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Free Traveling Guides » States » California » Northern California
Mount Shasta
Situated at an elevation of 14,179 feet (4,322 m) above sea level, Mount Shasta is the fifth highest peak in California. Located in Siskiyou County, this magnificent peak is an integral part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, the second highest peak in the Cascade Range.
The existence of Mount Shasta was first reported by Peter Skene Ogden in 1826. Considered the most voluminous stratovolcano in the Cascades, Mount Shasta is one of the leading tourist destinations in the United States and has been bestowed with unique geological features. The mountain consists of four volcanic cones that are overlapping. Mount Shasta is known to have seven glaciers. Out of these, Whitney, Bolam, Hotlum and Wintum are the largest ones, and are located on the northern and eastern sides. Located on the southern side are the remaining smaller glaciers which include Watkins, Konwakiton and Mud Creek.
Conquering Mount Shasta has always been a treat for adventure lovers. The most popular route on the volcano is the John Muir Route or Avalanche Gulch, which is the largest glacial valley on the volcano. The most favorable season for climbing Mount Shasta is during the summer season, which begins from late April and continues until October. However, climbing expeditions are also carried out during winter months. The popular routes during this season are the Sergeant’s Ridge and Casaval Ridge located on the eastern and western sides of Avalanche Gulch respectively.
Another popular adventure sport on Mount Shasta is backcountry skiing.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Mount Shasta is a dormant volcano which could erupt at any time in the coming years. The last volcanic eruption on Mount Shasta occurred some 200 years ago, releasing huge amounts of volcanic ash, pyroclastic flows and andesite lava.
Human habitation in this region is known to have existed since 7,000 years ago. The surroundings of the volcano are inhabited by Native Americans, who are known to follow various religions ranging from Buddhism to Christianity.
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