Big Changes Could Be Coming To The Trails On Mount Eddy and the Scott Mountains

Posted by bubbasuess on February 24, 2019
Posted in: Hiking, Klamath Mountains, Mount Eddy, Pacific Crest Trail, Scott Mountains, Trinity Divide. 3 Comments

Mount Shasta and Mount Eddy are seen from Cory Peak in the Scott Mountains.

Some big changes are afoot for land administration and trail development here in the Mount Shasta area. In the next few months, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest will be closing a deal that will transfer 19 parcels of land from private ownership to the Forest Service. These parcels, totaling around 10,000 acres, are spread across the Scott Mountains and the Eddy Range portion of the Trinity Divide. This is prime mountain real estate, filled with lakes, rocky peaks, lush meadows and expansive forests. In the coming years, trails will likely be developed through this new real estate, adding miles of hiking opportunities.

The impetus behind this transaction is the Pacific Crest Trail. Nearly every parcel is traversed by the PCT. The land owner was gracious to permit construction of the trail on their land but there was always a tenuous status for the trail and access rights. The funds necessary to complete this sale were secured largely through the agency of supporters of the PCT, thus enabling hikers, the PCTA and the Forest Service to have more control and flexibility in how the trail is routed and what kind of spurs and loops can be developed off of the PCT.

This land joins over 2,500 acres recently purchased on Mount Eddy. One section of this additional land includes a lengthy segment of the PCT while the rest of the land includes lakes, awesome cliffs and meadow-fringed ponds. Equally important, these additional parcels will permit legal access – and the subsequent development of trails – to many of the prettiest features on Mount Eddy. The possibilities for exciting and spectacular new trails are vast.

The red areas denote the new sections being acquired. The orange sections are those on Mount Eddy that were recently purchased. The Pacific Crest Trail is marked in yellow. 

This may not seem like a big deal to hikers who already explore this area via the PCT or off trail. The land owners don’t seem to make a fuss about people crossing the land. This may be the case, but the transfer of land from private to public hands means that a whole new generation of trails may now be developed. Right now, only the Pacific Crest Trail crosses these mountainous areas. In the future, it is possible for new trails to be developed that will access lakes, the PCT, meadows, passes and peaks. The Eddy Range and the Scott Mountains have the potential be the home of a fantastic trail network for both backpackers and day hikers.

Rock Fence Lake is a first rate hiking destination.

Following the acquisition of the land, the current plan is to take it slow. A large reason for this is that all the resources devoted to new trail construction are being consumed by the awesome Gateway Phase II project. However, once that is completed, if a Phase III is not imminent, then energy can be refocused onto the Scott Mountains. The desire is there to construct new trails, trailheads and campgrounds and to make this area a vibrant recreation destination. Several lakes, previously privately owned, will be opened up and accessed via trail. One excellent example of this is Rock Fence Lake, which will surely become a popular hike. Other lakes, including Cabin Meadow, Bluff, Bull, Masterson Meadow and Grouse Creek Lakes will all be added to the national forest and trails to them will be developed. The Little Trinity River, a seldom appreciated creek, will also be open to hiking.

Robbers Meadow

Another awesome feature is the intended resurrection of a long segment of the Sisson-Callahan Trail. This was the original, 19th-Century route that connected the town of Callahan to Mount Shasta. At the time, Highway 3, which passes through Callahan, was the primary north-south route through this part of California. This made the SCT a critical transportation route. Currently, the section running from the near Lake Siskiyou up to Deadfall Basin is an active trail. In the near future, we may see the original pass at North Fork Sacramento/Bear Creek put back to use and then have the trail continue west along Bear Creek, cross the Trinity River and then climb up to Bull Lake. From there the plan is already forming to have it continue through nearby Robbers Meadow and then reconnect to the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Scott Mountains present the biggest opportunity to develop a fantastic trail network. The following gallery is a sample of the land potentially explored by a new trail network. Click to enlarge:

Below is a map with a hypothetical trail network in the Scott Mountains based on conversations with the forest service. The proposed trails are marked purple. The blue line is the original route of the Sisson-Callahan Trail, which will likely be restored.

 

The Eddy Range has also seen significant additions of land. The previous land acquisition on the east side of Mount Eddy brings the potential for a host of new trails that access areas like Eddy Bowl. Also, the holy grail of lost areas, Dobkins and Durney Lakes, are now potential destinations for new trails coming from the Morgan Meadow and Eddy Bowl areas. Even more enticing, the section of land just east of Parks Creek Pass is being added. This yields the opportunity to actually construct a loop around Mount Eddy, connecting Deadfall Basin, the North Fork of the Sacramento Basin, Eddy Bowl and the Dobkins and Durney Basin, as well as a nice side trip up to Little Crater Lake. This would be an absolutely spectacular backpacking trip!

Below is a gallery of some of the lands added the transfer. Note that Toad Lake is already part of the national forest but the cliffs behind it and to the north of Porcupine Peak were not.

The potential for new trails in these areas is astounding. It is a significant opportunity to develop the recreational resources this area has to offer. Both locals and visitors will benefit from the construction of new trails and the creation of new campgrounds. The potential to complement a world class mountain like Mount Shasta with a world class trail network to the west would be an awesome boon to all who enjoy the Mount Shasta area.

I should close with a word of caution. The building of trails in new areas always means the introduction of more people to areas previously minimally impacted by hikers. There is always a tension between use and preservation and I feel that tension in the very existence of this website. In the end, I tend to favor more trails and, hopefully, robust Leave No Trace training, though I remain sympathetic to those who think no or fewer trails is better for the land.

Mount Shasta Puts On Another Amazing Show – Plus A Snow Update

Posted by bubbasuess on February 23, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Lenticular Clouds, Mount Shasta. 4 Comments

The rising sun sets lenticular clouds and Mount Shasta’s eastern flank aglow.

Mount Shasta does not fail to impress anytime it wants to put on a show. This was certainly the case with the excellent clouds that graced Mount Shasta on Friday morning. It was an epic lenticular display. Looking at the weather forecast, I had anticipated there might be an event due to the changing weather systems. I was up early, naturally, so I headed out to check conditions. A little before 6 AM there was a single small disk hovering just south of Mount Shasta. I wasn’t too impressed but thought it had the potential to grow. The north side seemed like the way to go, since it would put the cloud in frame with the mountain better. As I headed out Highway 97, could see the cloud expanding and adding more disks to the forming stack. I knew it was going to be a good morning.

I got to a good spot near Deer Mountain Road and set up my camera. The light arrived shortly afterward and it was spectacular. Both the clouds and Mount Shasta were lit up with rose colored morning light. Though it was 7 degrees outside, it did not feel as cold as the last time I had visited this spot. This made focusing my camera easier, thankfully. It was an incredible sunrise. I captured some images and headed out.

The looming presence of the clouds was magnificent.

As I drove back to Mount Shasta, the parallax had changed the appearance of the mountain and the light had shifted from rose to gold. The details of the cloud, including the very fine strata of the lenticular stack were now much more obvious. I stopped and captured a few more images, glad to have a chance to enjoy a different perspective.

Though the north and west sides of the mountain were shaded, much of the large lenticular glowed.

I continued back home but as I neared one of my favorite rock piles that I take my kids to scramble on, I was shocked by how much the cloud seemed to have grown. The sheer immensity of it was breathtaking. Even though I had traveled far enough west that Mount Shasta was now shadow, I could not resist stopping at the rock pile and capturing this magnificent scene. It was a grand morning indeed.

Later in the morning I had occasion to head into town. I could tell from my house that the lenticular persisted. As I headed into town, I stopped and captured a couple more images of the awesome cloud. While still impressive, it had diminished considerably. The small lenticular that had been hovering over the summit had correspondingly grown a little. It was a neat arrangement.

Amazingly, by 11:00 AM, the cloud had completely dissipated. It was quite disappointing, since I had really hoped to capture this cloud at sunset. Such is life. If this seeming blow is all we have to deal with, then we are quite blessed. As the day progressed, I kept an eye on the mountain, hopeful that the cloud might reform, as is often the case with lenticulars. Unfortunately it did not, only a few thin clouds clung around the summit. However, as sunset approached I noticed a slight curve had formed on one of the wispy clouds. Curious to see what it looked like on the other side, I headed north. I was pleased to find that the northern side of Mount Shasta sheltered a “lenticulish” cloud. The winds were still so I went to my favorite reflection pond in the Shasta Valley. It proved to be an unexpectedly scenic sunset.

This lenticular season has been one of the best since I moved to Mount Shasta. There has been numerous events and some have been in the upper echelon of formations that I have witnessed. This is fitting, since this winter has been a good one in terms of snow too. Most of the mountain west has been getting hammered with snow. While it is not unusual for the east to be cold and snowy, out here beyond the 100th Meridian (thank you Wallace Stegner) our water situation is much more tenuous and every winter matters. Thus far, this is a great one. I suspect all the reservoirs are going to fill this spring. Below is a satellite image of California taken on February 21st. The Pacific Crest Trail is marked on the image.

Here Northern California, there is plenty of snow in all the mountains. Where there isn’t snow, things are vibrant and green. It is not just a muted or deep green but that classic springtime California neon green. It is times like this that places like Sonoma County or parts of the Sierra foothills are premier hiking destinations.

Up here in the North State, We have obviously gotten a healthy dose of precipitation and are on the cusp of even more. I hope everyone enjoys skiing because it is a great season thus far!

This comparison speaks for itself. Last year was not terrible, but is was below average. This winter is not epic but it is well above average at this point. Thank the Lord that water for another year has been provided.

As we near the end of February and have one more month of potential for really large storms to hit before spring finally starts to set in, I am certainly getting anxious to get on with the warm part of the year. I certainly enjoy the snow, but I am ready to get my kids back outside without each iteration turning into a major event of snow clothes and boots and such. For now though, I will be patient and enjoy what we have. Lots of snow and the chance for more awesome lenticulars!

Where the kids play. I am ready for green grass again!

 

Mount Shasta A Mountain Range?… And Other Things From My Spindle

Posted by bubbasuess on February 20, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta. 1 Comment

 

I was gone last weekend, having taken my family down to Sonoma County as part of my wife’s birthday activities. Of course, it is when I am gone that something as interesting and amazing as the recent avalanche in Avalanche Gulch occurs. If you missed the images posted by Shasta Mountain Guides, I strongly encourage click here and checking them out! Just like the way the Whitney Glacier continues to undercut the Hotlum Cone, this is a reminder that Mount Shasta continues to take shape and its geography is always in flux.

Snow flies off the many peaks of Mount Shasta.

Having returned home from being gone for a few days, it was good to see Mount Shasta again. My daughter had a dentist appointment in the morning and while on the way there, I was struck by this view of the mountain. Its array of peaks, the depth of the perspective coupled with the light and the snow billowing off the ridges really struck me. It really impressed upon me the immense scale of the mountain. While several thousand feet above me, it still looked like a series of crags one might see in the High Sierra or in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains. The peaks all seemed arranged along the crest of a mountain divide. I think that someone looking at this image could be forgiven for not seeing it as a single mountain but as a mountain range. I have long said that Mount Shasta is a mountain range unto itself and images like this, as well as the volcano’s enormous size certainly lend credibility to claims such as that.

Earlier that morning, I had the opportunity to capture another sunrise. The sky was pretty clear but something seemed to muddle the light and the color was not as vivid as I had anticipated it would be. Even if it wasn’t the grandest spectacle I have seen on Mount Shasta but after being away, it was good to share a quiet morning with the mountain, even if it was absolutely frigid. Sunrise on the mountain is great from many vantages but the view from McCloud is magnificent. The numerous crags and the way Mud Creek Canyon seems to pierce right into the Mount Shasta’s heart make it a glorious sight in the morning, as it is lit up by the rising sun. Seeing it compells me to renew my call for the “Konwakiton Trail” off of Pilgrim Creek Road. It would make an incredible sunrise amble.

This particular morning, the sunrise had a mottled appearance as the color slid down the volcanic flanks. The snow blowing off the ridges and points caught or shadowed light in a constantly shifting pattern. It was all very fascinating.

After the sunrise, I headed back over to Mount Shasta and conditions were beautiful over there as well. While Mount Shasta was largely in shadow, Mount Eddy and Black Butte were bathed in morning light and fresh snow.

All in all, it was good to be back home. Now, of course, it has started to snow again. Not much is anticipated but we shall see what may come.

All the ample water we have been getting here in Mount Shasta is certainly the case down in the rest of California as well. Sonoma County was inundated and the Russian River has surged over its banks, flooding parts of small communities like Guerneville. However, the rest of the county was exceptionally green. The wildflowers haven’t appeared yet but the mustard sure has and the fields are alight with neon green and yellow.

Taylor Mountain in Santa Rosa, seen from the backyard of my parents new, post-fire house.

San Francisco from Tolay Lake Regional Park.

I took my family hiking at Tolay Lake Regional Park while down there and I was reminded how amazing the county park system in Sonoma County is. They have done an exceptional job acquiring land for parks both large and small and have developed an impressive system of trails throughout most of the parks. It really is a miniature national park system, in many ways. The landscapes are surprisingly diverse and extremely beautiful. Most parts of the country would be quite envious of the beauty, the trails and the views these parks offer. Those who live in that area may not know how blessed they are to have such an amazing resource but I would encourage everyone to visit and enjoy these excellent parks! Of course, there is an awesome compliment of state parks to explore as well!

This has set me to thinking that the next installment of my Northern California Review series will focus on Sonoma County. Redwoods, mountains, savannah hills, rugged coast – the area really has a lot to offer! I also have another post in the works that highlights some big changes coming to Mount Eddy and the Scott Mountains. In the next few years, there could be some great new hiking…

 

 

A Strong Snow Storm Hits Mount Shasta

Posted by bubbasuess on February 15, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta. 1 Comment

Sunrise on Monday morning before the storm. 

The past few days have seen some significant snowfall in the Mount Shasta area. Snow was predicted nearly every day of the week, through, as is often the case, the reality varies somewhat. The bottom line, however, was that we got hit with a solid amount of snow, totaling as much as 2 feet in the higher parts of town. This was easily the strongest snow storm we have had since January of 2017. The storm seemed particularly strong in the south, where Redding got an unusual amount of snow. Some reports stated that as much as 10 inches fell there. Whatever the amount, it was a substantial amount, especially considering that there was already some snow on the ground from a previous storm and that the bulk of the white stuff fell in a 12 hour period. Even though it proved to be a fair amount of work, I am grateful for what we got.

Of course, it initially seemed like the storm might fizzle. Though the bulk of the storm was expected Tuesday, some precipitation was forecasted for Monday. The sky roiled with storm clouds but things remained dry. In the morning, I was even able to catch a sunrise over the mountain from the Shasta Valley. A single disk floated above Mount Shasta while the storm could be seen as a bank of clouds that came to a sudden halt at the pass around Black Butte. All through the day these conditions persisted. In the afternoon I was still able to see Mount Shasta clearly from the north while the area immediately south was covered in dark clouds.

Little fell Monday night but by Tuesday morning, activity really picked up and it snowed all through the day. By evening about 5 inches had fallen but the intensity of the storm only increased. Snow fell all through the night. When we woke up Wednesday morning we were delighted to see that almost 2 feet of snow was on the ground.

The snow was quite dry and powdery. This, coupled with strong winds, made for some really unusual drift patters. Ultimately, however, many areas were quite deep and so the work of digging out commenced Wednesday morning. Fortunately, technology affords some serious aid when it comes to moving snow around. Naturally, while I worked (and my wife was busy saving lives) my kids thrilled themselves with sledding and building snow forts. It was a lot of work but fun.

The one thing that was a bit of a surprise was how totally unprepared the city and county were. The roads were in terrible shape, both out along Old Stage and also in town. There have been plenty of large storms but the conditions on the roads never seemed to be as bad as this. The road I live on was not plowed for the first time until afternoon on Wednesday. Nothing on Tuesday, nothing Tuesday night and then not until well into Wednesday was the snow pushed off the road. It was really deep and messy and I am uncertain why this problem was manifest.

Thursday proved to be windy but with little precipitation until after dark. I did swing around to the north side to see if I could spot Mount Shasta. No such luck this time, as the mountain was covered in cloud, though the view to the north was quite pleasing.

It will likely be a little while before Mount Shasta is visible again. Until then, a closing image of Black Butte will have to suffice. Stay safe and enjoy the snow everyone!

Update:

This post was written Thursday night. As expected, the storm dropped 4 more inches during the night. Another 3-5 are anticipated later today and possibly again tonight before the precipitation tapers off. It’s not the biggest storm we have ever had but it is a solid contribution to the snowpack!

Fresh snow on Friday morning.

Window In The Clouds

Posted by bubbasuess on February 9, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Lenticular Clouds, Mount Shasta. 1 Comment

A small lenticular floats above Mount Shasta.

With the predicted snow and overcast skies, I was not anticipating any opportunities to see Mount Shasta. To my surprise, as I was driving south on I-5 south through Weed with my outdoor education class Friday afternoon, the clouds parted and the mountain was lit up with the afternoon sunlight. Hovering above the summit was a large lenticular stack, much to my delight. After returning the kids to the school, I headed back up toward Weed. The clouds remained thick around the south but I could see the lower flanks of the mountain remained lit up to the north.

With frustration I soon discerned that the clouds were closing the large gap that had revealed the mountain. The lenticular was also shrinking, making the entire endeavor something of a race against time. When I got off I-5, the clouds were beginning to obscure the view I had observed earlier. I headed up 97 to a point where I finally had a clear view of Mount Shasta and the lenticular. However, the gap in the clouds that made the peak visible was closing rapidly. I set up my camera and started capturing images.

The lenticular was no longer large nor did it have as many discernible layers but it remained interesting nonetheless. I was glad to get the images I did because the window int he clouds through which I was observing it closed right in front of me, hiding the mountain for days to come. I was shocked at how swiftly Mount Shasta was lost from view. The entire episode was brief but it was a fascinating look at what was taking place around the grand mountain while the storm clouds gathered.

Click to enlarge:

Frigid February Sunrise

Posted by bubbasuess on February 5, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta. 2 Comments

Mount Shasta is in there somewhere.

We have gotten a few inches of snow over the last few days here in Mount Shasta. The sun has decided to come out for the next day or two but the temperatures have dropped down into the teens at night. I would say this might be coldest spell we have had so far thus winter. With precipitation coming back into the forecast on Thursday, we may yet get another good dose of snow in the days ahead. For now though, it is a bluebird day out there, with snow clinging to the trees in the frigid air amidst sunny blue skies.

This morning I headed out for another sunrise, hoping Mount Shasta would be visible. It was unfortunately not, ensconced in a cloudy dome. The only prominent landmark visible was Shastarama Point. It was enough to prove the mountain’s presence. The clouds also made for a fine catcher of morning light as the sun came up. The wind was howling as I stood by the camera and drifts of snowy powder flew about. I had open finger-tip gloves on and while my hands were warmish, the tips felt like they were going to fall off. Thank goodness I am not in Wisconsin!

After packing things up at my Mount Shasta vantage, I began to head home but I had to stop and capture some images of the area’s two other noteworthy peaks. Mount Eddy and Black Butte were both glowing as the suns light flooded the lower elevations. On Black Butte, I am always fascinated by the thick rime ice that develops on the trees. Through a telephoto lens they seem to me to look like movie miniatures. I can’t say why. Mount Eddy was partially obscured by clouds but the long ridge rising above the south side of Eddy Bowl was quite visible. Its icy condition and position above the clouds gave it a sense of real height and massiveness. It was all quite beautiful and I was glad to have seen it, despite the cold.

Click to enlarge:

The next two days should be gorgeous. After that, I am hoping for a strong snow storm. Start praying!

 

January Was Another Spectacular Month In Mount Shasta

Posted by bubbasuess on February 2, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta. 2 Comments

Lemurian sunrise over Mount Shasta.

It has never been my plan on Hike Mt Shasta to make a monthly review of images of the mountain that I have taken. I first did so for December because is proved to be an unusually spectacular month. I reckoned it would be a one-off or extremely rare post since it is not common that so many excellent events occur around Mount Shasta in a solitary month. All plans are eventual casualties and this plan is no different. January came along and, quite possibly, surpassed December. Crowning the month were three lenticular events, two of which were first rate spectacles. There have also been quite a few other gorgeous sunrises, sunsets and, to top it off, the snow came and returned Mount Shasta to its stark, white icy self. All of these combined make for an unusually spectacular month. Two sublime months in a row…I think I like this trend!

The following images are posted in chronological order. They represent nearly half the days in January. Many of the other days were overcast as the snow and rain fell. Those days that were clear, were more often amazing.

Click to enlarge:

 

 

Encroaching Dawn Over Mount Shasta

Posted by bubbasuess on January 30, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta. 2 Comments

Lake Siskiyou view of Mount Shasta at dawn.

This morning’s sunrise was excellent. It was not nearly as dramatic as Monday’s lemurian sunrise but it was still spectacular nonetheless. I was up early once again and was watching the clouds in the darkness. When it seemed like there was going to be some good clouds above the mountain. Moreover, the humidity felt low so the chance of some good color was high. I headed over to Lake Siskiyou and found the water quite still. It appeared all the pieces were in place for a fantastic sunrise. I hiked down to the lake, set up my camera, and enjoyed the stillness as the sun came up. It was gorgeous.

It was in my mind to capture progressive images of the sunrise in order to produce another animation. I wish I had taken a few more images as the color intensified but despite that, I think it turned out quite well. The encroaching color coming from the east (right side) all the way across the sky is easy to observe and made more dramatic by means of the reflection. I also liked the way the clouds and the ripples of the water are moving in the same direction, mirroring each other.

It may be this is one of the last sunrises to observe for a while. The forecast is filled with rain and snow. Whichever comes, we need it, so thank the Lord it is coming. Tomorrow should be nice though, so get out while you can!

 

Lemurian Sunrise Shadowcaster

Posted by bubbasuess on January 28, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Lenticular Clouds, Mount Shasta. Tagged: . 5 Comments

A stupendous Mount Shasta sunrise.

This morning was one of the most majestic sunrises I have seen in Mount Shasta. It had everything one could hope for in an event of this nature. There was an unusual lenticular cloud, vivid color and a nice reflection bringing light to an otherwise dark landscape. It was glorious. However, as if it was not enough, I observed a most unusual shadow cast by Mount Shasta. The sum of the entire spectacle was a most edifying, praiseworthy scene.

Watching the weather forecast, I had a good sense that something would manifest over the mountain. I planned on getting up and assessing the situation early. Depending on what I saw, I would decide where to go to watch the sunrise. Out the door in the dark, there was just enough light on the horizon to make the clouds discernible. I could see a wave-like formation above Mount Shasta. With a sense of excitement, I headed off to the Shasta Valley.

It looked like north was the way to go, since the cloud seemed to be just south of the mountain. I wasn’t sure where in the valley to go, however. I decided to head to my reflection pool and see if it was windy before proceeding to another spot if necessary. When I arrived at the pool, the cloud had grown and was more obvious as light crept slowly over the horizon. The pool proved to be an ideal perspective on the cloud. However, while there was no wind, the water was completely frozen. There was no reflection on the opaque ice. As the sky lightened, I tossed large rocks to break up the icy crust. The water stilled just as color began to explode upon the clouds. First pinks and purples and then, as the sun neared the horizon, oranges and golds. The whole show reflected in the ice-choked water, lighting up the dark landscape. It was magnificent.

As the sunrise’s color began to fade, I looked over my shoulder to the west. The sky was filled with clouds that were lit up pink but, to my surprise, there was an odd dark pyramid imposed upon them, just above Bonnet Rock. I suddenly realized that it was Mount Shasta’s shadow, cast far across the Shasta Valley. This was something new to me. I have seen the mountain’s shadow at sunrise from on the mountain and I have seen Mount Shasta part the light of the rising sun, casting a shadow above the peak itself. I have not seen the mountain’s shadow projected against clouds on the opposite horizon many, many miles away. It was a strange and distinctly memorable sight. Unfortunately, as the sun peeked above the horizon in the east, the shadow began to quickly diminish. When the sun was up, the shadow was gone. It all happened very fast.

I headed home, but on the way, I was compelled to stop and capture one last image of the lenticular above Mount Shasta. From the west, the cloud had a much different appearance. Most notable was a thin, delicate line that marked the rim of a disk hovering below the main formation. It was a fascinating and fitting end to an awesome sunrise.

Mount Shasta and the lenticular wave from the west.

Regarding the title of this post, I wanted to mention the excellent Electromagnetic Soul Vehicle. Dave Theno’s inner-galactic rock opera was performed at College of the Siskiyous this weekend and, in my assessment, was a great success. The music and choreography were awesome and the vibe at the show was a lot of fun. In many ways, it was the most “Mt. Shasta” thing I have experienced! I hope that it has a long future and that it becomes an annual event. After seeing the first performance on Friday night, I have had a few of the songs stuck in my head all weekend, especially Rosalia and Lemurian Sunrise. The latter, the opera’s grand finale, kept running through my head as the sun came up this morning. It was a great “Mt. Shasta” moment at sunrise at Mount Shasta.

Sunset: Mount Shasta, Lenticulars, Reflection, Alpenglow

Posted by bubbasuess on January 22, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Lenticular Clouds, Mount Shasta. 7 Comments

A nice lenticular stack forms above Mount Shasta. 

I sure hope y’all don’t get sick of these kinds of posts. I don’t get sick of writing about them and and I most certainly don’t tire of witnessing these kinds of events. This evening’s spectacle was, in some ways, much like all the others. There were clouds, there was color and there was Mount Shasta. However, as is so often the case, the creative genius shines through and all the typical building blocks were once again arranged to make the evening show unique, beautiful and edifying.

Today, I had been watching the clouds all day and there was some form of lenticular over Mount Shasta for much of the day. It was most often the kind that shrouds most of the mountain in a white dome, leaving the stark volcanic geography obscured. While these are often interesting to see they are usually not interesting to photograph. I knew there was chance of a good sunset when another disk formed to the southwest of the mountain. By late afternoon much of the shroud had cleared and Mount Shasta was largely visible. I loaded my 3 kids up and headed north of the mountain. One of the tricks for capturing the lenticulars is knowing where to photograph the mountain so the clouds are as close to the mountain as possible. It is easier to get them in the frame. With one to the southwest, north was the natural direction to go. The fact that my reflecting pool is now in good shape made this option all the more attractive.

Once there, the clouds around the mountain began to clear and the single disk began to expand. It grew into a really nice stack for a while. Frustratingly, right as the alpenglow was getting really good, the stack collapsed and dissipated, leaving only a single remnant disk. The area around that cloud was clear though, and it had sort of an “eye” appearance, which, complemented by all the other color in the sky, still made a beautiful and interesting sight. It was a fantastic show, watching as the frozen heights of Mount Shasta went from yellows to orange to red and then pink. What an awesome mountain!

While all of this was going on on Mount Shasta, other clouds were putting on a show as well. A little lenticular had formed on Mount Eddy earlier in the afternoon. By sunset it had increased its bulk. The real highlight of this particular scene, however, was the color behind Mount Eddy. They were exploding with color. The lower clouds were dark but, offset by the bright color behind them, were still strangely attractive. This entire region of the sky was a very nice compliment to what was going on around Mount Shasta.

The entire spectacle was gorgeous. It is amazing how even an average evening around Mount Shasta can be so beautiful. This really is a special place!