the (hopefully) still water of the lake might make for an interesting sunset.

When I arrived at the wildlife refuge I first went to check on Bass Lake, which was rather low. No doubt if the winter had received more precipitation it would have been full. I proceeded to Trout Lake, which was full. Though there are views of Mount Shasta from everywhere in the Shasta Valley, the vista from the Trout Lake parking lot is among the best and certainly ranks as one of the best drive-to vistas of Mount Shasta. As it turned out, there was no one there, which meant, since no one was at Bass Lake or any of the other parking areas along the route to Trout Lake, I was the only visitor in the refuge.

I set up my camera and enjoyed the changing light on Mount Shasta. As to be expected, there were a lot of birds around the lake, including geese, ducks, seagulls and the oddly-footed coots. However, one avian denizen stood out as it swam back and forth across the lake. A large white pelican and decided to take up residence in Trout Lake. Although I have seen pelicans many times at Orr Lake, I have never seen one in the Shasta Valley. I invariably associate pelicans with the sea, so seeing one happily swimming through a reflection of Mount Shasta, I find it unexpected and somewhat out of sorts.

The pelican seemed quite content swimming back and forth, from the east to the west and back again. Coots would periodically come and visit the large bird but other than these small encounters, the pelican was on its own. At first I was frustrated because its swimming marred the already imperfect reflections I was getting. However, after a few minutes I decided my perceived incongruence of seabird and Cascade volcanos made more interesting pictures anyway so I relented and allowed myself to enjoy it.

I must confess that I am not much of a wildlife guy. Unless it is a bison (for which I have an abiding appreciation), wildlife does not generate a lot of excitement for me. The geology is always my first interest and the flora is my second so birds are typically pretty far down on my interest totem pole. Yet, for some reason seeing the pelican turned out to make an ordinary, cloudless Mount Shasta sunset (still a magnificent thing!) much more appealing. Perhaps my interests are broadening!

As it turned out, the rest of the sunset was also beautiful, if devoid of the long-beaked seabird. The moon was full and some thing clouds to the east and west captured more of the sunset’s light, all of which was reflected on the still waters of Trout Lake. The entire Shasta Valley has turned green with the onset of spring, though it is still a little too early for the lupine to have sprouted. That is not too far off now. Things are looking up.

 

 

2021 Mount Shasta Spring Hiking Round Up

Posted by bubbasuess on March 27, 2021
Posted in: Cascade Range, Desert, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Off Season Trails, Spring Trails, Winter Trails. 1 Comment

A springtime sunset on Mount Shasta.

We are a week past the 2021 vernal equinox and moving right into spring. Though we will no doubt have some more precipitation (I sure hope!) for now we are blessed with a week’s worth of spectacular spring weather! It is prime time to head out and explore the low and mid-elevation trails around Mount Shasta. For me, that means it it peak time to dive into the Castle Crags and do some waterfall hunting. There are a lot of hidden jewels in that massive pile of rock.

Though the weather is perfect for hiking, the winter’s snow means we will have to wait a while longer before the high country trails are clear of snow. Thankfully the Mount Shasta area is blessed with an abundance of trails at lower elevations, which means that hiking and enjoying the fantastic scenery that surrounds us is in full swing. The best spots to explore this time of year are along the McCloud River and in the Castle Crags. Despite the lower elevation, they still offer great mountain experiences. The Gateway Trail is also a good option for spring hiking, with good views of the mountain and a sense of solitude in the near-town but remote backcountry of the trail. The high desert of the Shasta Valley is another great place to explore right now. Of course, all the other areas usually considered good winter destinations are also fantastic places to hike right now. Summer may be coming but the time to get out and hit the trail is now!

Spring Hiking On The Gateway Trail

Located just outside of Mount Shasta City, the Gateway Trail is an impressive and soon-to-be-expanding network of trails that wind their way through the wooded flanks of Mount Shasta. The first couple miles of the trail, however, are largely in the open, passing through rocky terrain that features great perspectives on the white mountain looming over 10,000 feet overhead. Once the trail plunges into the deep forest, numerous loop options exist, along with a few rocky outcroppings and some good vistas of Trinity Divide. Read more here.

Spring Hikes In The Castle Crags

The Castle Crags are one of the most majestic mountain features in California. However, their lower elevation means they are often accessible when higher terrain is still smothered in snow. Still, the granite spires and great rock walls stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most rugged terrain in the state. Though best hiked in spring, when the creeks are gushing and the weather, especially on the south side where most trails are found, is perfect, the winter may still be a good time to get out and enjoy this gorgeous mountain playground. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Upper McCloud River

The McCloud River is one of the great attractions of the Mount Shasta area. With great fishing, a trio a awesome waterfalls, and beautiful forest surroundings, it is a popular destination. The waterfall along the river is a great hike and ought to be considered during winter if the access road is open. However, the McCloud River Trail follows the river for 15 miles and any section of this makes a great hike as long as snow is not covering the ground. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Lower McCloud

The Lower McCloud River sees far less activity than the upper section. Separted by Hearst property and the McCloud Reservoir, the two areas are strikingly different. The upper section flows through volcanic terrain while the lower part passes through an outlier of the Klamath Mountain. The terrain is very rugged and can be difficult access during winter. However, when it can be reached, solitude a beautiful scenery await! Read more here.

Spring Hiking At Orr Lake

The area around Orr Lake is a mix of high desert and ponderosa pine forest, surrounding a large, lush meadow fed by remote Butte Creek. It’s higher in elevation than the high desert of the Shasta Valley, which means it is often not a good place to go in winter. However, in spring, it is ideal. The lake is full, the creek is running strong and Mount Shasta, visible beyond the lake, is white. Other than portions of the trail being closed at times for nesting birds, it is a great place to get outside in the months before summer. Read more here.

Spring Hikes In The Shasta Valley

North of Mount Shasta, the desert landscapes of the Shasta Valley offer a strikingly different environment than what is found along most trails in the region. The only conifers here are junipers and sagebrush is ubiquitous. For those that like the desert, the beauty of this area needs no explanation. For those less familiar, there is ample wildlife, beautiful rock formations and magnificent 360 degree views, crowned by some of the best views of Mount Shasta to be found anywhere. Read more here.

Spring Hikes In The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge

At the northern end of the Shasta Valley lies a large parkland administered by the State of California. The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge was once a working ranch but is now a haven for a variety of wildlife, especially birds. It is also a refuge for hikers looking for incredible vistas. Though it can be closed at times during winter, there are still opportunities to explore it and once it is reopened completely, it is a place of great beauty, beckoning to be explored! Read more here.

Three Spring Trails Near Mount Shasta City

Mount Shasta City is blessed with a number of great paths within and just outside of its city limits. Three of the best are the Box Canyon, Ney Springs and Spring Hill Trail. These offer solitude, Mount Shasta Vistas, unique history, spectacular geography and even some excellent waterfalls. These all lie just minutes outside of town. Also, don’t forget that Mount Shasta City has some great short trails right in town! Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Lake Siskiyou Trail

The Lake Siskiyou Trail is an incredible recreational resource just a couple minutes outside of Mount Shasta City. During the summer and fall, a loop trail encircles the lake. However, in winter the seasonal bridges over the Sacramento River are removed. While the loop can’t be hiked without fording the river (extremely dangerous after storms and during high runoff), several sections of the trail still make great out and back hikes. They feature beautiful forests, the lake itself and incredible views. Due to the relatively light winter, the bridges should be places over the Sacramento sooner rather than later this year. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Sacramento River

Most people in California think of the Sacramento River as the wide, winding waterway that lazily flows through the Central Valley. Here just below the headwaters, however, it is a swiftly flowing mountain river. Deep in its canyon, the lower elevation means it is often free of snow and the trails are easily accessed. Hiking along the river in winter is a treat that offers a taste of wild mountains for minimal effort. Read more here.

The Winter Snowpack Thus Far In Mount Shasta

Posted by bubbasuess on March 17, 2021
Posted in: Boy Scouts, Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta. 6 Comments

Unusually snowy hills of the Shasta Valley lie beneath alpenglow-bathed Mount Shasta.

As we near the end of winter (at this point, I can’t wait!), it is worth considering the snowpack that has developed and how things look going into the warmer months. This can be done both anecdotally and with data and both are useful at this point. The water that falls here in the mountains at the far northern end of the state has considerable bearing on the water fortunes of the rest of California as well as helping prepare for the kind of fire season that may manifest. Both are critically important both locally and statewide.

I want to first address the data that is available at this time. According to the National Resource Conservation Service, which is part of the US Department of Agriculture, as of the beginning of March, the Mount Shasta area was at 88% of normal snowpack. This figure was averaged from the snowpack percentages of both the Upper Sacramento River and Klamath River watersheds.

Western watersheds and snowpack conditions. Mount Shasta marked with red dot.

That data is available on this map, which has a ton of resources and is worth exploring. Of those two watersheds, the Upper Sacramento is more pertinent to Mount Shasta, since the SNOTEL stations and California Cooperative Snow Survey sites that are in the Mount Shasta vicinity are located in this watershed. According to the map, the Upper Sacramento watershed was at 94% at the beginning of March. This area includes the western Trinity Divide, the southern half of Mount Shasta, the Sacramento River down to the Shasta Dam, the McCloud River watershed and the entire Pit River watershed, which notably contains the high country of the Warner Mountains.

The Upper Sacramento River, as per NRCS data, is marked in blue. Mount Shasta marked red.

This is encouraging data. The large storm we had in January went a long way towards establishing a quality snowpack. The area to the north and west, in the Klamath River watershed, is slightly less well off, with 82% of normal as of the beginning of March. This area contains the preponderance of the Klamath Mountains and the east side of the Cascades deep into Oregon, reaching just north of Crater Lake. Obviously this area is pretty diverse and the data for the whole region can be skewed by one area having more or less snow.

Here’s another way to look at the data (be sure to check this page out, which shows annual Snow Water Equivalent all the way back to 1981). Thus far, by mid-March, we are approaching the 30 year (1981-2010) median for water content of the snow that has fallen. We are still off about 2 inches of SWE from the median peak. Again, we are not really at average yet, but this winter has not been a total disaster. For example, the graph below shows this winter (black line) compared to the wretched drought years of 2014 (purple line) and 2015 (orange line).

Obviously we are doing significantly better than those severe drought years. While I would be happier if the winter had produced a deeper snowpack, it has certainly not been a bust and there is a good accumulation of snow. We still have two weeks of March (and rain/snow imminent as I write this) as well as a good chance for more precipitation in April. Naturally, I am ready for some warm spring weather (and Castle Crags exploration!) I won’t argue with more water padding the totals we have gotten thus far.

Though it does not seem to correlate with the data on the NRCS, the numbers according to the Mount Shasta Herald’s site paints a much starker picture. It states that downtown Mount Shasta has only received 12.67 inches. I am not certain what the annual average is but that seems low. In addition, the report lists Stouts Meadow, which is often one of the wettest places in Northern California and its 39.66 inches is lower than what other years have produced. Other areas look lower than normal as well, though none of the averages are cited.

While some of these numbers are pretty good, they don’t necessarily reconcile with the MSH’s numbers. The NRCS data looks good but the MSH numbers seems bleak. This leads to the anecdotal aspect of this snowpack assessment. It is my observation that the winter seems just about normal. With the big storm we had in January depositing a lot of snow in the mountains (especially the Trinity Divide, whereas Mount Shasta’s snow was seemingly blown off by some pretty violent winds), I suspect a good base was laid down. That was reflected with the NRCS numbers that only ran up to the beginning of March. Since then, we have had three notable weather systems pass through the area. Between the three storms, we have had a considerable amount of snow dropped. The accumulated depth (at least at my house) was upwards of three feet of snow. Consider these images from around my house and cabin:

I don’t know if these images do the accumulation justice but it was a lot. In these cases, the snow dropped, settled, melted a little and then had more piled on. The last two storms in particular left over 2 feet between them. Between the lateness in the winter and the slight warming trend we had been enjoying, I had not mentally prepared myself for the amount of snow we got. Both of the latter storms required significant snow clearing.

In the middle of all that, I also managed to take the boy scout troop for which I am scoutmaster on the annual snow camping trip on Mount Shasta. I am grateful that I am able to get these guys out there, even when so many are missing out on so much of life due to virus conditions. Many of these boys would still be stuck at home without something like boy scouts giving them some great memories and experience. Thankfully, the snow is there too. Winter may be coming to an end, but there is still plenty of snow to enjoy for the time being!

To summarize what I have looked at here, according to the NRCS, at the beginning of March the Upper Sacramento and Klamath watersheds had 94% and 82% of normal snowpack, respectively. Since that time, three weather systems have dropped significant precipitation in the area. Consequently, I have to assume that, at the least, the Upper Sacramento watershed might be approaching 100% of normal snowpack as of mid-March. The Klamath, which was lagging, must have improved significantly and if it is not at 100% of normal must be near to it. The one caveat to this is that, for as much snow fell, it was fairly dry and did not have a big water content. Nonetheless, considering how much snow actually fell, it is a positive addition to the snowpack.

The winter may have started later than normal but once it got going, we have done pretty well. A good storm in December, a big one in January and some strong systems in March have helped build a decent snowpack that looks to be close to a normal winter’s accumulation. There is still room in the wet season to pad that out with more snow and rain too. This is good news for the Mount Shasta area and for California!

A frozen sunrise in the Shasta Valley.

Mount Shasta Was On A Roll This Week (Plus Fresh Snow)

Posted by bubbasuess on March 6, 2021
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Lenticular Clouds, Mount Shasta. 1 Comment

Alpenglow on Mount Shasta beneath a massive lenticular wave.

I have noted on a few occasions that the current lenticular season has been somewhat lackluster. Though there have been a few events scattered throughout the past several months there haven’t been any really massive formations, the kind the tend to punctuate the season and really make you stop and marvel when they do occur. That all changed this past week. In the first 5 days of March, beginning Monday, there were 3 excellent clouds. Though their quality did lessen as the week progressed, they all still far outperformed what had preceded them.

As if that weren’t enough, the storm they had all been prelude to swept through and dropped 4-5 inches of snow at my house. While we were all hoping for more, that is still a welcome burst of snow. The skies are clearing even now and whoever heads up to the ski park is in for a gorgeous bluebird day!

Monday

The first lenticular of the week was by far the most impressive. Large, stable and stretching across the sky, it was one the most massive cloud events over Mount Shasta I have seen. It’s beginning didn’t quite augur its true proportions but those were revealed rather swiftly and maintained an immense presence throughout the day. It ended up coalescing into a staggering wave, similar to those that form over the Sierra Nevada. At sunset, the cloud didn’t quite light up as I had hoped but Mount Shasta managed to catch the alpenglow and it was an utterly spectacular scene.

Thursday

A few days later Mount Shasta again generated another interesting formation. This time it was a large stack to the northeast of the summit. At dawn it highlighted a really fiery sky, though the upper half of the stack was left totally in the dark. Like the wave from Monday, it stuck around all day. However, by sunset, though still extant over Mount Shasta, it was thin and wispy, hardly noticeable or catching light. However, the cloud clinging to the summit of Mount Shasta added some interest and it was still a beautiful end to the day.

Friday

The final lenticular of the week was also a fine one but was positioned further away from Mount Shasta, making it a bit frustrating to photograph. Nonetheless, like its predecessors, it was stable enough to stick around all day, though it was most interesting first thing in the morning. By noon it had flattened out but managed tighten up again for sunset. Unfortunately it never really got any vivid light. In spite of this, it was another spectacular formation to end the week!

Saturday

And now we have some fresh snow, just in time to do a little camping on Mount Shasta!

Chasing A Titan: A Day With An Evolving Mount Shasta Lenticular

Posted by bubbasuess on March 3, 2021
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Lenticular Clouds, Mount Shasta. 1 Comment

A pair of lenticulars, one massive one a simple disk, hover over Mount Shasta.

Seemingly out of nowhere, a titanic lenticular event manifested over Mount Shasta on Monday, kicking off March with a bang. The sky was basically cloudless at sunrise but by mid-morning it was already getting interesting. Naturally I could not resist heading out and documenting the spectacle, which I did at various times during the day, trying to catch it in its many iterations painted across the sky.

It was obvious from the beginning that this was the big event I have been waiting months for. From the west side of Mount Shasta the clouds seem to stretch from the mountain itself west to Mount Eddy. At times it was a series of lenticular disks while at other times the individual clouds seemed to merge into a single band of wavy formations. However, it was only when traveling to the north that the full scope of the cloud could be appreciated, as it could be seen extending east beyond the Whaleback. It is difficult to gauge the scale of the cloud from a fixed spot low down on the ground but just the linear distance between Mount Eddy and Whaleback is approximately 22.5 miles. That’s a big lenticular!

Click to enlarge:

The wave never quite lit up the way I had hoped but it was a spectacular end to a staggering day nonetheless. The mountain had good color at times and the alpenglow’s subtle illumination of the clouds was still gorgeous if not grand. The totality of the scene was grand enough and then some. I had hoped that a formation as large and durable as this one would still be manifest in the morning. Some form of lenticular was still visible in the moonlight well after midnight. However, with only the surging winds signaling its departure, the titanic formation dissipated into the night. When I headed out the next morning, hoping to capture a lenticular sunrise, there was not even a remnant of it. Such is the will of the mountain. It is unpredictable!

The massive lenticular having vanished , it was just another morning on Mount Shasta.

This was indeed the lenticular I had been waiting for all season. There have been plenty of formations for months but none ever really elevated themselves into the rarified company of the great events. This one did that. I don’t want to be greedy but I hope we get another before summer gets here!

Mount Shasta: Morning, Noon and Night

Posted by bubbasuess on February 27, 2021
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Lenticular Clouds, Mount Shasta. 3 Comments

A sunrise-lit lenticular seems to be grabbing for Shastarama Point.

Friday was another interesting day around Mount Shasta. Like the day before, the forecast called for partly cloudy skies, which meant that there was a chance something interesting might show up around the mountain. While the day before had been a bit of a disappointment since the promising morning gave way to an essentially cloudless day, Friday promised to offer something completely different. Indeed, the interesting weather persisted through the day and into the night. While the eventful conditions made for a frustrating day at the ski park (too windy for some of the chairlifts), it made for a pleasant day looking through the lens of my camera.

Click to enlarge:

Mount Shasta’s Show Fleeting But A Fine One (And Mount Eddy Too!)

Posted by bubbasuess on February 25, 2021
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Eddy, Mount Shasta, Trinity Divide. Leave a comment

Though Wednesday proved to be clear-skied Thursday morning offered something altogether different. The forecast called for clouds in the morning. With that in mind, I headed out yet again, but I had slept longer than normal so I only had a few minutes to get to a vantage point before the color really set in. The destination was one only a few minutes from my house and it is a classic standby. I generally try to avoid this one these days but when time is short, it works in a pinch. This turned out to be a good morning to go there, since the color on Mount Shasta was good and the clouds were interesting but the real show was over Mount Eddy. This spot has a good perspective on both, which really paid off.


The summit of Mount Shasta was partially obscured in the clouds but the clouds themselves were quite nice. They soaked up the light of the rising sun in fine fashion. It was hard to distinguish but there was actually a bit of a lenticular in a higher layer of cloud. Though it would have been challenging to really appreciate from the north, the mountain also cast a nice sunrise shadow. Overall, a nice sunrise, but not one as grand as I had hoped.


While Mount Shasta lacked really interesting clouds, the peaks to the west were graced with lenticular-like clouds. Peak 7,869 was light up brightly by the morning light. Over the summit a stream of cloud coursed in layered urgency. It too was alight. This prominent peak is surprisingly nameless and I have come up with various names in the past but that will have to be the subject of another post. If you have a name for this peak, leave a comment. I would love to hear other ideas for this one.


Mount Eddy was the real star of the morning. Even though the eastern side of the mountain is not its best visage it is still higher and larger than anything to the west and the rugged, treeless upper flanks are still quite scenic. Thursday morning saw the mountain overshadowed by a layered lenticular that was highlighted by the sunrise glow. It was hard to get the entire scene into frame and the cloud extended well south of Mount Eddy but the best parts were captured and it ended up being one of the better cloud formations I have captured over that mountain.


Without warning, the color began to fade as the sun rose and the clouds blocked out the light. It grew really overcast before all the clouds blew away, leaving only a small lenticular over Mount Shasta. That too was gone before noon, leaving clear skies for the rest of the day. It was a short performance but it was a good one.


By evening the clouds had not made a return but, on the way home from renting some skis for my son, I saw the moon had risen over Mount Shasta. That was worth a stop to capture with the mountain starting to light up with alpenglow. Considering there were no clouds over the mountain, it was a nice way to end the day. We’ll see what tomorrow brings…

Cut Into The Mountain’s Heart: The Great Canyons Of Mount Shasta

Posted by bubbasuess on February 19, 2021
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta. 3 Comments

Mount Shasta’s Ash Creek Falls pours into the lower half of Ash Creek Canyon.

Mount Shasta is justly known as a towering, glacier-clad volcano, standing in grand isolation high above all the other peaks in the region. Tall and isolated, it can be seen from over 150 miles distant, looming high above California’s Central Valley. It is a destination for hikers and mountaineers, both seeking grand vistas and incredible beauty, which they find in abundance. However, one of Mount Shasta’s most spectacular features is usually overlooked but offers stunning scenery for those who seek them out.

There are many canyons running down the flanks of Mount Shasta but 5 stand out above all the rest in terms of size and beauty. These are Bolam Creek Canyon, Whitney Creek Canyon, Diller Canyon, Mud Creek Canyon and Ash Creek Canyon. These five are wider, deeper and and generally more massive than any of the others. It should also come as no surprise that 4 of the 5 of these house the largest waterfalls on Mount Shasta. Exploring them offers incredible hiking, great adventure and beauty that is rarely equaled in this part of California.

In many ways, the canyons are similar geologically but their perspectives on Mount Shasta, the waterfalls in them, their size and scale all combine to give each one a unique appearance. Each is worthy of exploration, both on the mountain and also here on this website. The following is a brief review of the 5 major canyons that grace the flanks of Mount Shasta.

 

Bolam Creek Canyon

A gorgeous view of the upper portion of Bolam Creek Canyon.

Though most of the canyons on Mount Shasta suffer from some level of obscurity, Bolam Creek Canyon is perhaps the most obscure. The causes for this are many, but I think the two most important reasons are the fact that it is located on the edge of Mount Shasta’s east side, which is the most isolated and least visited side of Mount Shasta. This is compounded by the fact that there are no trails accessing the canyon. The North Gate Trail does pass within a mile of the trail but nearly all the hikers on that route are headed toward the summit, not a sandy off trail jaunt through a maze of white bark pine snags.

What winds up being lost in the mists of anonymity is one of the most magnificent scenes on Mount Shasta. Bolam Creek Canyon boasts fantastic views of Mount Shasta’s alpine heights along with one of the mountain’s finest waterfalls. The canyon itself is about 400-500 feet deep. Like most of the canyons on Mount Shasta, the walls of Bolam Creek Canyon are loose layers composed of sand, ash, cinders and other volcanic detritus. They tend to be V-shaped, obviously unexcavated by glaciers. However, like most of the canyons, once again, they are not disconnected from the glaciers on Mount Shasta. The Bolam Glacier, visible high overhead, releases its meltwater to feed Bolam Creek. The creek flows through the canyon, entering it by plunging over a cliff in a beautiful waterfall before cascading steeply into the depths of the canyon.

The waterfall in particular deserves a brief note. The canyon was once the home of Coquette Falls, which was the primary route by which the meltwater from the Bolam Glacier flowed into the canyon. The current location of the falls was only a seasonal cataract. However, sometime between 2006 and 2010 (probably closer to the latter) there was a significant outburst from the glacier that blocked up Bolam Creek’s original channel. This caused the flow to reroute to its current configuration and the full volume of the glacier’s meltwater to flow over the new waterfall. Consequently, Coquette Falls dried up. The new waterfall is sometimes called Bolam Creek Falls but I am eager to break away from the somewhat mundane names that dominate Mount Shasta’s waterfalls. I think something along the lines of New Coquette Falls is more interesting and memorable.

Whitney Creek Canyon

Mount Shasta and Shastina peek out above Whitney Falls and Whitney Creek Canyon.

Whitney Creek Canyon is the smallest of Mount Shasta’s canyon. Carved by Whitney Creek, like nearby Bolam Creek, this waterway typically only flows in the heat of the summer, when the glaciers melt and the runoff flows swiftly off the mountain. Though shorter and shallower than Bolam Creek Canyon, they nonetheless exhibit similar characteristics. Both have sandy, sloped canyon walls with little rock extruding from the walls. Like its neighbor, the real highlight of Whitney Creek Canyon is the presence of Whitney Falls. Like all the major waterfalls on Mount Shasta, it is formed when the creek hits a band of erosion resistant rock. The water then plunges 200 feet into an isolated amphitheater. Whitney Falls is the most easily accessed of the waterfalls on the mountain, making it a popular hiking destination. However, it is important to watch whether there is water in Whitney Creek as is passes under Highway 97. If there is no water present, then it is unlikely that there is water flowing over the falls.

The cross-section of the Graham Lava Flow.

One feature unique to Whitney Creek Canyon is its proximity to the Graham Lave Flow. This means that the dark, craggy lava lines the western rim of the canyon. Not only does this give an unusual look to the canyon and enhance the wildness of the area, but it also reveals some fascinating geology. Downstream from Whitney Falls the creek has carved a course that, at one time, passed beneath the edge of the lava flow. Over time this area was undercut by the water and collapsed. Now it is possible to see the sandy layers beneath lava as well as the broken edges of where the lava gave way into the canyon. It is basically a giant cross-section view of a fresh lava flow. There may be other places to observe the internal structure of lava flows like this but if there are, this is still likely one of the easiest to get to.

The dark lava extends above Whitney Falls as well but the creek has only carved a shallow channel through this area. Consequently, the falls lie at the head of the canyon, not within it.

Diller Canyon

Looking up into the massive V-shaped upper portion of Diller Canyon.

Unusual in many respects, Diller Canyon is an outlier among the other chasms on Mount Shasta. Most notably, it is the only canyon on Shastina, Mount Shasta’s large satellite cone. It is also extends much further than most canyons on the mountain. It begins at the edge of Shastina’s eruption crater at nearly 11,500 feet and descends all the way down to approximately 5,000 feet. It is a single, linear chute from top to bottom. It is also the only one of the 5 canyons that does not have a significant waterfall in it. There are a couple of small cataracts (15-20 feet high) but that is all.

The upper reaches of Diller Canyon at sunset.

It’s character is different from the other canyons on Mount Shasta too. The other four canyons were formed by glacial runoff eroding their way through the loose ash and cinders that make up the lower flanks of Mount Shasta. Though Shastina does have a similar composition in some areas, Diller Canyon has glaciers and, consequently, no significant creek flowing through it (there is a small one during the spring thaw) but the canyon itself is much rockier than the other four. This is evident both in the presence of significant quantities of loose rocks but also in the rocky outcroppings that line the canyon rim. All of this combines to give Diller Canyon a far different appearance than the other canyons on Mount Shasta.

Diller Canyon is, by far, the most visible canyon on Mount Shasta. Prominently seen from much of the west side of Mount Shasta, the canyon has a distinct v-shape at its highest elevations but narrows down to a linear chute at its mid to lower elevations. Though many people don’t recognize Diller Canyon by name, it is among the most recognizable landmarks on the mountain.

Mud Creek Canyon

A staggering view of the massive, hoodoo-lined upper portion of Mud Creek Canyon.

Mud Creek Canyon is simply one of the most spectacular features, not just on Mount Shasta, but in all of Northern California. Longer, larger and deeper than all the other canyons on the mountain, it is a natural titan of staggering proportions. Reaching up to 1,500 feet deep in some place (averaging about 1,100 to 800 feet for much of its course) and extending over 6 miles down the flanks of Mount Shasta, it is a colossal gap that literally cuts into the heart of Mount Shasta. The head of Mud Creek Canyon is formed in massive Mud Creek Basin, the oldest exposed part of Mount Shasta. Here one will find what is likely the most complicated and chaotic geology on the mountain, where 3 of the mountain’s 4 major eruption cones meet. It is a twisted, colorful landscape that is capped by the small (in relation to the four major glaciers on Mount Shasta) Konwakiton Glacier. This is the source of Mud Creek, which flows through the length of the canyon and is the largest stream coming off of Mount Shasta.

Springs and meadows emerge from between the strata.

As noted, the geology of Mud Creek Canyon is fabulously complex. Not only do 3 eruption cones (each representing a different epoch of Mount Shasta’s activity) meet here but the landscape has been both scoured by glaciers and continuously eroded. A look up into Mud Creek Basin reveals a seemingly unending series of layers broken, uplifted and twisted, forming a jumbled collection of spires and crags. This is also the most colorful corner of Mount Shasta, with a variety of exposed rock types all exhibiting different hues of red, purple, orange, yellow and gray. Below the upper basin, Mud Creek Canyon resembles the other canyons on the mountain (excepting Diller Canyon) in its composition. It is formed of loose ash and cinders, with the addition of sporadic large rocks punctuating the canyon walls. The canyon is still seeking its angle of repose and the sound of rocks clattering down the steep walls is common. Like the other canyons, but on a much grander scale, the loose aggregate of Mud Creek Canyon is divided into strata. Between many of these water flows through the layers. Where the canyon has cut away the strata, the water flows out into the open. Some are marked by large wet spots while others are the source of verdant meadows clinging to the side of the canyon walls. It is a fascinating and majestic spectacle.

Telephoto view of Camel Rock from over a mile away.

One of Mud Creek Canyon’s most interesting features is the presence of large hoodoos. Such formations are not uncommon is volcanic geology but Mud Creek Canyon has some notably large and prominent ones. Unfortunately, these are only viewed from certain angles since the canyon itself is fairly remote and one must climb out onto the rim in order to observe them. The hoodoos are located on the walls of the upper canyon, but below the expanse of Mud Creek Basin. Though the base of the hoodoos seems stable, the upper portions of the towers appear to evolve rapidly. At time they feature balances rocks and just a couple years later, these rocks have toppled. Though many of them are quite interesting, one in particular stands out, which I have dubbed “Camel Rock”. This tower is not a traditional hoodoo but the remnants of one that has now collapsed. In its place stands a narrow neck of rock with a large, flat boulder balanced precariously on top. It is so named because it resembles New Mexico’s famed rock of the same name. It is hard to assess just how large the rock is but I think 30 – 40 feet high is not unrealistic. It is likely to topple at any time given the rapid rate at which the walls of Mud Creek Canyon evolve.

Lastly, Mud Creek Canyon features the highest concentration of large waterfalls on Mount Shasta. Two in particular are well over 100 feet high but the lower canyon also has a few large waterfalls that are over 25 feet in height. While these are beautiful and worthy destinations of exploration, it is the upper two falls that are the pinnacle of waterfall beauty in Mud Creek Canyon. The highest falls, Konwakiton Falls, pours out of Mud Creek Basin into the uppermost reaches of the canyon. At times parts of the falls are obscured by piles of debris. Sometimes the debris is flushed away by heavy runoff. The other waterfall is Mud Creek Falls, one of the classic falls on Mount Shasta and a contender for the mountain’s most beautiful.

The confluence of Mud and Clear Creeks.

The sheer size of the canyon distinguishes it from the rest of the canyons on Mount Shasta. It also has far more distinct sections than the other canyons. The uppermost canyon is high, treeless and filled with giant hoodoos. Below that, the canyons deepens and doubles in width. It is through here that the extensive collections of springs burst from the stratified canyon walls. This section ends at Mud Creek Falls. Below the falls the canyons widens yet again, as Mud Creek is here joined by Clear Creek. This is the only major confluence of creeks in the depths of one of Mount Shasta’s canyons. Beyond the confluence, Mud Creek Canyon narrows, but still maintains a depth of around 800 feet. A few more notable waterfalls punctuate the creek.

All these features taken together, and given the massive scale of the canyon and its wild character, Mud Creek is easily one of the most scenic waterways in Northern California.

Ash Creek Canyon

Spectacular Ash Creek Falls, the highest waterfall on Mount Shasta.

Ash Creek Canyon is located on the remote east side of Mount Shasta. Long and deep, it is the second largest canyon on the mountain. Though it is not the equal of nearby Mud Creek Canyon, the canyon carved by Ash Creek remains one of the most spectacular features on Mount Shasta. It boasts many excellent features. Chief among them is awesome Ash Creek Falls, which is the tallest, and likely the most beautiful, waterfall on the mountain. At about 350 feet high, it is a glorious sight, with Mount Shasta looming majestically behind it. The waterfall divides the canyon into two distinct sections. The lower, v-shaped section resembles most of the other canyons on the mountain. The upper section has a similar composition, consisting of ash and cinders, but is larger, wider and, most significantly, graced with the massive sheet of ice that is the Wintun Glacier. This is the third largest glacier in California (after the nearby Hotlum and Whitney Glaciers on Mount Shasta’s northeast and north side).

The canyon consists of two parts. The upper part is largely above tree line and is occupied by the Wintun Glacier at its highest reaches. The walls of the canyon are sand and cinder like the other canyons on Mount Shasta but the lack of trees and the presence of the glacier give it a distinct, wild feel that is altogether different from the other canyons on the mountain. The transition from the upper to lower canyon is Ash Creek Falls. Below the waterfall the canyon is more like the other canyons on the north side of the mountain. The trees crowd the canyon rim and the walls are steeply sloped loose cinders and rocks. However, here on the wetter, east side of Mount Shasta, the forest is much, much thicker and in some places consists of old growth Shasta red firs.

All these features make Ash Creek Canyon one of the more beautiful spots on Mount Shasta. Taken together, the canyon of Ash Creek deserves far more renown that it gets, even with its superlative waterfall.

Mount Shasta GIF Gallery

Posted by bubbasuess on February 16, 2021
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta. 4 Comments

Over the years, it has been my focus to capture Mount Shasta in images and I have not ventured much beyond that in terms of other media. However, periodically over the last couple of years I have dipped my toe into making GIFs. They are essentially all low-grade time lapses. I have not had the patience or knowledge to make true, high quality time lapses but the GIFs give an idea of what the scene looked and felt like. That really is the essence of what I have sought to do with the entire Hike Mt Shasta website: to give those who come here a sense of place through images and the written word. This short little animations are just one more tool to accomplish that goal.

The thought occurred to me that I had finally accumulated enough animated images that I ought to gather them all together in one place and make them easier to find, for those so inclined. I hope that these capture, in some small way, the spirit of awe and majesty that is expressed through Mount Shasta!


This is probably my favorite GIF I have made. It was an epic sunrise full of color and awesome clouds. Note the shadow cast by the lenticular in the upper right. It is awesome testimony to how large the clouds are that the shadow is cast in the sky. This was one of my favorite sunrises of 2019.

 


There was nothing particularly noteworthy in the sky or anything else at this scene but the scene itself was epic enough. Looking south at the head the upper end of Bolam Creek Canyon, the Bolam Glacier clings to Mount Shasta’s heights. New Coquette Falls flows into the canyon from the side, pouring over a band of dense rock that has resisted erosion. Things don’t get too much more epic than this.

 


An awesome sunset on Mount Shasta viewed from the west. I love how the sunrises start at the summit of the mountain and then move downward while sunsets start at the base of the mountain and move upward. The latter leaves the last little bit of light clinging to the summit as the sun moves beyond the horizon and then the light just fades away. Magnificent.

 


Another sunset, this time viewed from the northwest. From here Mount Shasta looks less like a singular mountain and more like a collection of high peaks in a mountain range. This is in part due to the presence of Shastina, which dominates the lower left half of this frame. Its crags, as well as Diller Canyon, add a lot of depth to this perspective.

 


A spectacular morning at Lake Siskiyou, with a trio of lenticulars over Mount Shasta. The reflection wasn’t perfect but I was not complaining. This collection of clouds did not seem like they were going to amount to much but right before the light came they all coalesced into the formation as seen here.

 


A great, colorful morning at Lake Siskiyou with some awesome lenticulars over Mount Shasta. Aside from the awesome clouds, the most memorable aspect of this morning was the way the light bounced off of the high clouds and made the whole area glow. This is especially visible on Mount Shasta itself. No direct sunlight hit the mountain but the mountain lights up nonetheless.

 


Yet another morning at Lake Siskiyou. This sunrise had a nice reflection in the water and a full lake, so there was not bathtub ring visible. Though this animation is short, it gives a good example of how the sunlight creeps across the sky as the sun comes up.

 


This was a sunset I witnessed from Girard Ridge, south of Dunsmuir. I was there to try to capture a night image of Mount Shasta with the Neowise comet. The sunset itself proved to be pretty interesting and, though I don’t like man-made objects in my images, I have to confess the lights on I-5 did add a lot of interest to this scene. If you look carefully, you can spot lights descending Everitt Memorial Highway on Mount Shasta too. The change in brightness once the sun set was due to my adjusting the settings on my camera.

 


This sunset on Mount Shasta was graced by a nice lenticular wave. Not only is this a good example of how the light fades upwards but it also gives a good sense of how the waves are constantly in flux when they appear over the mountain. Overall, a pretty awesome sequence.

 


This scene was captured from McCloud, south of Mount Shasta. The cloud was a lenticular and that was more evident when viewed from the west. From the south the lens-shaped cloud could still be seen but its rougher, chaotic edge where it dissipated dominated this perspective.

 


This animation is short and has a bit of a lurch because of the camera shifting but it was an epic scene. What more can I say?

 


Mount Shasta was not very visible for this event but the way the lenticulars clouded up and then casted off the extra cloud was pretty awesome. The sequence captured here was the third of three that I witnessed as the sun was coming up.

 


This particular animation was intended to document the way the wave over the mountain and the disk above it sloughed off a corresponding smaller cloud and smaller disk. I have never seen a formation like this nor this kind of behavior where twin segments separated themselves from the main clouds.

 


This was the first GIF I made for Hike Mt Shasta. it was short and had some camera lurch but it was only intended to be an experiment to see if such an animation were possible. A bit of history, this one!

2021 Winter Hiking Round Up

Posted by bubbasuess on February 14, 2021
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Off Season Trails, Winter Trails. 2 Comments

Mount Shasta and lenticular clouds viewed from the Lake Siskiyou Trail.

The winter season of 2020-2021 has been with us for a few months now. Things started off pretty slowly, with some rain here and there. I nice snow came through on Christmas day and stuck. The temperatures were low enough for the snow to linger for a while but it eventually melted off. Then, towards the end of January a heavy storm came through, leaving over 3 feet in some inhabited areas, a little less in town. Rain fell heavily in the Mount Shasta’s rain shadow as well. Now we are halfway through February, which means there is only a month and a half of “winter” left, though we know April can be winterlike at times. With a lot of snow still on the ground, it is high time for many of us to start feeling the pinch of cabin fever and we want to get outside.

Fortunately, the Mount Shasta area’s geography makes it possible for numerous trails to be snow-free in the winter time. The volcano rises out of low valley that lies between the high mountain areas of the Cascade Range and Klamath Mountains. The valley floor itself is low enough that it often escapes the snow that falls at higher elevations. The rivers then rush south, falling lower in elevation still and avoid even more snow. Yet, too the north lies the rain shadow of Mount Shasta. Rather than great conifer forests, the area is desert, thanks to the mountain wringing moistures from the storms that move through. Here, the snow falls infrequently and the trails that explore this area offer hikers great views, lots of sunshine and a strikingly different kind of environment from the alpine areas immediately to the south.

Whatever you are looking for in a winter trail, it is hard to find a more diverse and spectacular setting than those around Mount Shasta!

The following are all articles that discuss off-season hiking opportunities in Mount Shasta. They can also be accessed from the “trails” drop down menu. Click to enlarge all images.

Three Winter Trails Near Mount Shasta City

Mount Shasta City is blessed with a number of great paths within and just outside of its city limits. Three of the best are the Box Canyon, Ney Springs and Spring Hill Trail. These offer solitude, Mount Shasta Vistas, unique history, spectacular geography and even some excellent waterfalls. These all lie just minutes outside of town. Also, don’t forget that Mount Shasta City has some great short trails right in town! Read more here.

Winter Hikes On The Lake Siskiyou Trail

The Lake Siskiyou Trail is an incredible recreational resource just a couple minutes outside of Mount Shasta City. During the summer and fall, a loop trail encircles the lake. However, in winter the seasonal bridges over the Sacramento River are removed. While the loop can’t be hiked without fording the river (extremely dangerous after storms and during high runoff), several sections of the trail still make great out and back hikes. They feature beautiful forests, the lake itself and incredible views. Read more here.

Winter Hikes On The Sacramento River

Most people in California think of the Sacramento River as the wide, winding waterway that lazily flows through the Central Valley. Here just below the headwaters, however, it is a swiftly flowing mountain river. Deep in its canyon, the lower elevation means it is often free of snow and the trails are easily accessed. Hiking along the river in winter is a treat that offers a taste of wild mountains for minimal effort. Read more here.

Winter Hikes In The Shasta Valley

North of Mount Shasta, the desert landscapes of the Shasta Valley offer a strikingly different environment than what is found along most trails in the region. The only conifers here are junipers and sagebrush is ubiquitous. For those that like the desert, the beauty of this area needs no explanation. For those less familiar, there is ample wildlife, beautiful rock formations and magnificent 360 degree views, crowned by some of the best views of Mount Shasta to be found anywhere. Unfortunately, part of the Yellow Butte Trail has been fenced off. There is still a lot of interesting terrain to explore on the Butte but be aware of land boundaries. Read more here.

Winter Hikes In The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge

At the northern end of the Shasta Valley lies a large parkland administered by the State of California. The Shasta Valley Wildlife Refuge was once a working ranch but is now a haven for a variety of wildlife, especially birds. It is also a refuge for hikers looking for incredible vistas. Though it can be closed at times during winter, there are still opportunities to explore it and once it is reopened completely, it is a place of great beauty, beckoning to be explored! Read more here.

Other parts of the Mount Shasta area are best hiked in spring, but often, during drier winters with less snow, some of these areas are also easily accessed during winter and offer stunning hikes for those looking for longer and more rugged outings. It must be noted that these areas have a higher chance of being inaccessible during snowy winters.

Spring Hikes In The Castle Crags

The Castle Crags are one of the most majestic mountain features in California. However, their lower elevation means they are often accessible when higher terrain is still smothered in snow. Still, the granite spires and great rock walls stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most rugged terrain in the state. Though best hiked in spring, when the creeks are gushing and the weather, especially on the south side where most trails are found, is perfect, the winter may still be a good time to get out and enjoy this gorgeous mountain playground. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Upper McCloud River

The McCloud River is one of the great attractions of the Mount Shasta area. With great fishing, a trio a awesome waterfalls, and beautiful forest surroundings, it is a popular destination. The waterfall along the river is a great hike and ought to be considered during winter if the access road is open. However, the McCloud River Trail follows the river for 15 miles and any section of this makes a great hike as long as snow is not covering the ground. Read more here.

Spring Hikes On The Lower McCloud

The Lower McCloud River sees far less activity than the upper section. Separted by Hearst property and the McCloud Reservoir, the two areas are strikingly different. The upper section flows through volcanic terrain while the lower part passes through an outlier of the Klamath Mountain. The terrain is very rugged and can be difficult access during winter. However, when it can be reached, solitude a beautiful scenery await! Read more here.