Rivers

Checking In On The Sacramento River Inlet

Posted by bubbasuess on June 29, 2026
Posted in: Hiking, Mount Shasta, Rivers. Tagged: . 2 Comments

The Sacramento River flows vigorously just before entering Lake Siskiyou.

There was a season on this blog that I followed the changing conditions at the Sacramento River’s inlet into Lake Siskiyou. A number of flood events in steady succession repeatedly altered the layout of inlet landmarks. In particular, this had bearing on the position of the Lake Siskiyou Trail, which, each spring, has temporary bridges put out over the river in order to complete the loop around the lake. With the changing landscape, the trail was forced to alter course from year to year. It was fascinating to watch the river shape the land through which it flowed (Some posts can be found here, here, here, here and here).

It is hard to believe that it has been nearly 10 years since I have posted on this. My goodness have I been doing this for a long time…

This spring I decided to check in on the inlet with the intent of examining the route of the river’s flow and observing how the river may have changed its course over the last several years.

The first thing I did was get on Google Earth and examine the satellite imagery. It was obvious that trends that had begun over 10 years ago have continued. The process may have slowed somewhat but it has certainly not stopped.

The above image is from 2012, one of the last years the inlet had this particular configuration. I can say from both experience and observation that the inlet area had been like this for several years without significant change. I basis this statement on both my personal observation, beginning in 2007 and also from the fact that there was abundant plant and tree growth dispersed throughout the inlet area. If significant changes had taken place, this growth would not have been able to grow to the extent that it did. The ability to scale Google Earth’s image dates confirms this as well, showing little change as far back as 1998. Thus, it can be asserted that there was a certain amount of stability at the inlet for several years.

This image above is from 2026. It makes clear that the Sacramento River has both altered its course and washed away significant portions of the inlet area. In particular, the north channel has gradually shifted southward. Where it once entered the lake while hugging the low cliffs that hemmed in the flood plain, the north channel now enters the lake in the center of the inlet area. Measurements on Google Earth indicate the north channel’s point of entry into Lake Siskiyou has shifted 176 yards to the south over the last 13 years. Moreover, much of the plant community has been washed away, leaving the vari-hued river rock of the Sacramento the dominant feature of the area.

Below are a progression of images of the north channel area as it flows into the lake from 3 different years. Note how the river initially flows right up against the cliffs and then moving southward, cutting a deep channel into the rocky floodplain. The channel then recedes further south as the river erodes the loose rock strata:

2013

2016

2026

This does, of course, have an impact on the Lake Siskiyou Trail’s route over the river once the seasonal bridges are put out. The particular issue is the constantly moving south bank of the north channel. The loose strata of river rock makes placing the bridge securely a challenge. In 2012 seemingly permanent construction of gabions put the crossing in a permanent position. It was just a year or two later that the river began to alter its course, the gabions were washed out and the evolution of the area began.


In March of 2026, the river was wide and it was difficult to determine where the bridge might be placed.

By June 2026, a large causeway composed of river rock had been constructed in order to elevate the foundation of the north side of the bridge as well as close the gap over the river so that it can be crossed in a single span. This level of construction was in no way necessary several years ago. Also noteworthy is that in 2012, the original iteration of the bridges across the north channel had a short span at the edge of the flood plain and then a second crossing that required two spans bridging a series of gabions. Now only the single span is needed due to the causeway.

A lot has changed at this area. It is fascinating to observe just how much the river channel, lake shoreline, and trail have all been shaped by the river’s flooding.

Note how in all those images, the south channel and its span have remained constant. Though there was one year where the river shifted its primary flow into the south channel, the following year it was back to emptying the majority of its water into the lake through the north channel.

Remarkably, the bridge over the south channel still rests on the original gabion that was put in place in 2011-2012. As is often the case, the south channel dries up early in the season, leaving the north channel the only one that needs the bridge.

Though I have gone to the inlet many times over the last many years, it has been a good exercise to go back and evaluate it critically with an eye toward the changes that continue to take place. It makes me wonder if the north will eventually push all the way to the mouth of the south channel and they will merge, creating an island in the river, rather than one formed partially by the lake. Time will tell.

Of course, the river upstream has many other beautiful spots that tend to draw my attention more these days. It is amazing how many beautiful spots continue to go unnoticed. At least some of these won’t just erode away as the river flows.

Off Trail On Azalea Creek

Posted by bubbasuess on June 18, 2023
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Rivers, Trinity Divide. 6 Comments

Azalea Creek cascades into the South Fork of the Sacramento River.

There are a lot of creeks in the Mount Shasta area that suffer the indignity of being nameless. This is particularly true in the Trinity Divide, where there are numerous creeks, many surprisingly large that have never had the dignity of proper appellation. Of course, the anonymity of these waterways usually equates to obscurity and that means that they almost never see more than a few feet treading their banks. This is just fine with me, as I feel that I have long ago left the trails of the Mount Shasta area and spend most of my time exploring the lesser known – or totally unknown – areas around the mountain.

One such creek is Azalea Creek. The name does not show up on any map but in the absence of any other creek by that name in the area this is a perfectly good candidate for that moniker. The banks of the creek are absolutely choked with azalea. Interestingly, the azalea’s companion is an abundance of the rare Port Orford cedar, one of the trees endemic to the Klamath Mountains and adjacent coastal areas in southern Oregon. It is a special combination of plant life in this narrow riparian corridor that is otherwise dominated by the normally more abundant denizens of the Trinity Divide.

I have been heading up into rarer waters lately, since the Long Winter has yielded to a seemingly equally long spring and the rivers and creeks are running vigorously. While I certainly want to share some footage of the sights produced by this special time of year, I also want to use these posts to document the conditions for posterity. Thanks for putting up with the excessive number of videos!

When we first reached Azalea Creek, we headed upstream for a while. Not surprisingly, Port Orford cedars and azaleas lined the bank. The water cascades over one rocky bench after another. One of these days I will really head upstream, which climbs up to hidden meadows and headwaters at over 6,000 feet, lying beneath the high peaks of the Castle Crags Wilderness.

For this trip, the goal was to follow this creek down the increasingly precipitous channel to its confluence with the Sacramento River. This is a delightful little trip, particularly when the water level is high. There is a great deal of payoff in terms of drama and beauty as the creek cascades over one small cataract after another.

Eventually the creek tumbles over some crags before finally meeting the South Fork of the Sacramento River. This part of the river is well below South Fork Road, which lies high above on a steep slope. Consequently, few people venture down to this stretch of the river. It is sublime meeting of smaller waters with the larger. The contrast between this wild section of river and the slow, wide behemoth I crossed as a kid in Rio Vista is fascinating. That was always the Sacramento River to me. Now, for my kids, the Sacramento is mean piece of water, not to be trifled with except in the fall, when its current and volume are gentler. It’s hard to believe they are one.

Beyond the Sacramento River, Mount Shasta can just barely seen, filtered through trees above the river. It is a reminder that the mountain still holds sway, even in these deep mountain canyons of a mountain range once removed from Mount Shasta itself. What a glorious corner of the world…

Shasta Spans: Five MORE Interesting Foot Bridges

Posted by bubbasuess on June 3, 2021
Posted in: Hiking, Mount Shasta, Rivers. Leave a comment

A ruined footbridge over an unnamed creek somewhere near Mount Eddy.

Several years ago I wrote an article highlighting 5 footbridges in the Mount Shasta area that stood out to me as distinct and interesting. I recently stumbled across that post and, after reading it, decided it was time to write a follow-up, highlighting 5 more interesting footbridges in the area.

This kind of infrastructure interests me, both because of its obvious connection to hiking but also because the bridges sometimes represent an effort, and at times failed, at integrating human infrastructure with the natural world. Some bridges, like the Wagon Creek Bridge at Lake Siskiyou offer a more overwhelming collision between those two entities, while others, such as the PCT bridge over Squaw Valley Creek, yield a more peaceful meeting of the man and nature. I think the successes and failures of trail bridge engineering ought to be reviewed so that the mind is focused on what, exactly, ought to be pursued when constructing new bridges for the inevitable (though seemingly distant future) new bridges that will be constructed in the Mount Shasta area (especially the ones to Mossbrae Fallsa and over the Sacramento River, upstream from the inlet at Lake Siskiyou).

Unlike my previous list of bridges, these are not in a particular order.

Indian Creek

There are two small but interesting bridges over Indian Creek in Castle Crags State Park. The creek starts over 1,000 feet higher up in the Crags, its source a productive spring nestled in a granite grotto. A longer branch originates in one of the must rugged canyons in the Castle Crags. The creek cascades down through a rocky channel until it meets gentler terrain as it nears Castle Creek. The Indian Creek Nature Trail, which connects to the longer Flume Trail, crosses over the creek twice, the pair of bridges are quite different from one another. The first a classic footbridge, incorporating river rocks to build a foundation upon which the bridge spans the creek. The river rock construction helps the bridge blend into its surroundings. The second crossing over Indian Creek is accomplished via unuaully built bridge. It incorporated an iron foundation that is overlaid with short planks. Poles connected to the foundation rise up a few feet on both sides of the planks and are connected via a steel cable, which serves as a handrail. Though simple, it also blends into the natural landscape in an attractive fashion, perhaps because of the subdued design. Together, they make an attractive set of spans that complement the hike on the Flume Trail quite well.

Fall Creek

Another bridge located in Castle Crags State Park offers one of the best integrations into the natural landscape I have seen in the Mount Shasta area. This bridge, located on the Sacramento Trail and spanning small but constant Fall Creek, is one of the most scenic sections of this beautiful trail. Fall Creek begins high up on Girard Ridge and tumbles down a remote canyon until it flows into the Sacramento River. It is here, just a few yards above the confluence that the trail crosses the creek. The center of the bridge is supported by a single pier constructed of large boulders. However, the crossing is located at the point where a large Douglas fir toppled alongside the creek. The bridge was constructed over the fallen tree, part of which was notched to provide a stable anchor point for the steel structure. The presence of bridge, tree, stone pier and cascading creek, along with the Sacramento River just a few yards away represents a beautiful harmonizing of trail, bridge and landscape.

Sacramento River

 

One of the more interesting bridgings over water in the Mount Shasta area are the seasonal bridges over the Sacramento River at the Lake Siskiyou inlet. Installed to provide a crossing for the Lake Siskiyou Trail, these bridges have a surprising tumultuous relationship with the river they span. First, it is important to note that there are two sets of bridges, since the river, at times, is split into two different channels as it enters the lake. However, the course of the river fluctuates and often alter the landscape substantially, making installing permanent bridges difficult. One example of this is how the water has alternated between the north and south channels. Though it had recently been the main course for the river’s flow, the south channel was dry for many years after a large storm produced flooding that blocked up that channel and funneling all the water into the north channel. The same flooding destroyed the gabions that supported the bridge over the north channel, making the bridges’ future location and ever-changing proposition. After a few years of being almost completely dry, more flooding during the thaw of a particularly heavy winter reopened the channel. Read about some of the changes experienced at these bridges here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. It’s pretty amazing how the river continues to mould the land around it.

McCloud River

The Pacific Crest Trail’s crossing of the McCloud River is one of the larger river crossings the epic trail makes, especially since its transitioning from the Sierra Nevada to the Cascades. Consequently, the bridge over the river required a larger-than-normal scale of construction. Over 100 feet across, it is among the longest bridges in the Mount Shasta region. However, its length does not mean that it is garish or obtrusive. On the contrary, the simple wooden construction makes the bridge’s presence subtle. It almost appears to just fade into the background, allowing the McCloud River to be the dominant presence. Unfortunately, the road that connects nearby Ash Camp to the McCloud Dam is closed, making hiking across the dam a little more difficult than it once was. If you want to hike this area, park at the dam and walk the 1.25 miles down the road to Ash Camp and then across the bridge. From there the PCT continues to Ah-Di-Na.

Unnamed Creek Near Mount Eddy

Perhaps my favorite bridge in the Mount Shasta area isn’t even a functioning bridge any longer. Indeed, it may have been over a century since this creek was crossed on this impressive span. Located on what was once a significant route over the mountains to connect the Mount Shasta area to the Trinity River and beyond, the bridge has long sience been washed out by massive flooding. It’s simple construction consists of two large trees toppled over the creek’s channel and then covered with large, rough-hewn planks. That such a bridge was built indicates the importance of the route but its lack of reconstruction also indicates that the route eventually fell into disuse as other roads, likely intended for use by cars, became the dominant transportation lines. Now this lost bridge is overgrown and forgotten, except by the very few who try to follow this 19th century route. Its presence next to a small cataract makes the location quite sublime and worth a sit on the large logs to contemplate bygone days and the beautiful setting.

Appreciating Mount Shasta’s Brewer Creek: Oasis On The East Side

Posted by bubbasuess on August 15, 2020
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Meadows, Mount Shasta, Rivers, Waterfalls. Leave a comment

Brewer Creek flows down the lonely eastern flank of Mount Shasta.

With nearly 20 miles of base diameter, Mount Shasta is nearly a mountain range unto itself. It’s ridges and canyons are the equal of those of the neighboring Trinity Divide despite being a solitary peak. Like all mountain ranges, the mountain has its common vistas and its popular destinations but also its isolated and abandoned corners. On Mount Shasta, the eastern side of the mountain is almost entirely abandoned. Only a handful of climbers and hikers make it over to this side of the mountain. With no paved roads, few trailheads and no settlements on the east side, there is simply not a lot of draw to this area for most people. Yet, in spite of this, it is a magnificent and unique part of Mount Shasta, and certainly one of the prettiest. Two features of Mount Shasta’s east side are particularly noteworthy. First, Mount Shasta appears as a lone, massive and singular summit, absent the presence of Shastina or the tower-laden bulk of Sargents Ridge. Second, the east side of the mountain features the enormous Hotlum and Wintun Glaciers, California’s largest and 3rd largest glaciers respectively. These incredible sheets of ice make for a memorable and beautiful backdrop to east side hikes.

Yet, for all the gargantuan scale of Mount Shasta’s east side features, one of its most beautiful is the delicate but extremely scenic Brewer Creek. While most of the creeks on Mount Shasta’s east and north sides are opaque with glacial silt, Brewer Creek runs clean and clear, making it a delight in the otherwise sandy and semi-desolate volcanic plain. The creek emerges from beneath the Hotlum Glacier and flows down a steep ravine before winding its way across the vast, pumice-covered east slope of Mount Shasta. It eventually enters the forest and dissipates on the mountain’s lower flanks. Though Brewer Creek is perennial, it flows strongest after the spring thaw and in the heat of the summer, when the glacier melts. At this time, the banks are laden with moss and grass and wildflowers erupt in explosions of purple and yellow. It is a narrow ribbon of life in the midst of barren, volcanic terrain.

Click to enlarge:

Hiking to Brewer Creek is easy and follows a beautiful trail with excellent views of Mount Shasta. Reaching the trailhead is a little more difficult, as it requires driving on the dusty roads of the mountain’s east side. While there may be a few cars at the trailhead, the are almost certainly all belonging to climbers and there it is probable that you will have the creek and its beautiful environs to yourself.

Cement Banks And Flooding Rivers: A Quick Look At The Geology Of The Sacramento River

Posted by bubbasuess on April 23, 2020
Posted in: Hiking, Klamath Mountains, Mount Shasta, Rivers, Trinity Divide. Tagged: . 3 Comments

An awesome view of the confluence of Deer Creek and the Sacramento River.

The Upper Sacramento River is that part of the river that lies above Shasta Lake. This section of the river is vigorous and swift-flowing, a classic mountain river racing through a deep canyon. However, the Upper Sacramento River can be further subdivided into more parts. Below Lake Siskiyou, the lone impoundment on the Upper Sacramento the river travels through a lush, narrow canyon. Above the lake the river has a wider flood plain for a brief duration before it splits off into its nascent forks, the South, Middle and North Forks of the Sacramento. Each of these forks lead to headwater basins high in the Trinity Divide. Where they all converge, there is a brief but beautiful and fascinating stretch of river.

The short segment of river where the tributary forks converge is a classic Klamath Mountains river. It flows through a flat plane filled with large rocks of a multitude of colors, hinting at presence of serpentine and peridotite and the complex geologic composition of the Klamath Mountains. Yet, unlike other rivers in the area, some unusual geology is made manifest here that offers an intriguing glimpse into the river’s past. This is most evident at the confluence of Deer Creek with the Sacramento. At this spot the river’s north bank is nearly vertical for 40 to 80 feet, a contrast to the more gentle slope that characterizes the rest riverbank. In this vertical section, layers deposited by previous floods are exposed. It is an unusual opportunity to see the river’s history made plain in the landscape.

The Cement Bluff above Bluff Lake.

Some similar examples are found elsewhere in the Klamath Mountains. These formations are referred to as “cement”. Given the aggregate in each layer, I think it is an appropriate description. The two most prominent formations of this type are the Cement Banks in the Trinity Alps and the Cement Bluff in the Scott Mountains, just north of Mount Eddy. Both are far more massive than the cement formations along the Sacramento River but the one along the river is the most accessible and easiest to examine up close. The other two, larger formations are also somewhat more mysterious since they are further removed from rivers that would flood. It is likely they are the result of glaciation rather than flooding.

Regardless of how the Sacramento cement formations compare to the larger formations elsewhere in the Klamaths, the geologic layers exposed along the river are fascinating in their own right. The added benefit of the river’s presence makes this area as delightful and beautiful as it is compelling.

Just upstream from the confluence is a good place to see layers stacked on each other. The river currently flows through the broad, boulder-filled field. It has been slowly washing away the rocks and digging a deeper channel. Above boulders is another layer of gray sand and smaller rocks. These were deposited during a large flood at some point in the past. Above this is yet another layer of red soil and more rocks, though many of these are not rounded nor exhibit as much evidence of having been tumbled in the water.

 

The same layers are visible just below the confluence with Deer Creek. The boulder layer is at river level while the gray and red layers are stacked above the water. Note that just above the rapids on the left, there are some larger boulders embedded in the soil.

 

From a prominent vista point above the confluence, the layers are more obvious. The river flows through the large boulder field. The gray layer stretches out just above the water and the higher cliffs are composed of red soil.

 

The best place to look at these layers up close is on the spit of land that lies between Deer Creek and the Sacramento. It is possible to climb up to the base of a massive cut bank and examine the rocks. Upon closer investigation one finds that the rocks are very loosely packed into the sand. They are easily removed from the aggregate layer. These rocks were washed down in a large flood and settled into the sandy deposits left behind. At a later date the red layer was deposited on top of this. I have no idea if any of these layers are a product of melting glaciers or if they were all flash floods of immense proportion at some time in the past.

 

Interestingly, these layers extend a short distance up Deer Creek as well. Not far upstream from the confluence, the creek flows through a small gorge it has carved through a sandy bedrock layer. Above that is the multi-colored rocks and then the red layer. Strangely, it almost appears as though the boulder layer and the gray layer have been reversed.

Back at the Sacramento, the process of flooding and erosion continue to shape the river’s passage. Over the last decade the river has widened it channel considerably at the confluence with Deer Creek. In June of 2011 I visited the spot and observed the massive amount of runoff from hot weather and an exceptionally deep snow pack. The river was split into 5 large channels, each of which would currently be considered the river’s full flow in its main channel. When I visited this year, I noticed for the first time that the (current) main channel was much wider and a number of trees have been washed away.

The arrows mark trees that are present in both pictures. Note the base of the dead ponderosa is adjacent to the river now but was set back quite a ways from the channel in 2011.

Note that in addition to the channel being wider and many of the trees washed away, the large ponderosa has died. I am not sure if the tree drowned or the impact of rocks washing downstream damaged its roots or if some other explanation explains its demise. It remains an intriguing landmark from which to measure the growth of the river’s channel.

This section of the Sacramento is my favorite part of the entire river. The cement formations and their corresponding layers never cease to amaze me and I love investigating the ever-changing terrain. It shocks me that there are no trails in this beautiful area, though that is not necessarily a bad thing. Nonetheless, it remains an area that warrants more exploration and offers great rewards to those who take the time to venture just a short way off the beaten path.

The Wild Sacramento River – A Great Place For Winter Scrambling

Posted by bubbasuess on February 29, 2020
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Rivers, Trinity Divide. Leave a comment

Winter view of Mount Eddy from the Sacramento River.

This winter started off with a few great snow storms and that was sustained right through January. However, February dried up and the temperatures went up and what looked like a promising winter has ended up not fulfilling its auspiciousness. While this may present challenges down the road (I don’t think drought is a concern but fire is the primary risk at this point), there is little we can do about it but enjoy the positive side of the mild weather we have been enjoying. While the high country trails are still buried in snow, the lower elevation trails are still open. They are all beautiful, feature interesting geology and are all worthy hikes. What they all lack, however, is a sense of wildness that is found on most of the trails in the high country. That, more than anything else, is the great lack of the winter hiking experience in the Mount Shasta area. There are, however, a few places to find even this most primal attribute. I think my most favorite of these is along the upper Sacramento River, upstream from Lake Siskiyou. Here the river runs wild, the world seems far off and an air of wilderness is pervasive. It is one of my favorite places withing quick striking distance of town.

I have taken my family there a few times in the past couple weeks and we have all enjoyed scrambling on the rocks, enjoying the river and exploring the wild stretches of forest. In all the trips we have taken, only one encounter with other hikers has been had. This really is a premier place to play outside and enjoy one of the region’s less-appreciated destinations.

The wild part of the Sacramento River begins high in the Trinity Divide, rising as three forks that originate from beautiful alpine lakes and expansive, lush meadows. The three forks course energetically through deep canyons before combining into the main stem of the Sacramento, just upstream from the Box Canyon Dam and Lake Siskiyou. When the forks emerge from their canyons, the river flows through a broad valley with ridges lower than the ones that line the headwater canyons. Here the river’s flood plain widens significantly, revealing a vast field of multi-colored river rock. The river charges through the rocky way, pouring over, through and around the rocks that litter its path. Here the Sacramento’s essential character is kinetic and the river manages to at once refresh and energize visitors.

Plenty of rocks to scramble on.

Plenty of rocks to scramble on.

I grew up visiting Yosemite many times per year, for extended periods of time. Since the 1960’s, my family had been staying in the park’s Housekeeping Camp, an extension of famed Camp Curry, where cabins were constructed of concrete walls, canvas roofs and wooden plank fences. The camp is situated on a bend in the Merced River and many of the cabins are located right next to the river. Nowadays much of the riverfront area is fenced off and restoration efforts have allowed the banks to revegitate. This was not the case when I was a kid and the longest stretch of Housekeeping’s riverfront was several hundred yards of large boulders that functioned as riprap near the cabins. As a child, my brother and I would charge up and down the length of this section of river, jumping from one large boulder to the next as fast as possible. This was the earliest memory I have of loving to scramble on rocks and over granite. I still love to do this and it is for this reason that the newly formed Sacramento, just downstream from the confluence of the South and Middle Forks is a place that I am particularly fond of. It is here that I am able to indulge once again in the pleasure of scrambling over stones in the presence of a beautiful river.

Between the confluence of the South and Middle Forks and the inlet into Lake Siskiyou, it is possible to find many spots with plenty of opportunities to enjoy scrambling on the rocks. Nearer to the confluence, the river channel is narrower but there are still plenty of huge rocks to enjoy and small swimming holes to cool off in. Further downstream, as the Sacramento approaches the North Fork, the channel widens and the river rock consists of vast, unbroken fields of boulders, cut by the churning water of the river. Enjoying the beautiful, multi-colored rocks and the lovely river is made all the easier by the presence of Mount Shasta, visible beyond the river in many places.

SacScram

It is easy to pick a spot from which to enjoy the river. Almost anywhere on South Fork Road, once it has crossed into the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, will offer access to a good spot next to the water. Some spots closer to Lake Siskiyou have cliffs on the south side, so getting down to the river can be a bit challenging but most of the area where the road and river run parallel has an easy approach to the water. Many spots on the river have unofficial campsites, where it is possible to pitch a tent just above the water or only a stones through away. A couple of these sites are even blessed with incredible views of Mount Shasta, its mighty cone towering above the river.

There are no trails along this section of the Sacramento River and scrambling over the rocks is the only way to enjoy the raucous beauty. However, scrambling over rocks next to a beautiful river is one of the great joys of being in the mountains and the Sacramento River has one of the best scrambling areas around. It is a special place, whether you are bringing kids who are sure to have fun climbing on the rocks or you are in search of a place conducive to great contemplation. Whatever the reason, just be sure to visit the Sacramento and enjoy one of the great treats of the Mount Shasta area.

Click to enlarge:

A Mount Shasta Reader – 2019

Posted by bubbasuess on May 25, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Glaciers, Hiking, Klamath Mountains, Mount Shasta, Mount Shasta History, Peaks, Rivers, Trinity Divide. 3 Comments

Sunrise on 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.

Another article examines the fossil remains of Mount Shasta’s medial moraine. The Hotlum Glacier once advanced several miles further than it does now, producing a medial moraine, the only one known to have existed in California.

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.

Waterfalls

The Mount Shasta area has a number of fantastic waterfalls. This generally fit into two categories. The first are those that are found in the lowlands around Mount Shasta. Some of these are along the McCloud and Sacramento Rivers, a few others are in the mountains to the west of Mount Shasta. None are particularly high in elevation except Wagon Creek Falls. The river waterfalls flow all year so can be viewed whenever they are accessible. Those a little higher up are best in spring. The other category of waterfalls are those found on Mount Shasta. These are all harder to get to due to rugged access roads and terrain and, in some cases, lack of trails leading to them. Whitney Falls is the easiest to get to but its flow can be fickle. Ash Creek Falls may be the most beautiful of the bunch.

See the gallery of Mount Shasta Area Waterfalls.

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.

Fall Color

The Mount Shasta area is not well known for having great fall color. However the area does have some spots where the autumnal foliage can be pretty intense. This is due, in large measure to oak trees and the many trees that line riparian areas. Hiking along the Sacramento River, the McCloud River and Squaw Valley Creek are all places that are good bets to see some great collections of trees turning shades of red and gold. Aside from these areas, look for places with lots of oaks or willows to catch some of fall’s excellent spectacle. For those hungry for aspens, there are a few places to catch them, especially north of Mills Meadow and also a massive grove located near Tennant.

Click here for a sample of some of the area’s fall color.

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:

Hiking Conditions

This past winter brought a much deeper snowpack than normal. Consequently, many of the trails that could be hiked this time of year are still buried in snow. While some higher elevations are starting to open up, especially around Castle Lake, for the most part, the spring trails are going to be the best bets for good conditions.

Read about those here.

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!

 

Mount Shasta Springtime Waterfall Round Up

Posted by bubbasuess on April 21, 2019
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Rivers, Trinity Divide, Waterfalls. 2 Comments

A spring waterfall somewhere in the Shasta Valley.

Since I posted my collection of Mount Shasta area waterfalls, I have received a few questions about which ones, exactly, are best right now. Given that there is a fairly clear delineation between spring and summer waterfalls in Mount Shasta due to the great differences in elevation and watersheds, I figured it might be helpful to do a post on which ones are accessible right now. It may be worthwhile to do a post latter this summer of the waterfalls found at higher elevations too.

Nearly all the accessible waterfalls this time of year are going to be found in the Castle Crags or near the McCloud and Sacramento Rivers. This makes them accessible via paved roads without particularly long hikes. The falls in the Crags require the most involved hikes of the lot, though neither of these hikes are hard.

Root Creek Falls is perhaps my favorite springtime waterfall. Nowhere else in the Mount Shasta area gives one the feel of Yosemite like the falls viewpoint. With granite cliffs, the soaring spire of Castle Dome and the multi-tiered plunges of the waterfall, it feels like sitting near the base of Snow Creek Falls in Tenaya Canyon. The Root Creek Trail can be accessed via the Soda Creek PCT trailhead or the Castle Dome trailhead.

While Burstarse Falls is the obvious highlight of this part of the Castle Crags, getting there requires hiking past the lower falls and a pleasing succession of small waterfalls and cascades. Hours could be spent exploring and enjoying these memorable springtime cataracts. Burstarse Creek is easily accessed via a nice hike along the PCT.

Faery Falls is a fantastic sight on Ney Springs Creek. Though having perennial flow, it is a furious torrent in the spring. The spring thaw elevates it from a pleasant little waterfall to a grand spectacle. The water pours through a narrow gap in the cliffs and then fans out over a 40 cliff. Easily reached by a short hike that passes through the ruins of the Ney Springs Resort.

 

Hedge Creek Falls is a classic, easy-to-reach little waterfall right at the edge of the town of Dunsmuir. The most interesting feature of the waterfall is the columnar basalt over which it flows and the cave that lies behind it. In the not too distant future this short hike will just be the beginning of the trail to nearby Mossbrae Falls. This latter waterfall has no legal access at this time but a trail will hopefully be completed this fall. Get ready for this to be the most popular trail in the Mount Shasta area!

Located in the eponymously named community just south of Castella, this small waterfall is easy to access and worth a stop while hunting for waterfalls in the Mount Shasta area. It has a very short path leading right to the base.

Not a particularly large waterfall, the cataract along Squaw Valley Creek still makes a worthwhile hike along the gorgeous creekside trail. This is not usually considered among the waterfalls in the area but ought to be. It is not flowing over boulders but a sharp precipice in the bedrock.

Upper, Middle and Lower McCloud Falls need no introduction. They are the premier waterfalls in the Mount Shasta area. While these obviously flow all year, spring is a great time to see them at the height of their power. Right now the road to the lower falls is clear of snow and the trail is open to the other two. With the warm weather, all road access will be open soon.

For those willing to get out and explore, there are a lot of other great, lesser known waterfalls accessible now. Many are in the Castle Crags, though there are some others scattered around the area. As the weather warms up, get ready to head out explore these natural riches!

Checking In On The Rivers And The Mountain During The Storm

Posted by bubbasuess on November 29, 2018
Posted in: Cascade Range, Hiking, Mount Shasta, Rivers. Tagged: , . 2 Comments

An evening break in the storm reveals a snowy Mount Shasta. 

It has been precipitating off and on for nearly a week now. This prompted me to get out and check up on the state of the rivers, the snow on Mount Shasta and other results from the storms. Though the water level in the rivers has definitely increased, I was surprised by the lack of a significant torrent. With daily precipitation in the forecast, which includes a lot of snow higher up, I imagine the volume of the river will increase once the ground gets really saturated and more water is forced to run off during heavy rains. For now though, I am glad to see the rivers fuller and the mountains whiter. After a long dry spell that spelled the doom of Paradise and severely damaged other communities, it is reassuring to see the wet, fire-preventing precipitation arrive in a sustained way.

Below is a gallery of images showing the conditions at the Sacramento River, the Shasta River and from afar on Mount Shasta. Things are definitely moving int he right direction. Now we just want more snow!

Click to enlarge:

Overall, things are looking pretty good. Now is a great time to take a hike along one of the trails that follows a creek or river.

A Mount Shasta Reader

Posted by bubbasuess on September 22, 2018
Posted in: Cascade Range, Glaciers, Hiking, Klamath Mountains, Mount Shasta, Peaks, Rivers, Trinity Divide. 3 Comments

Blooming rabbitbrush is a colorful foreground to Mount Shasta and 3 of its massive glaciers.

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.

Another article examines the fossil remains of Mount Shasta’s medial moraine. The Hotlum Glacier once advanced several miles further than it does now, producing a medial moraine, the only one known to have existed in California.

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.

Waterfalls

The Mount Shasta area has a number of fantastic waterfalls. This generally fit into two categories. The first are those that are found in the lowlands around Mount Shasta. Some of these are along the McCloud and Sacramento Rivers, a few others are in the mountains to the west of Mount Shasta. None are particularly high in elevation except Wagon Creek Falls. The river waterfalls flow all year so can be viewed whenever they are accessible. Those a little higher up are best in spring. The other category of waterfalls are those found on Mount Shasta. These are all harder to get to due to rugged access roads and terrain and, in some cases, lack of trails leading to them. Whitney Falls is the easiest to get to but its flow can be fickle. Ash Creek Falls may be the most beautiful of the bunch.

See the gallery of Mount Shasta Area Waterfalls.

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.

Fall Color

The Mount Shasta area is not well known for having great fall color. However the area does have some spots where the autumnal foliage can be pretty intense. This is due, in large measure to oak trees and the many trees that line riparian areas. Hiking along the Sacramento River, the McCloud River and Squaw Valley Creek are all places that are good bets to see some great collections of trees turning shades of red and gold. Aside from these areas, look for places with lots of oaks or willows to catch some of fall’s excellent spectacle. For those hungry for aspens, there are a few places to catch them, especially north of Mills Meadow and also a massive grove located near Tennant.

Click here for a sample of some of the area’s fall color.

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!