Magnificent, Violent Skies Over Mount Shasta

Posted by bubbasuess on November 15, 2015
Posted in: Hiking, Lenticular Clouds, Mount Shasta. 1 Comment

Cascades, Mt. Shasta - Nov2015 208 (Custom)The autumn of 2015 has generally been lovely and pleasant in Mount Shasta. A few mild storm systems punctuated typically sunny weather. Though it got colder as the year plunged deeper into fall, working and playing outside remained desirable activities.  However, after the long drought, there has been a growing anticipation of the coming winter and the hope of snow has been on everyone’s lips. The week prior to November 14th maintained forecasted the coming of snowy weather. Though the amount of snow was eventually downgraded in the forecast, the storm remained eminent.

The 14th dawned with a few lens-shaped clouds hovered near Mount Shasta. It was quickly obvious that the clouds were growing and that a ferocious changing of weather systems was afoot. I set out for one of my go-to perches and watched the clouds swirl around the mountain for about 45 minutes before I had to head home. On my way back home, I stopped by the south shore of Lake Siskiyou and enjoyed the marvelous view from the edge of the water. For those who have not been here, it is a moral imperative that you do.

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The rest of the day was spent working on a bunk bed for my kids. The mitre saw was set up in front of the house and I could watch the clouds while I worked. Around midday the wind really picked up, making it obvious that the weather was changing even more vigorously. To the north, I could see new, large clouds developing. Though not traditional lenticulars, it was obvious they were related to the ones that had formed on Mount Shasta. In the afternoon, I had to go get some more lumber for the bed. That process took longer than expected I had to abort my plans to hike to a location to catch the sunset on the mountain and its array of incredible clouds. I had to settle for a place I could shoot right off the road. Fortunately, I was near another one of my go-to-in-a-pinch spots. I pulled over, set up the camera and watched the amazing spectacle in the sky.

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It was a fantastic show. The vigor of the storm never matched the clouds that heralded it but we did get a couple of inches of snow at my house. What a great start to a snowy winter. Keep praying that it is so!

Wine Country Hiking Guide Released Today

Posted by bubbasuess on November 1, 2015
Posted in: Hiking, Napa County, Sonoma County, Wine Country. 9 Comments

Wine Country

My second hiking guide, “Hiking California’s Wine Country” is officially released today! This project took a great deal of effort and I am very proud of how it turned out. I spent April through August of 2014 hiking, GPSing and photographing the trails in Napa and Sonoma Counties. Having grown up outside of Santa Rosa, this was one of the places where I first learned to love life on the trail and appreciate nature in its many different manifestations. The book is a love letter to my hometown.

The book covers 67 hikes in Napa and Sonoma Counties. The area is surprisingly diverse, and it includes high mountaintop trails, paths along large rivers, through vineyard covered hills, rugged coastlines, serpentine deserts and beneath towering old growth redwoods. It is no secret to people familiar with the region, but for those who may not have spent much time in the Wine Country, it may come as a surprise what an excellent hiking destination it is. Though it covers many of the highlights, the book covers only a portion of the possibilities.

For those interested, the book is available at Amazon. If you live in the area, many bookstores are already carrying the book including Copperfields and Barnes & Noble. REI has not stocked it yet but it will be percolating through their system and arriving there soon. As an aside, REI is now carrying my other guide, “Hiking California’s Mount Shasta Region“. I also have copies of both books for sale, if you are in the area and want to pick one up.

If you have not spent much time in the Wine Country, I would strongly encourage you to visit. It is a wonderfully beautiful area, with a surprising amount of history and boat loads of cultural attractions including the obvious wineries. Another great feature is the region’s climate. It can be hiked and enjoyed all year. I am including a small gallery of images that appeared in the book to give you a sense of what the area looks like. I hope everyone has a great time on the trail with this guide!

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Exploring The Sacramento River Headwaters

Posted by bubbasuess on September 27, 2015
Posted in: Hiking, Mount Shasta, Rivers, Water. Tagged: . 2 Comments
Mighty Mount Shasta towers above the newly constituted Sacramento River.

Mighty Mount Shasta towers above the newly constituted Sacramento River.

With California still emerging from a terrible drought, water remains at the forefront of many discussions. This holds true here in Mount Shasta, though much of the attention is focused on the vast underground aquifers that supply the area’s abundant springs. Yet there is another source of water that is often overlooked in discussion and it is one that is affected by the drought in a much more tangible fashion. The source in question is the lakes and meadows of the Trinity Divide that feed the Sacramento River. These are particularly important since they mark the beginning of California’s largest, longest and perhaps most utilized river.

A view of the three headwater canyons of the Sacramento.

A view of the three headwater canyons of the Sacramento.

The importance of the Sacramento River makes exploring the headwaters all the more interesting and there are many areas to explore and enjoy. The headwaters consist of three forks, the North, Middle and South. They originate from progressively more complex sources. The North Fork begins in a series of large meadows, the water slowly seeping to form the clear running stream. The Middle Fork contains some meadows but to these are added a trio of lakes, most notably Toad Lake. Interestingly, Porcupine Lake has no outlet but springs far below the lake indicate some underground flow of water. In contrast to the previous two branches of the Sacramento, the South Fork has a large collection of lakes and meadows, forming the most varied and expansive headwaters. All three forks flow through rugged canyons before joining together and forming the main stem of the Sacramento River. All three forks have interesting hiking to offer, but it is the South Fork that will draw the most interest due to its numerous trails and ease of accessibility.

The following are a collection of many of the trails and adventures possible around the headwaters of the Sacramento River:

South Fork

Mount Shasta and the South Fork Canyon.

The most diverse and complex of the three forks, with the largest watershed, this area has many trails but also boasts a respectable amount of wild, rarely explored land. Indeed, a small portion of this watershed even falls within boundary of the Castle Crags Wilderness.  Forest Road 26, often referred to as South Fork Road, climbs through the canyon and passes beyond it into Trinity County. All of the trails around the South Fork are accessed via this road, though some require further driving on dirt roads. Further thoughts on the headwaters can be found here and here.

Cliff Lakes

Gray Rock Lakes

Gumboot Lakes

Soapstone Basin

Fawn Creek Meadows

Middle Fork

Toad Lake lies at the head of the Middle Fork.

There are not too many trails around the Middle Fork. With no roads or trails along the river, it is remote and often hidden away deep in its canyon. However, the Pacific Crest Trail provides great access to Porcupine and Toad Lakes, as well as numerous springs that contribute their water to the river. A bumpy dirt road does climb through the canyon to Toad Lake and makes a very interesting drive. From the end of the road it is possible to hike the Toad Lake Trail to the old campground by the lake and then continue on a short distance to the PCT and destinations beyond.

Porcupine and Toad Lakes Via the PCT

Toad Lake Trail

North Fork

North Fork headwaters beneath Mount Eddy.

The headwaters of the North Fork are the most remote of the three branches of the Sacramento. There are no lakes like the other two forks of the river. Instead, the northernmost branch emerges from a large complex of meadows that lie at the head of “Foxtail Basin”, a high elevation bowl below Mount Eddy. With no roads leading to it, access is only on foot via the Sisson-Callahan Trail. This historic path was once the main route from Mount Shasta to the small hamlet of Callahan, where the mid-19th century’s main stagecoach line once passed through. Though other remnants of the trail exist, the section running along the entire length of the North Fork of the Sacramento is the most interesting and in the best shape. For those willing to make the long hike, an exciting, beautiful journey awaits. More thoughts on it can be found here.

Sisson-Callahan Trail

There are a couple of other great ways to explore the headwaters of the Sacramento River. The first is the awesome loop around all three forks of the river that I have proposed before. A multi-day backpacking trip, this journey would pass through spectacular mountain terrain and yield amazing views of Mount Shasta and the Trinity Alps. The other great way to enjoy the river is by hopping the rocks at the confluence of the forks. The first to meet is the South and Middle Forks, though this area is a little tougher to access. A little further downstream, there are some great swimming holes and then the river’s plain widens out and is covered by a large boulder field. The area around the confluence of the main stem and North Fork is perfect for families to enjoy a day with the cool, rushing water and large, technicolor rocks. Not far from here, the river is impounded to form Lake Siskiyou and then begins its headlong journey to the Pacific Ocean.

 

Seldom Seen: Ash Creek Butte Fossil Rock Glacier

Posted by bubbasuess on September 13, 2015
Posted in: Hiking, Mount Shasta, Seldom Seen. Tagged: . 10 Comments
The Ash Creek Butte rock glacier

The Ash Creek Butte rock glacier

Ash Creek Butte is one of the most scenic and geologically fascinating mountains in the Mount Shasta area. It is tall, has a beautiful, rugged appearance, and boasts fantastic views. Like most of the California Cascades that lie east of Mount Shasta, Ash Creek Butte is draped in a cloak of anonymity that keeps it off the radar of most hikers. Nonetheless, the peak is one of the highlights of the block of mountains on the remote, eastern side of Mount Shasta. This area is definitely one of the more attractive portions of the California Cascades, complete with vast meadows, rushing mountain creeks, hidden lakes and old forests. While sharing many of these qualities, Ash Creek Butte boasts some unusual geology that sets it apart from the other mountains around it. The geologic centerpiece of Ash Creek Butte is the Ash Creek Butte rock glacier. Even though this formation lacks notoriety, it is unusual and scenic enough to have been designated the Ash Creek Butte Fossil Rock Glacier Geologic Area. Though seldom seen, it deserves far more attention than it gets.

The expanse of the rock glacier

The expanse of the rock glacier

Rock glaciers are unusual geologic phenomena. In many cases, they consist of actual glacier composed of ice but have been completely or partially overlain by a layer of rock debris. The lowest section of Mount Shasta’s giant Whitney Glacier is one example of this. However, the Whitney Glacier is not a rock glacier, since the preponderance of the ice is uncovered by rock and exposed. Most rock glaciers containing ice are completely covered with rock and the ice is not visible at all. The other kind of rock glaciers is actually the remnants of past glaciers. The ice has long since melted out but the rocky debris carved out of the mountain by the glacier remains. Amazingly, the ancient glacier’s flow pattern is usually visible in the rock pile. Streams of rock, lobes, layers and other evidence of movement are often visible, especially when viewed from above. Fossil rock glaciers also boast other features typical of live glaciers, including moraines and lakes. It is because of the evidence of motion, of the glacier’s “life” that these types of rock glaciers are sometimes referred to as fossil rock glaciers.

Mount Shasta towers above the Ash Creek Butte Rock Glacier.

Mount Shasta towers above the Ash Creek Butte Rock Glacier.

There are actually two large rock glaciers on Ash Creek Butte. One lies on the east side of the mountain while the main rock glacier is found in a large basin on the north side. The latter is preserved in the Klamath National Forest’s Ash Creek Butte Fossil Rock Glacier Geologic Area. It covers a surprisingly vast area, surrounded by tall, scree-covered craggy cliffs. Scrambling through the expansive talus is reminiscent of the journey through the infamous boulder field at Long’s Peak in Colorado. From afar, Ash Creek Butte seems like a volcanic peak similar to the many volcanos that surround it. Several nearby peaks like the Whaleback and Goosenest have craters on their summits. It is easy to mistake the rock glacier as evidence of a past, massive eruption since the cirque that contains it has the appearance of a crater. However, this is not the case. The “crater” was actually scoured out of the mountain by the ancient glacier, leaving the giant cup on the side of the mountain. Ash Creek Butte, alone among all the Cascade peaks in the Mount Shasta area save only the great mountain itself, has experienced glaciation. It is uncertain why it is alone in this regard, but perhaps its proximity to Mount Shasta and southerly distance from the mountain’s rainshadow created the conditions for the glaciers to form.

Looking down on the large hoodoo from the summit.

Looking at the large hoodoo from the summit.

It should be noted that saying the mountain lacks a crater is not saying that Ash Creek Butte is not volcanic. Evidence of past volcanism abounds. The most obvious indicator is the composition of the rock in the fossil rock glacier. Composed of gray and red andesite and dacite, it has a similar composition to Mount Shasta. Basalt and tephra, other types of volcanic rocks, are also present higher up on Ash Creek Butte. Even more interesting is the presence of a large hoodoo on a ridge below the summit. While there does not seem to be much history of eruptive activity (assuming the glacier did not carve it off the mountain) this hoodoo is evidence of past volcanism. Whether it was just a vent or was the main volcanic neck is uncertain. Nonetheless, it remains a reminder that fire shaped Ash Creek Butte, just as ice has.

Ash Creek Butte rises above Surprise Lake, part of the remains of an ancient glacier

Ash Creek Butte rises above Surprise Lake, part of the remains of an ancient glacier

Another interesting feature of the rock glacier is the presence of lakes. Ash Creek Butte claims two and it is surprising that they are not more popular destinations for hikers. In geologic terms, the most interesting is the tiny lake at the foot of the glacier. It is common to see lakes form at the point where glaciers terminate and though this lake is tiny, it is more evidence that ice once flowed like a river from the summit of Ash Creek Butte. Lacking a name, I have dubbed this small tarn Fossil Lake. Though it is small, it is unusually deep and makes a good place for a swim. The water is located right at the foot of the glacier and the rocky debris rises 50 or so feet high above the water. It is a lovely spot. The other body of water on Ash Creek Butte is beautiful Surprise Lake. Further down the basin from the glacier, it indicated how far the ice once extended. No trails lead to Surprise Lake but it is easy to get to. With sandy beaches, turquoise water and the rugged summit of Ash Creek Butte looming overhead, it is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the deep isolation this area offers.

The Ash Creek Butte Fossil Rock Glacier Geologic Area is remote and off the radar, but it remains one of the Mount Shasta area’s more scenic and interesting features. It may be seldom seen, but it is worth the effort to explore it.

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Meteorological Pyrotechnics Over Mount Shasta

Posted by bubbasuess on August 30, 2015
Posted in: Hiking, Mount Shasta. 4 Comments

The 28th of August saw some outstanding lenticular displays on Mount Shasta. The day prior had started with some nice disks northeast of the mountain but by the afternoon they had faded and that was the end of any unusual activity it seemed. The next morning it was evident that the clouds were back. I was unable to get away until mid-day when the light was terrible but the clouds were forming in magnificent fashion. Mount Shasta was graced not only with a fantastic pancake stack formation, but also an awesome lens shaped clouds hovering right over the mountain. Typically these formations occur individually but not together in such excellent style. Despite the bad light, documenting the clouds was irresistible and I proceeded to take a few pictures, just to know that this awesome event had been memorialized.

Cascades, Mt. Shasta - Aug2015 080 (Custom)

Harsh light but great clouds.

The forecast called for rain moving in so I anticipated the skies becoming increasingly overcast. This seemed to be what was happening but by the late afternoon it was obvious that there was still good light on the mountain and that the cloudy tumult over the mountain was persisting. My son and I headed out for higher ground to try to capture the spectacle. When we got to our perch, there was a great lenticular hovering right over the mountain. It was not quite as interesting as the stack and lens formation earlier in the day but still a pretty incredible sight. It was especially neat seeing the cloud and mountain with Mount Shasta City visible far below.

Mount Shasta City visible below clouds and mountain.

Mount Shasta City visible below clouds and mountain.

Though the obvious center of attention was the large cloud above Mount Shasta, there were other clouds taking shape in the skies around the mountain. These weren’t all close by but it was obvious that something big was brewing around the mountain. It was amazing how quickly things were changing as well. The main cloud was constantly morphing and the other clouds seemed on the verge of taking on more definitive shapes.

Turbulent skies around Mount Shasta.

Turbulent skies around Mount Shasta.

As the afternoon progressed, the main cloud started to separate into more distinct layers, getting taller and larger as it did so.The was getting lower and the light on Mount Shasta was bright and distinct, even as the Strawberry Valley below it was cast in shadow.

The clouds begin to expand over Mount Shasta.

The clouds begin to expand over Mount Shasta.

Finally, while the main lenticular grew, the clouds further to the northeast took on more definite shapes, assuming a pancake stack formation of its own. The setting sun hit the cloudy towers and light them up, creating a staggering, epic production in the heavens. It was certainly one of the most memorable shows over Mount Shasta that I have seen. I was blessed to have been able to witness it, and from such a lofty place with my young son.

The grand finale over Mount Shasta.

The grand finale over Mount Shasta.

The Smoke Clears…

Posted by bubbasuess on August 11, 2015
Posted in: Hiking, Mount Shasta. Leave a comment
While a sliver of the Hotlum Glacier is visible, the Bolam and Whitney Glaciers are clearly visible and magnificent.

While a sliver of the Hotlum Glacier is visible, the Bolam and Whitney Glaciers are clearly visible and magnificent.

It has been extremely smokey up here in Mount Shasta for over a week now. Thankfully none of the smoke has been from fires in this area. As best as I have been able to piece togther, it initially came from the conflagration near Canyonville in Oregon and a little spillover from the big complex near Klamath Falls. There was even some smoke drafting north from the Rocky Fire down south in Lake County. However, as the week wore on, the fires in southern Trinity County, located around the village of Hyampom and further south around Ruth Lake, worsened and we ended being smothered in thick smoke for several days. It was discouraging.

Today started off with more of the same, but, amazingly, the winds shifted. Just like that, the smoke blew out, the skies cleared and we had a gorgeous afternoon. It was the first time we had a clear view of the mountain in many, many days. The clouds were out and highlighted the mountain beautifully. It was interesting to see how much snow had melted while the skies were hazy. Fotunately, when the mountain is getting bare, it reveals other wonders. In particular, late summer in drier years the mighty glaciers become even more dramatic. All the snow has been cleared away the the vast sheets and rivers of ice are exposed in all their glory. The bergscherunds, crevasses and icefalls are simply spectacular. The views from the north and east are where you will want to go to really appreciate this amazing spectacle. Nowhere else in California can you see such awesome glaciers.

On my way home from Yreka today I could not resist stopping and getting a shot of the mountain with no hint of haze. The wind was howling and a piece of my tripod mount broke off, so my camera was not as stable as I would like and the image not as crisp. Still, it was great to finally see Mount Shasta again. I missed it tremendously.

Watch the smoke clear here.

Five Trails To Avoid Smoky Skies

Posted by bubbasuess on August 6, 2015
Posted in: Hiking, Mount Shasta, Rivers. Tagged: , , , , . 2 Comments
The McCloud River flows through its preserve

The McCloud River flows through its preserve

The smoke has been bad the last few days. It is blocking out the sun, obscuring views and adding an extra strain on the lungs. The desire to get outside is usually not too strong when conditions are this miserable. Nonetheless, exercise is still a good thing and getting out of the house remains important. If one is willing to put up with breathing it in (certainly a subjective proposition), there are still some really good trails around Mount Shasta that can be enjoyed when skies are hazy and views minimal. For the most part, these are lower elevation hikes that stick close to creeks and rivers. The forest canopy will often filter views naturally and force hikers to focus on the more immediate delights: the trees, the rushing water (yes, even late in summer during a drought!), the rocks, the flowers and the grasses and other things that line the trails. Indeed, the smoke may be discouraging but count it a blessing, head outdoors and enjoy those things that we often overlook at this time of year when we often hike the high trails.

Along the Sacramento River Trail.

Along the Sacramento River Trail.

5. Sacramento River Trail

The hike through the dense forest along this section of the Sacramento River is a delight any time of year. Like other riparian areas, attention is placed squarely on the river and the surrounding forest. The river’s canyon is so large and vast that it almost seems as though there is no canyon and it is flowing through a flat, forested expanse. Yet the forest is fantastic. Firs, pines and the rare yew tree line the water and shade the easy trail comfortably. There is plenty of opportunity to pause, sit on large rocks and enjoy the river as it races by. This is a kid friendly hike with lots of tidepool-like potholes that invite lots of exploration and play.

Squaw Valley Creek

Squaw Valley Creek

4. Squaw Valley Creek Trail

Journeying into the steep, isolated terrain around the lower McCloud River, the hike along Squaw Valley Creek is one where there are few opportunities to observe the sky. Any smoke or haze is all but forgotten here, as the alluring creek consumes hiker’s attention and the forests cover the sky. This hike can be done as either an out and back or as a loop. The former follows the main trail along the namesake creek. This is the prettiest part of the hike. However, the loop option follows an old road along Bear Trap Creek. This section of the hike passes through the heaviest forest and here the canopy is the most opaque, almost completely suffocating any view of the sky. When fires are active and the skies are covered with smoke, this is a great place to lose oneself in the forest and enjoy the peace that is found in this remote area.

The remote North Fork of the Sacramento.

The remote North Fork of the Sacramento.

3. Sisson-Callahan Trail

This long trail plunges deep into the dark forests that occupy the canyon of the North Fork of the Sacramento River. The river is not particularly large along this section of trail (especially late in the drought-ravaged summer) but the flow is still pleasant and the canyon is deep, remote and beautiful. While it is usually recommended that the trail be hiked from Parks Creek Pass through the Deadfall Lakes and then down into the North Fork Canyon, when the skies are smoky, begin at the North Fork trailhead and hike upstream through the canyon. The path will pass through remote forests and along geologic oddities. The skies are visible at times, which means the haze is still a part of the hike, but the eye is always led back to the fledgling river and the surrounding forest and canyon.

Pluto's Cave

Pluto’s Cave

2. Pluto’s Cave Trail.

Rather than hike through the deep forests, the Pluto’s Cave Trail heads underground into the deep earth. The first part of the hike is certainly through open terrain that is very susceptible to hazy skies and smoky conditions. Mount Shasta might not be visible but plenty of interesting, smoke free hiking waits ahead. Once hikers arrive at the cave, all attention is drawn downward into the great cavern. The trail leads through the ruins of the lava tube, winding beneath arches and around boulders before heading into the skyless darkness of the cave. Initially there is still some light in the cave, provided by a small collapse in the ceiling. Beyond this another collapsed section boasts an unusual forest within the cave. Beyond this point, it is a mile of dark tunnel ahead, beckoning the adventurous to go forth.

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The McCloud River

1. McCloud River Preserve Trail

The McCloud River Preserve is remote and requires a long, bumpy ride to reach it. However, once there, hikers can enjoy one of the finest riverside trails around. The McCloud is large and full and there are plenty of rocks to scramble on and enjoy. However, the canyon is so deep and narrow and the forest so ancient and towering, that little of the sky is visible. Here you can enjoy the river in its prime with no worries about the hazy skies. This is a primeval land where the outside troubles can be forgotten and the blessed river appreciated.

Why McCloud Is An Underrated Hiking Destination

Posted by bubbasuess on July 31, 2015
Posted in: Hiking, Mount Shasta, Rivers, Waterfalls. Tagged: , . 2 Comments
Cascades, Mt Shasta, Clear Creek - Aug2012 099 copy (Custom)

Mount Shasta is an awesome sight from the Clear Creek Trail.

The small town of McCloud does not often get brought up as a great hiking destination. It is widely recognized as a beautiful, historic and peaceful community and a great vacation getaway. Yet, it is not mentioned as the place to go for a plethora of great trails. Nearby Mount Shasta City generally takes up all the oxygen as the hiking epicenter. This is for good reason, given its proximity to the Everitt Memorial Highway (the only paved road up Mount Shasta), the Trinity Divide, and the abundance of trails immediately outside the city. Yet Mount Shasta City’s accolades should not come at McCloud’s expense. There are a variety of fantastic trails located not far from town. The McCloud River naturally comes to mind as the top attraction but there other paths of spectacular beauty found outside of McCloud that deserve recognition. The best of these are the trails on Mount Shasta itself. Though not often considered in this context, McCloud is the gateway to the east side of the mountain. Despite being a bit of a drive from town, hiker must pass through McCloud to get to them and these are some of the best trails on Mount Shasta. Whether it is the high trails on the mountain or roaring waterfalls, McCloud has a lot to offer hikers, even if it does not have a great reputation as a great hiking destination.

Upper McCloud River Trails

Middle McCloud Falls

Middle McCloud Falls

The trails of the Upper McCloud River are probably the first that come to mind when thinking of Mount Shasta. Here hikers will find the river’s famous trio of waterfalls. The falls are among the most popular destinations in McCloud and deserve to be so. The trail connecting the three cataracts is an awesome path that hugs the river, exposes fascinating geology and offers many excellent views of the waterfalls. Yet the spectacle of falling water makes it easy to overlook the rest of the great trails in this area. The falls trail is really just a small section of the McCloud River Trail, a long track the parallels the river from the Algoma Campground to the Pine Hollow River Access, downstream from Lower Falls. Though the rest of the trail lacks the drama and power of the waterfalls, it is still a wonderfully beautiful hike with solitude, great swimming holes, old forests and the ever present river right along the path. The entire trail can be broken up and hiked in sections, making numerous day hiking opportunities. It is also possible to the whole trail as one long shuttle hike. Whether hiking the awesome section along the falls or wandering the lonely course of the McCloud River Trail, hikers won’ regret a trip to the Upper McCloud.

McCloud River Falls Trail

McCloud River Trail

Lower McCloud River Trails

PCT view of the McCloud River

PCT view of the McCloud River

Lake McCloud is the functional point of division between the upper and lower sections of the McCloud River. This also marks the transition from the volcanic geology of the upper river to the marine sediment of the lower portion. Though geologic shift is generally unheralded, it does mean that the river has noticeably different characteristics downstream from Lake McCloud. This area is characterized by deep, rugged canyons, ancient forests and sporadic, rocky crags erupting through the trees. The rock in this area is much older the more recent volcanic rocks upstream. Hiking here means few crowds and lonely trails. The most popular trail is not on the McCloud but the Squaw Valley Creek Trail. This waterway begins at South Gate Meadow high on Mount Shasta and flows nearly 35 miles to its confluence with the McCloud River. Other trails in the area include the Pacific Crest Trail and the remote but gorgeous route through the McCloud River Preserve.

Squaw Valley Creek Trail

PCT from Ash Camp to Ah-Di-Na

McCloud River Preserve Trail

Mount Shasta Trails

Ash Creek Canyon on the Brewer Creek Trail

Ash Creek Canyon on the Brewer Creek Trail

One does not usually associate McCloud with trails on Mount Shasta yet the fact remains that two of the best trails on the mountain must be accessed from McCloud. The Clear Creek and Brewer Creek Trails are splendid alpine hikes that boast numerous superlatives. They climb high above treeline, have incredible views of Mount Shasta and many of its attendant glaciers, views of magnificent waterfalls and views of much of Northern California lying to the south and to the east. Delicate meadows and clear-running streams are found along these paths, as are ancient forests of trees that are large and robust as well as stunted krummholz forests. Simply put, these are two of the best trails in Northern California and McCloud should lay claim to them, since it is necessary to pass through town to reach them.

Clear Creek Trail

Brewer Creek Trail

Trails East Of Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta towers above the Ash Creek Butte Rock Glacier.

Mount Shasta towers above the Ash Creek Butte Rock Glacier.

Granted, there is not much recreational infrastructure to the east of Mount Shasta. However, for the motivated hiker there is a lot to explore if one is prepared to hike without maintained trails. One such area that demands more attention is Ash Creek Butte, nearby the east-side trails on Mount Shasta. The road to this remote mountain is the same as that necessary to reach the Brewer Creek Trail. Where the latter turns west and climbs up Mount Shasta, the former heads east and climbs the flanks of unappreciated Ash Creek Butte. Here the intrepid will find some of the most fascinating and beautiful geology in the region. Small lakes, beautiful forests, sheer cliffs and incredible views wait. Other treasures are hidden the in the mountain fastness to the east. Of course, hikers should not forget the largely undeveloped potential of the Medicine Lake area as well.

Ash Creek Butte Scramble

Get Out And Explore!

A remote waterfall in Mud Creek Canyon.

A remote waterfall in Mud Creek Canyon.

There are many more surprises waiting to be discovered in the mountains and forests around McCloud. Studying maps and satellite imagery will give the keen of eye several destinations to explore. Whether it is massive Mud Creek Canyon on Mount Shasta or some of the remote creek drainages along the McCloud River, there are many beautiful and wonderful sights that await the explorer’s gaze. Even well-travelled but unappreciated places like the crossing of Mud Creek on Pilgrim Creek Road offer beautiful, pleasant exploration for those who have an eye for such things. Areas like this, mere minutes from the downtown area, demand development by the Forest Service. It is not outside the realm of possibility for McCloud to have a compliment of trails close to town similar to those around Mount Shasta City. However, with or without these, McCloud remains a highly underrated hiking destination.

Hike Mt Shasta At The Best Of Mt Shasta Conference & Festival

Posted by bubbasuess on July 11, 2015
Posted in: Hiking, Konwakiton Outdoor Designs, Mount Shasta. Tagged: , . 1 Comment
The springs at the Mount Shasta City Park.

The springs at the Mount Shasta City Park.

I am sorry to be posting so many non-hiking posts to the blog, but between the release of my book and the launch of Konwakiton Outdoor Designs, this has simply been a very busy season. The feedback on the book and the shirts has been great and I really appreciate everyone letting me know how much they have liked and appreciated everything. The whole process has been very edifying even if is has been a bit of a whirlwind. It is not over yet, either. I am going to be at the Best Of Mount Shasta Conference & Festival on July 24, 25 and 26, which is a Friday through Sunday. The festival is being held in the city park. I will down there all three days at a vending booth. I will have my books and shirts for sale. However, what I am particularly excited about is the chance to hang out and talk about the beautiful mountains around us, hiking in them and exploring. The highlight, for me personally, will be the presentation of an hour-long seminar on hiking in the Mount Shasta area. I am honored to have been asked to give this presentation and I hope that, in so doing, I am able to help and encourage people to get out and explore this incredible place.

The Best of Mount Shasta Conference & Festival is a gathering that emphasizes local and natural things around Mount Shasta with a strong emphasis on the metaphysical. There will be music, food and other vendors (including me!) and lots of people enjoying the city park’s beautiful setting. Whatever your worldview, it will no doubt be a fascinating event with lots of different perspectives and practices to be exposed to. I am really looking forward to being a part of this and I hope to make some new friends who enjoy the wilderness as much as I do.

Konwakiton Outdoor Designs In Downtown Mount Shasta

Posted by bubbasuess on July 3, 2015
Posted in: Hiking, Konwakiton Outdoor Designs, Mount Shasta. 6 Comments

Konwakiton Outdoor Designs Logo

The launch of my book is not the only thing being kicked off right now. My friend and I have started a little apparel company. Our plan is to make attractive designs for clothing with an emphasis on the outdoors, beautiful natural places and the hiking and outdoors communities. Naturally, we started off with Mount Shasta as the subject of our first design. We have also made a cool shirt with the vintage Pacific Crest Trail blaze from the 1930’s. We are expanding our line soon and the first additions will include shirts for the McCloud River and the Three Sisters up near Bend, in Oregon. More to follow after that. Our website, Konwakiton.com is in development and will be up and running soon! For the time being, I am taking internet order through my website.

This weekend, being the 4th of July weekend in Mount Shasta, is the first time we have offered anything publicly. We have a booth downtown today and tomorrow, where we are selling our shirts. My books are also available there for sale.

Come on down and say hi!

Click to enlarge: