Mount Eddy

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…

Wagon Creek: The Wildest Water

Posted by bubbasuess on June 16, 2019
Posted in: Hiking, Klamath Mountains, Mount Eddy, Mount Shasta, Trinity Divide, Waterfalls. Tagged: . 1 Comment

The lowest section of the Wagon Creek Cascades

One of my favorite sights of spring in Mount Shasta is the awesome Wagon Creek Cascades flowing down the east side of Mount Eddy. This striking ribbon of white water is visible from parts of the Everitt Memorial Highway or from spots around the Abrams Lake exit on I-5. Gazing up and watching the distant cascade fills one with a yearning to journey to it and enjoy its thundering power, to get soaked in the clouds of mist it kicks up and to witness its beauty. Yet, in spite of its allure and being easily visible, the upper section of Wagon Creek is one of the most obscure stretches of water in the Trinity Divide.

The Wagon Creek Cascades

I have written about the upper section of Wagon Creek in the past, but largely in the context of their obscurity and the difficulty accessing them. It did not necessarily take the time to recognize the singularity of Wagon Creeks wildness. Few waterways around Mount Shasta can match the sheer ferocity with which Wagon Creeks plummets of the flanks of Mount Eddy. For those who have seen them from afar, the most common response is appreciation and wonder. I am often asked about the waterfall visible on the side of Mount Eddy. As impressive as they are, the remain mysterious and largely anonymous feature.

Wagon Creek Falls

Whether obscure or not, I would contend that the first 6 miles of Wagon Creek may be the wildest stretch of water in the Mount Shasta area. Some creeks on Mount Shasta, especially Mud and Ash Creeks certainly vie for this distinctions as well, crashing untamed through inaccessible canyons and plunging over spectacular waterfalls. However, neither of these creeks have the precipitous and dramatic descent as Wagon Creek. At its cascades, Wagon Creek drops an incredible 1,100 feet in less than 0.75 miles. It is an awesome display of whitewater raging down the mountain. This is crowned by excellent Wagon Creek Falls, one of the finest waterfalls in the Mount Shasta area. Below the falls other sections of the descent are not quite so steep but still descend at a rapid rate.

Wagon Creek floods Mills Meadow.

Once on flatter ground, Wagon Creek remains just as wild, only in more subtle ways. As the creek flows through large Mills Meadow, it is unchecked by flood control and regularly floods the meadow in the spring time. It is rare for a creek of this size to have the opportunity to naturally and regularly run over its banks in this manner. To the best of my knowledge, this is one of the only spots in the Mount Shasta area where this happens. I am confident Butte Creek, over by Orr Lake, does as well but i have not confirmed it myself. Nonetheless, setting itself apart from Butte Creek, Wagon Creek’s sudden transition from tremendous cascades and waterfall to gently flooding a massive meadow sets it apart from any other creek in the area. It is a wonderful set of contrasts that elevate Wagon Creek.

The next you are in the Abrams Lake area on I-5 or driving past McBride Springs on Everitt Memorial Highway, be sure to look up and appreciate the elegance and power of the Wagon Creek Cascades. Right now, as the snow melts out, they are at their peak and are a truly impressive sight. Even better, have a little adventure and make the journey into the falls themselves. You won’t regret seeing things up close.

Click to enlarge:

 

Some Old Articles On Land Acquisitions Around Mount Shasta

Posted by bubbasuess on March 24, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Castle Crags, Hiking, Mount Eddy, Mount Shasta. Leave a comment

A winter view of the north side of the Castle Crags, lands newly accessible to the public. 

Last month I wrote an article detailing the significant land acquisitions in the Scott Mountains and the Trinity Divide. Click this link to read that account. After I wrote it I remembered two other articles I had written in the very early days in the blog that reported new lands in the Mount Shasta area that were acquired by the Forest Service. Some of the lands, located on Mount Eddy, were included in the report on the Scott Mountains due to their proximity. The other area, in the Castle Crags, got a little less fanfare, though it could also have a significant positive impact for hikers in the region. Since these articles were written 6 years ago, I thought I would be worthwhile to dredge them up and raise a little awareness of the potential that remains for more spectacular trails and exploration.

Sunset in a proposed Mount Eddy Wilderness.

The first article focused on lands on Mount Eddy. At the time, a pair of sections (a section is typically 1 square mile equaling 640 acres) were acquired and another pair, including one over-sized section were in negotiations. Adding land on Mount Eddy would have created a contiguous block of land where there had been a checkerboard pattern. In my imagination (and I confess to being a bit of a visionary…with poor execution skills to make my imagination become reality) I thought this would be be a fantastic opportunity to create a Mount Eddy Wilderness. Though this particular designation is unlikely to occur, the area is likely to be managed as such anyway. This means that recreation, particularly trail-based recreation will be the primary use, which is obviously a good thing for hikers.

Wagon Creek Falls

Though the wilderness area is unlikely, the reality surpassed my expectations in terms of lands acquired. In the initial deal that I reported on, 2 other critical sections were acquired on the east side of Mount Eddy. These are located in the gorgeous Eddy Bowl. Not only could these lands provide access to the frustratingly legally isolated Eddy Crater, Dobkins and Durney Lakes, but also to the Eddy Bowl itself. This large basin constitutes the headwaters of Wagon Creek, the first major tributary of the Sacramento River (this article offers good examples of Wagon Creek’s seldom seen beauty). A future trail exploring this incredible area is an exciting prospect!

The second article I wrote recounts and even more obscure land transaction that has not received a lot of fanfare. This acquisition is located down in the Castle Crags and brought to sections on the Crags’ north side under Forest Service administration. The transfer was only recently made official. These sections, formerly belonging to a timber company, include both the northern granite cliffs of the Castle Crags as well as nearly 2 miles of Little Castle Creek.

The yellow section are the new lands. The red area is the Castle Crags Wilderness. The blue areas are Castle Crags State Park. 

While these new sections are adjacent to the Castle Crags Wilderness, there inclusion in the protected area are unlikely, at least for the foreseeable future. Such designation requires and act of Congress, a process that takes a long time and effort. Perhaps that will happen in the future but in the meantime, the potential for recreation is terrific. A primary use of the land will be by rock climbers, who are naturally drawn to the towering granite cliffs of the Castle Crags. While there are already climbing routes to be found in that area, legal access and improved trails will undoubtedly bring more climbers to the Little Castle Creek side of the Crags.

Looking down on the saddle at the head of Little Castle Creek.

As far as trails, the most likely and desired addition will be a trail that ascends alongside Little Castle Creek. Discussions with members of the Forest Service indicate that a trail running parallel to the creek all the way up to the saddle at the west end of the Castle Crags is envisioned. This saddle, which lies at the headwaters of Little Castle Creek is traversed by the Pacific Crest Trail. A new trail leading down the creek would create new backpacking options and a the potential for a loop around the Castle Crags. The lands for such a loop already exist in the public domain and it would be relatively easy to connect a trail along Little Castle Creek to the Root Creek Falls Trail, thereby completely encircling the Castle Crags with trail. Whether looking for an easy creekside stroll or a demanding backpacking trip, it is hard not to be excited about the potential of the new lands here.

These two new areas bring a lot of potential for hikers. The fact remains that, despite the wealth of trails we have in the Mount Shasta area, there is still a tremendous amount of untapped potential. Even more amazing, if much of that potential is developed with trails, there would still be a great deal of gorgeous mountain terrain for those who prefer to explore lands where no trails go. As someone who loves both of these endeavors, I am excited about what the future holds for this region!

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.

PCT Spotlight – Deadfall Basin

Posted by bubbasuess on July 19, 2018
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Klamath Mountains, Lakes, Meadows, Mount Eddy, Mount Shasta, Pacific Crest Trail, Trinity Divide. Tagged: . 1 Comment

An unnamed lake below Mount Eddy in Deadfall Basin.

For the fourth installment of the PCT Spotlight, it is imperative to feature the hike to Deadfall Basin. This section of trail ranks in the upper echelon of Mount Shasta Trails, alongside other area classics like Heart Lake, Black Butte, and South Gate Meadow. The reasons for its renown are many and include excellent views, lush meadows, gorgeous mountain lakes and the chance to ascend Mount Eddy, where astounding summit vistas await.

The Scott Mountains from the PCT.

The hike on the PCT to Deadfall Basin is an easy journey. The trail maintains a very gentle, steady grade for a few miles before arriving at the edge of the basin. However, despite the ease in getting there, it is one of the prettiest trails around. This part of the PCT is graced with numerous springs, which result in some extremely lush patches of meadow. Wildflowers are accordingly abundant. The trail also boasts many excellent views, most notably of the Scott Mountains, which lie to the west on the far side of the Trinity River. Once in Deadfall Basin, cliffs rise dramatically overhead and numerous lakes dot the landscape. Most notable are Lower, Middle and Upper Deadfall Lakes. From the upper lake, a trail continues on to the summit of Mount Eddy, which looms prominently over the basin.

Mount Eddy and Upper Deadfall Lake

This is a great section of the PCT. For hikers making the entire journey, this is the final portion of a roadless section that stretches north from Gumboot Saddle to Parks Creek Pass (the trailhead for the hike to Deadfall Basin). Most hikers, however, will hike south from Parks Creek and enter the basin from the north. Whether coming from the north or south, Mount Eddy has featured prominently from the trail for quite some time. Despite this, it is also when in Deadfall Basin that Mount Eddy presents its most inspiring visage. Here the mountain, the tallest in the entire Klamath Mountains, rises dramatically to a single point, showing off its multi-colored geology in spectacular fashion.

Mount Shasta and the Cascades seen from Mount Eddy.

Though not a part of the PCT itself, the hike to the top of Mount Eddy deserves special mention here. After hiking through Deadfall Basin, a trail climbs up to the mountain’s summit. The view from this point is probably the most spectacular in the North State. The area it encompasses is immense, stretching from Lassen Peak in the south to deep into Oregon in the north. All around the peak are the numerous ranges of the Klamath Mountains, all of which are visible from the summit. Most prominent, though is the magnificent bulk of Mount Shasta, which lies only a few miles to the east, dominating everything.

A Mount Shasta Reader

Posted by bubbasuess on May 25, 2018
Posted in: Cascade Range, Castle Crags, Hiking, Klamath Mountains, Lakes, Mount Eddy, Mount Shasta, Rivers, Trinity Alps, Trinity Divide, Waterfalls. Leave a comment

Spring flowers highlight a fantastic view of Mount Shasta.

The Mount Shasta area is vast and varied. It is a delight to all those who love the natural world and yearn to enjoy it. However, exploring Mount Shasta and its environs can be a daunting task, especially to admirers who have not spent much time in the area or have not had the opportunity to dive into the literature that records many of the areas blessings. This reader is intended to pull together several articles and resources that have appeared on Hike Mt Shasta over the years and place them together in an easy-to-access setting. It is my hope that this will be a useful tool for deepening knowledge and appreciation of Mount Shasta, the surrounding mountains and all of Northern California!

Northern California Geography Orientation

California is probably the most geologically diverse state in America. This in part naturally flows from it’s size but there is also an immense amount of diverse geology packed within its borders. The North State, which is the uppermost part of California, maintains this pattern and presents a confusing array of rock types, numerous mountain ranges and a wide variety of geologic forces at work. This series, “Breaking Down The North State”, offers a good introduction on the geography, geology, and various regions that surround Mount Shasta.

  1. Introduction
  2. Seven Major Regions
  3. The California Cascades
  4. The Klamath Mountains Pt. I
  5. The Klamath Mountains Pt. II

Mount Shasta Landmark Locator

Mount Shasta nearly a mountain range unto itself. There are dozens of landmarks and features waiting to be identified, though there are few easy to use resources to help. The Mount Shasta Landmark Locator can be helpful in learning the mountain’s geography. The Locator has detailed guides to the 4 cardinal orientations of the mountain. This is particularly helpful considering how distinctly different Mount Shasta appears from these perspectives.

The impressive number of landmarks on Mount Shasta is indicative of the mountain’s complex geology. The fact is, Mount Shasta has experienced 4 distinct eruptive epochs, each adding a major quadrant to the volcano’s geography. This has heavily influenced Mount Shasta’s distinct appearance. Read more about these 4 eruption cones here. This article is an excellent companion to the Landmark Locator and helps explain many of the features identified there.

An article that puts Mount Shasta into the broader perspective of Cascade volcanoes does so by comparing the elevations of treeline on numerous mountains found in the range. This emphasizes Mount Shasta’s incredible size.

Neighboring Peaks

Mount Shasta may be the dominant peak in this corner of the country but there are other noteworthy summits that should not be overlooked. The two most obvious are Mount Eddy and Black Butte. The former is the highest point in the Klamath Mountains and the entire coastal ranges of the coterminous states. Dotted with lake basins and boasting spectacular views, it is a premier destination in its own right. The latter of the two peaks is the westernmost summit of the California Cascades. The distinct shape and prominent position make Black Butte an unmissable presence. The trail to the summit is a Mount Shasta area classic.

Other articles on summits around Mount Shasta are:

–The Five Tallest Peaks Around Mount Shasta

–Five Trails To Peaks Around Mount Shasta

Rivers Around The Mountain

Three rivers flow around the base of Mount Shasta. The Sacramento River, California’s largest and longest river, begins nearby, while the McCloud and Shasta Rivers also begin in the area. Flowing through deep canyons, over large waterfalls and through broad valleys, these rivers are beautiful contrasts to the towering spire of Mount Shasta. They also offer diverse recreational opportunities that include hiking, fishing and kayaking. In addition to the rivers, there are dozens of beautiful creeks flowing through the area. Wagon Creek and Castle Creek are probably the most notable but many others yield beautiful and refreshing destination. For those looking to explore, these are 5 of the best trails along rivers and creeks in the area.

See the Mount Shasta Area Rivers Gallery.

Seldom Seen

There are a variety of places around Mount Shasta that don’t see many visitors but still offer spectacular scenery and fascinating geology. The tiny number of people heading to these places is in not indicative of how magnificent they are. This series of articles attempts to pique the reader’s interest and encourage hikers to get out and explore areas beyond the trail.

History

The Mount Shasta vicinity has a long and interesting history. Native Americans lived in the area for millenia before the arrival of Americans. Resource utilization set in early but it was not long before Mount Shasta had gained the attention of many conservation luminaries. Most notable of these was John Muir himself, the father of the modern conservation movement. He had a long and important relationship with Mount Shasta, making several trips to the area. He strongly advocated the mountain be preserved as a national park:

“The Shasta region is still a fresh unspoiled wilderness, accessible and available for travelers of every kind and degree. Would it not be a fine thing to set it apart like the Yellowstone and Yosemite as a National Park for the welfare and benefit of all mankind, preserving its fountains and forests and all its glad life in primeval beauty?”
– John Muir, “Picturesque California”, 1888

Read more about John Muir’s thoughts about Mount Shasta here.

This article collects several other discussions of vintage Mount Shasta subjects.

Visiting Mount Shasta

Hiking is naturally a favorite way of appreciating Mount Shasta. Hundreds of miles of trail course across the mountain’s flanks and through the surrounding ranges. This map shows most of the trails on and around Mount Shasta:

Other articles that might be helpful:

–The Perfect Weekend: Three Days In Mount Shasta

–Three Spectacular Drive-To Vistas Of Mount Shasta

–An East Side Glacier View

–Sacramento River Scrambling

–Five Fantastic Mount Shasta Vistas

 

I hope this is a helpful resource to all those looking to enjoy Mount Shasta. Thanks for investing your time in Hike Mt Shasta!

5 Mount Shasta Area Trails We Need To Build

Posted by bubbasuess on July 18, 2017
Posted in: Hiking, Klamath Mountains, Lakes, Meadows, Mount Eddy, Mount Shasta, Scott Mountains, Trinity Alps, Trinity Divide, Water. Tagged: , , . 8 Comments

A spectacular morning view of Mount Shasta from the proposed Konwakiton Trail.

For the last several years, I have been highlighting the trails in the Mount Shasta area. We are blessed with a number of great tracks that lead to some truly stunning destinations. However, there remain a host of places that lack trails accessing them or the trail network is incomplete and could be significantly enhanced by the presence of a few more miles of trail. Some of these are in wilderness areas and the approval of construction in the protected land seems unlikely. Others are just not interesting enough to attract the effort necessary for the labor and money to be invested in these projects. This is OK, since it leaves these areas to the motivated and adventurous and promises that these secret spots will remain as they are. That said, there are still some places that I think warrant the effort to build. I believe these trails would instantly become classic Mount Shasta area trails and get significant use. Their addition would make an already great Mount Shasta hiking experience even better than it already is.

Unfortunately, the likelihood of many of these ideas coming to fruition are minimal. The Forest Service suffers from a lack of funding that impairs the possibility of many improvements to the trails. They want to make the hiking experience around Mount Shasta as good as it can be but the obstacles are great. Volunteer contributions are absolutely necessary. This ranges from actual trail construction to the commitment of significant funds to pay for the NEPA process (which is a major problem on its own!). Working through organizations like the Mount Shasta Trails Association is the best way to bring new trails into being.

I may expand on each of my proposals in individual posts. I would be interested in feedback you may have on any of these suggested trails.

5. Trinity Vista Trail

Deadfall Basin and Mount Eddy are classic destinations for hikers in the Mount Shasta area. The basin is filled with gorgeous lakes, awesome wildflowers and fascinating geology. There are two options for reaching the Deadfall area. Most hikers follow the Pacific Crest Trail from the Parks Creek Trailhead while others begin at the Deadfall Meadow Trailhead. The former is longer but requires almost no elevation gain. It has good views of the Scott Mountains and some particularly lush wildflowers as well as refreshing springs. The latter route is shorter but requires more climbing. It ascends into the basin through Deadfall Meadow, which is filled with creeks and even more impressive wildflowers and lush mountain gardens. These two routes each have much to recommend them. Unfortunately, they cannot be combined into a single trip without walking on the steep paved road that connects the trailheads. However, the two trails make up 75% of what could be a really excellent loop hike.

Trinity Vista Trail view of the snowy Trinity Alps.

To complete the loop, it would be necessary to construct about 1.75 of trail across the slopes that lie between Deadfall Creek and the road descending from the Parks Creek Trailhead. The addition of this trail would afford hikers the chance to hike into Deadfall Basin (and continue on to Mount Eddy if desired) by way of either the PCT or the Deadfall Meadow Trail and then return by the other route. This would allow for a much more diverse and scenic trip. What would the addition offer in terms of scenery? The area is mostly wooded but there are opening where vistas would be available. What is most notable is the opportunity to look out to the west where there is a spectacular view of the Trinity Alps. From the trail, the Bear Lake Basin is only 12 miles to the west and presents an grand foreground to the sawtooth-like horizon of the Trinities. This is particularly true near the top of the climb. Not only would the trail allow for the loop option to be employed, but for hikers only looking for a quick outing, the upper section, with its views of the Trinity Alps, would be an excellent easy walk.

4. Upper Sacramento Trail/Lake Siskiyou Trail Extension

For several years now I have been discussing the need to build trail sections that would allow for a backpacking loop that combined the Sisson-Callahan Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Castle Lake Trail and the Lake Siskiyou Trail. I dubbed this proposed circuit the Headwaters Loop since it would completely encircle the three headwaters forks of the Sacramento River. Most of the loop is already built. An unofficial but established loop trail connects the PCT and Castle Lake. Though less than ideal, a dirt road follows much of Castle Lake Creek’s journey down to Lake Siskiyou. The most obvious hole in the loop is the section that would connect the Lake Siskiyou Trail with the Sisson-Callahan Trail at the North Fork of the Sacramento.

Hikers would have great views of Mt. Eddy along the river.

While this section of trail would be a key piece of the Headwaters Loop puzzle, I have a bit of a grander conception of what it offers. I propose building trail 1.75 miles from the inlet at Lake Siskiyou along the Sacramento River to the Sisson-Callahan Trailhead. However, more ambitiously, I propose building  a sturdy wooden bridge (I will elaborate extensively on the bridge when I expand on this trail in a future post) across the Sacramento River and adding a section of trail that loops back to the inlet along the southern side of the river. This would accomplish several things. Naturally it would help complete the bacpacking loop I have suggested. More importantly, it would extend the Lake Siskiyou Trail along a beautiful section of the Sacramento River. This would allow the loop around the lake to be hiked all year when the seasonal bridges are not in place. When the seasonal bridges are in position, it would give hikers the option of doing a beautiful loop hike around a lovely section of the Sacramento River. A new trailhead could be built on South Fork Road at the place where the road makes a sharp turn to the west and begins to parallel the river. This would add more access to the Lake Siskiyou Trail and provide a good starting point for hikers sticking to the shorter river loop. This would have the further benefit of cutting down on vagrant encampments in this area. All in all, this has the potential to become one of the most popular sections of trail in the Mount Shasta City area.

3. Mount Shasta Bowl Trail

View towards the bowls and the area covered by the trail.

The upper reach of Everitt Memorial Highway has several awesome trails. Whether heading to the numerous destinations from Bunny Flat or Panther Meadow or the Old Ski Bowl, hikers are guaranteed spectacular scenery. The area is actually rather dense with trails, though they are generally divided between the lower ones originating at Bunny Flat and the upper trails that begin in the Old Ski Bowl area. The two sets of hikes are not connected by any maintained path. Whats more, the road to the Old Ski Bowl remains closed much of the year and the upper destinations are not accessible. This brings up my third proposed trail, which would run parallel to the Everitt Memorial Highway and connect Bunny Flat to the Old Ski Bowl. It would also be possible to add a spur trail that would split off and reach the road across from the entrance to the Panther Meadow parking area. Up until now, I have dubbed the route the Bowl Trail since it would pass beneath Sun Bowl and Powder Bowl, which lie on the south side of Green Butte Ridge.

This trail would accomplish several things. First, it would allow motivated hikers to reach the upper destinations earlier in the year. Obviously this is contrary to why the road remains closed but I believe the number of people heading up there on foot would be dramatically less than would reach the area in cars. Furthermore, hikers can already simply walk on the road to Panther Meadow. An established trail would be a much more pleasant way to channel people there. In fact, if the path simply went to the Old Ski Bowl without a spur to Panther Meadow, it would probably reduce the number of people who went to the meadow, since that area would be bypassed and lead straight to the Old Ski Bowl. The other benefit would be a fantastic loop that would connect both the Horse Camp Trail and the Green Butte Ridge Trail with the Old Ski Bowl Trail and facilitate a truly fantastic loop hike that would circumnavigate Green Butte. This route would require some rock scrambling over Green Butte Ridge but for those prepared of such a journey, it would be an epic hike.

2. China Basins Loop

Mount Shasta viewed from above Lower Caldwell Lake.

The high point of the Scott Mountains and the 4th highest peak in the Mount Shasta area, China Mountain is a criminally overlooked alpine destination. The tall peak rises at the eastern end of the Scotts, like the prow of a massive ship overlooking the Shasta Valley, which lies a mile below the summit. It is perhaps overlooked since it lakes a distinctive profile and much of its flanks are covered with dense forests. However, this hides the true character of the higher portions of the mountain. The summit of China Mountain is surrounded by three lake basins. While none of them house large lakes, the lakes themselves are still scenic and the rugged terrain that looms above them as very scenic. In many ways, the loop around China Mountain would be similar to the excellent Four Lakes Loop in the Trinity Alps. None of the lakes on China Mountain rise to the spectacular level of beauty as the four that lie around Siligo Peak but they are nonetheless beautiful. What the loop around lakes on China has, though, is eye-in-the-sky vistas that reach for great distances in every direction. These views would take in much of southern Oregon, Mount Shasta and a vast span of the Klamath Mountains including the Trinity Divide, Scott Mountains, Trinity Alps, Russian Wilderness, Marble Mountains and the Siskiyous. Take that Four Lakes Loop!

China Mountain is flanked by three basins that contain lakes as well as a 4th that has some large meadows in place of a lake. A 5th basin, High Camp Basin, lies immediately to the south and the highest corner of it makes the best passage for the trail. Two lake basins, the West Park Lakes and the Caldwell Lakes are headwaters for Parks Creek, which is a major tributary of the Shasta River. Crater Lake has no out let, but along with the meadow-filled basin, is in the Scott River watershed. High Camp Basin is one of the two sources of the mighty Trinity River. The ups and downs of the loop around the mountain, which would include a spur up to the summit of China Mountain would cross through three major watersheds! I think this trail would be destined to become a classic Mount Shasta area adventure!

1. Konwakiton Trail

In many ways, this is the trail that I have the grandest vision for and excites me the most. This trail combines an unusual creek, interesting volcanic and glacial geology, lush meadows and staggering views of one of Mount Shasta’s most beautiful profiles. The genesis of this trail concept began with the frustration over the lack of trails in the McCloud area. Basically all the hikes near the town were along the McCloud River. Squaw Valley Creek is an outlier but offers similar scenery to what is found along the river. Equally frustrating was the near total lack of views of Mount Shasta from any of these trails. I have written about how McCloud is an under-rated hiking destination but the lack of diversity and views of the mountain continued to nag at me. I have hunted around for features and places that would offer some interest to highlight this beautiful area. The one place I kept coming back to was infamous Mud Creek.

Mud Creek

Mud Creek begins high on Mount Shasta and flows through the mountain’s largest canyon. It then flows south through the McCloud Flats before suffering indignity and finally reaching the McCloud River. The creek’s name comes from the silt and glacial till in the water that gives it a muddy or chalky appearance. The name Konwakiton is the Wintu word for “muddy” and the creek’s ultimate source is the Konwakiton Glacier that lies just below Mount Shasta’s summit. The proposed trail would run parallel to the creek until it reaches the Great Shasta Rail Trail. It would then follow back along the creek before veering east. It would cut through forest until it reaches the edge of a large meadow, where hikers are greeted with an incredible view of Mount Shasta. It would then follow much of the meadow’s perimeter before cutting through the grassy fields back to the trailhead. My vision for this area is not limited to trails but also to the development of a new Forest Service campground, picnic area as well as possibly a walk-in campground and a mountain biking area. By way of the Rail Trail, it would also be accessible by foot, horse or bike from McCloud. I see this as possibly becoming a flagship area for Mount Shasta, which I tentatively refer to as the Konwakiton Recreation Area. The amazing thing is that much of the trail already exists…

Overview Map (click to enlarge)

Trinity Divide Trails Open!

Posted by bubbasuess on June 28, 2017
Posted in: Hiking, Klamath Mountains, Lakes, Meadows, Mount Eddy, Mount Shasta, Pacific Crest Trail, Trinity Divide, Water. 2 Comments

A truck passes through the freshly cleared snow drift at Parks Creek Pass.

June is nearly over and the summer hiking season is upon us! Normally, high country hiking would already be well underway but this year, with the massive snowfall we received during winter, things are slower to open up. With the opening of the Old Ski Bowl pushed back to an anticipated date of July 21st, attention necessarily shifts over to the Trinity Divide. Though there numerous trails in this range, the two critical trailheads are on the Pacific Crest Trail, at Gumboot Saddle and Parks Creek Pass. These trailheads provide access to the PCT as well as other destinations, both in the Trinity Divide and also in the Scott Mountains. While Gumboot was quicker to open up, the traditional large snowdrift at Parks Creek was very persistent this year. Nearly 15 feet high, it posed a serious impediment to getting to the Parks Creek trailhead. However, thanks to the miracle of heavy equipment, the large drift is cleared and the road open. The PCT, as well as direct access to Trinity Alps trails is now available for hiking!

Conditions in the high country are gorgeous right now. The grass is green, the creeks full and wildflowers are erupting everywhere. The Parks Creek area is especially lush! If you do head up to Parks Creek, be aware that roadwork is underway and the narrow road can be congested.

Click to enlarge:

As noted, Gumboot Saddle and the trailheads along the South Fork of the Sacramento are also open. The snow tends to melt out of this area sooner than on Parks Creek but the rivers and lakes remains full. This area is also particularly beautiful right now!

As an added bonus, the seasonal bridges over the Sacramento River have been installed and the Lake Siskiyou Trail is now complete. The loop is now an excellent option for anyone who wants to get out and hike a surprisingly diverse trail without putting out too much effort. It is also a great running and biking trail. With the way the river has continued to shape the inlet over the last few years, it will be interesting to see if the water can be bridged at the same place in 2018. For now, it is just nice to have a convenient crossing.

Enjoy the trails as we head into the 4th of July! Also, don’t forget my newest book will be released on July 1st! I hope everyone will support this site and purchase a copy. It is a spectacular book and really shows off how amazing Northern California is!

Three Mountains And A River

Posted by bubbasuess on May 19, 2017
Posted in: Castle Crags, Hiking, Mount Eddy, Mount Shasta, Rivers, Water. Tagged: . 3 Comments

Mount Eddy peeks through the trees at a vigorous stretch of the Sacramento River.

I have been writing a lot lately about the Sacramento River’s activity near the Lake Siskiyou inlet. In large measure this is a result of my fascination with the history of water in the western United States (if you haven’t read Cadillac Desert, you really should). The Sacramento River is one of the linchpins of the hydrologic infrastructure in California as well as the state’s largest and longest river. Yet it is often overlooked that this most critical piece in the Golden State’s puzzle begins here in the Mount Shasta area. Indeed, though many people enjoy Lake Siskiyou or fish the river, we often forget what a powerful and important presence the river is in this area. Strangely enough, despite its relatively short length, it is often the McCloud River, with its excellent waterfalls, that is often thought of as the river of the Mount Shasta area.

Though there are probably several reasons why the Sacramento River is not appreciated as it ought to be (almost no trails along it!), I think one of the most significant is the fact that the river is perpetually overshadowed by the large mountains that rise above it. The Castle Crags, Mount Eddy and Mount Shasta all command attention and respect and the Sacramento, lacking waterfalls and its box canyon damed up, does not boast many notable features (we really need a trail to Mossbrae Falls!) to attract people to it. It is thus ironic that the Sacramento River offers some of the best views of the three most notable mountains that rise above it. It is a remarkable showcase of the amazing topography that lies at the source of California’s most important river. This, perhaps, is the river’s iconic feature but it has managed to somehow go unnoticed. This needs to be rectified.

The Castle Crags can often be hard to view from afar but the Sacramento River has spectacular vistas of the granite spires.

Mount Eddy, on whose slopes the North Fork of the Sacramento is born, is often best viewed from the Sacramento River.

Mount Shasta can be viewed from almost anywhere but the kinetic fury of the Sacramento River adds a marvelous dimension to the massive mountain. 

It continues to amaze me that there is only one developed trail that runs parallel to the Sacramento River. As these images reveal, there are numerous magnificent views of the mountains around the river waiting to be explored, discovered and enjoyed. In my last post, I brought up the possibility of extending the Lake Siskiyou Trail upstream, following the river on both sides and then crossing it by means of a permanent bridge. This would open up some of the most scenic sections of the river to hikers. It would also facilitate more exploration and rock scrambling as people explored the numerous channels the river splits into once the three forks have all combined. There is a lot of memories and beauty waiting to be appreciated along that section of the Sacramento River.

Click to enlarge:

Mount Eddy: Overshadowed, Underrated

Posted by bubbasuess on March 13, 2016
Posted in: Hiking, Klamath Mountains, Mount Eddy, Mount Shasta, Rivers, Wilderness. 7 Comments

Cascades, Mt Shasta, Hummingbird Saddle - Oct2015 031 (Custom)

Looming over the surrounding landscape and visible from many miles away, Mount Eddy is a massive peak that, under normal circumstances, would be a significant and singular landmark in its own right. However, it is the mountains fate to be found in the court of Mount Shasta, one of the tallest, most voluminous and spectacular peaks to be found anywhere in the West. Its proximity to the great mountain has resulted in relative obscurity, generally known among locals, and segments of outdoor enthusiasts. In other words, Mount Eddy is overshadowed and underrated. If Mount Shasta were taken out of the equation, a different picture of Mount Eddy could be painted. Rather than being the tallest of the surrounding peaks, Eddy would be among the most recognized peaks in the North State and likely a notable attraction along Interstate 5.

Mount Eddy from Lake Siskiyou.

Mount Eddy from Lake Siskiyou.

The first thing about Mount Eddy one notices from afar is its girth. From the east, where it is most obviously visible, Mount Eddy seems like a long, treeless ridge. While high, it does not strike one as particularly impressive from this perspective. However, from the Shasta Valley, the treeline is more apparent and the abundance of alpine terrain makes it look much more attractive. Even this, though is only indicative of the riches that lie hidden to the casual observer in the low lands. Climbing higher on the mountain a different story unfolds. The flanks of the mountain are home to many lakes and meadows, remote basins drained by beautiful creeks and even strange barren regions caused by the presence of minerals that most plants consider inhospitable.

The Eddy Range from the Castle Lake Trail.

The Eddy Range from the Castle Lake Trail.

Despite the proliferation of these features, they are not crammed together in a small space on the mountain. Like Mount Shasta, Mount Eddy is almost a mountain range to itself. This is belied, in part, by the fact that it is part of a subrange of the Trinity Divide known as the Eddy Range. Almost 11 miles long, the Eddy Range makes up the highest portion of the Trinity Divide. Nearly half the entire length of the range is made up of the long sloping shoulders of Mount Eddy. This means the mountain has a circumference of over 16 miles at the 6,000 foot level. At the same elevation, Mount Shasta’s circumference is almost 35 miles. As always, Mount Eddy seems unimpressive compared to its magnificent neighbor but compared to any other mountain in the region, its dimensions are much, much greater.

Mount Eddy towers above the surrounding landscape.

Mount Eddy towers above the surrounding landscape.

Aside from its size, Mount Eddy’s height also sets it apart from other mountains in the region. Throughout the vast Klamath Mountains, there are only a handful of peaks that exceed 8,000 feet. These peaks are only found in the Trinity Alps, the Trinity Divide, the Russian Wilderness and the Marble Mountains. Even rarer are peaks that climb above 9,000 feet. Exactly to peaks reach this elevation. The shorter of the two is Thompson Peak, the highest point in the Trinity Alps at 9,002 feet. That leaves 9,025 foot Mount Eddy as the highest peak in the Klamath Mountains. Naturally, the peak’s loftiness means that it has spectacular summit vistas. A substantial portion of Northern California is visible from the summit. Indeed, the view from the top of Mount Eddy is possibly the finest vista to be had in the entire region.

Summit View Gallery

Wagon Creek Falls

Wagon Creek Falls

The excellent views from the summit of Mount Eddy are not the only thing to recommend this mountain. It has numerous lakes and meadows as well as boisterous creeks. Six named lakes lie in large cirques are scattered around Mount Eddy. A number of smaller, unnamed lakes and tarns are found in many isolated and forgotten corners of the mountain’s network of ridges and valleys. There is even a series of beautiful cascades and waterfalls on Wagon Creek, which drains the eastern side of Mount Eddy. Of course, steep Wagon Creek is not the only waterway to flow off of Mount Eddy. The Sacramento, Trinity and Shasta Rivers all originate on the slopes of Mount Eddy. Consequently, the mountain is a triple divide peak, which means the headwaters of three significant rivers begin on Eddy’s flanks.

Foxtail pines on Mount Eddy.

Foxtail pines on Mount Eddy.

Like the rest of the Klamath Mountains, Mount Eddy exhibits a rather complex geology. The mountain is composed of ultramafic rocks, particularly serpentine and peridotite, which have been thrust upwards from the sea floor. These rocks create harsh environments for plants and many have had to adapt to survive in the difficult conditions. Numerous endemic species are found on Mount Eddy as well as disjunct species that are far away from their normal range. One example of this is the foxtail pine. The rare trees, related to bristlecone pines, are usually found at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada. However, they are also located in scattered stands along the eastern edge of the Klamath Mountains. Mount Eddy has a particularly large collection of these rare trees, with many located on the mountains southern flank.

Wild Mount Eddy.

Wild Mount Eddy.

Though there are a few roads along the periphery of the Mount Eddy area, the mountain is found in an essentially wild state. A few large private inholdings occupied part of the mountain. Roadless and accessed only by foot, these did not prevent anyone from enjoying the area’s beauty but these sections of private land did put up administrative roadblocks for preserving the land. In the last few years these sections have been acquired by the Forest Service. This paves the way for a Mount Eddy Wilderness Area to be established. This would enshrine the mountain’s wild character in perpetuity. Old proposals for a Mount Eddy Wilderness also included the areas immediately north of Mount Eddy, including China Mountain and the eastern end of the Scott Mountains. While a wilderness area that large is unlikely, I do think that a large area to the south, along the crest of the Eddy Range is realistic.

Mount Eddy from the headwaters of the North Fork of the Sacramento River.

Mount Eddy from the headwaters of the North Fork of the Sacramento River.

It is not difficult to enjoy the beauty on Mount Eddy. A few trails converge on the mountain’s west side. These lead to points to the north, south and east. The easiest route is to come from the north, either from the PCT trailhead at Parks Creek Pass or from Deadfall Meadow. The former is longer but with little elevation gain but views of the surrounding mountains. The former is shorter, but climbs higher, passing through lush Deadfall Meadow and along the eponymously named creek. The PCT also approaches from the south, from Gumboot Saddle. This is a longer route, but does not have much elevation gain. Amazing views of Mount Shasta and the Trinity Alps are abundant along this section of the famous trail. The Sisson-Callahan Trail comes from the east, beginning near Lake Siskiyou and climbing along the entire length of the North Fork of the Sacramento River. It then makes a long ascent of the southern flank of Mount Eddy to Deadfall Basin. This is an exceptionally remote and beautiful route.

Even if one is not hiking on Mount Eddy, it is hard to miss it from other trails in the area. It remains prominent even if only seen from the roads through the valleys that lie at the mountain’s foot. Whether hiking on Mount Shasta or elsewhere in the Trinity Divide, Mount Eddy remains a ubiquitous presence. It reminds us that though Mount Shasta may be the undisputed monarch of Northern California, there are other, exceptional mountains that deserve recognition.

Mount Eddy can be seen from numerous trails around it. Click to enlarge: