There is no need to venture outside of California to experience natural wonders like glaciers and alpine valleys. You might say Mount Shasta and the surrounding wilderness areas are a miniature Glacier National Park in Northern California. Mount Shasta is home to the second-largest glacier in the state. In fact, there are seven glaciers on Mount Shasta. And just like Glacier National Park in Montana, the valleys around Mount Shasta are verdant green and full of life -– perfect for hiking.
The Whitney Glacier is the longest glacier in California. Located on the north side of the mountain, it starts at 13,700 feet altitude and flows down to about 9,500 feet.
Expert mountaineers familiar with navigating over crevasses can climb the Whitney Glacier. However, you can hike just a portion of this trail to see the glacier up close.
Whether you want to get up close to the glacier or summit Mount Shasta, hike the Hotlum Bolam Ridge Route. This 12.7-mile out-and-back trail takes climbers through a ridge between two glaciers.
If you plan to hike the entire trail, you’ll need hiking shoes with good traction, as well as climbing gear. Don’t hike this entire trail unless you have experience climbing over ice since there are some crevasses. But if you just want a good look at the glaciers, you’ll enjoy hiking a portion of this mountain trail.
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In addition to the trail to Mount Shasta’s famous glacier, there are many other hiking trails in the area.
On the south side of the mountain is the beautiful Panther Meadow, which can be viewed from the Panther Meadow Trail. It is an easy 1.1-mile out-and-back hike. This gorgeous alpine meadow is lush and green in the warmer months, with trickling streams, wildflowers, and the sounds of birds chirping.
The Lake Siskiyou Trail is an easy and flat 7.3-mile trail that goes around this crystal blue lake. Located a short drive from Mount Shasta, you’ll want to add this hike to your itinerary if you plan on staying in the area for more than a day.
Mount Shasta is the name of a mountain as well as one of the nearby towns.
When you’re visiting the mountain, the towns of Mount Shasta, Dunsmuir, and McCloud are good places to stay. These quaint and welcoming Northern California towns have a lot of quality restaurants as well as hotels and cozy inns.
Take an hour's drive west from Mount Shasta to hike the Toad Lake Trail. This scenic drive on a winding mountain road will expose you to an area of California that is rarely explored.
The small Toad Lake and the trail is at the base of Mount Eddy, a lesser-known mountain in Northern California. The 1.6-mile out-and-back trail takes about 45 minutes to complete. If you’re looking for a longer hike, continue on the Toad Lake Trail as it rounds the lake and meanders south to the even smaller Porcupine Lake.
Mount Shasta and the surrounding area is a beautiful place to explore year-round. From its picturesque lakes to its stunning mountain peaks to its charming towns, this area of the state remains quiet and calm. If you’re desiring a vacation to somewhere mountainous and green, visit California’s miniature Glacier National Park to experience some incredible natural wonders.
Have you seen the Whitney Glacier?
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