Mount Shasta Road Trip: Uncover Mystical Legends And Outdoor Adventures

Mount Shasta isn’t just another weekend getaway, it’s an adventure steeped in mystery and natural beauty just waiting to be discovered by Bay Area explorers. Whether you’re drawn to its mythical legends, stunning landscapes, or the promise of a peaceful escape, Mount Shasta offers a unique experience that’s unlike anywhere else. So let’s head for the hills, and delve into the best of what Mount Shasta and its surrounding areas have to offer!

Mount Shasta: A Vortex of Secrets & Mystery

Mt Shasta is more than just a sleepy giant, towering high above Northern California’s untamed wilderness, it’s also a mountain shrouded in myth, mystery, and legends dating back to the region’s fiery beginnings!

As one story goes, a great spirit, Chief Skell, was sent from the heavens to Shasta’s mountaintop. There, a ferocious battle took place between Chief Skell and the spirit of the underworld, Llao, who reigned over Mount Mazama in Oregon. The eruption of the two volcanos was thought to be Chief Skell and Llao, lobbing fiery boulders at one another in the heat of war. Once Llao was defeated and Mount Mazama reduced to smoldering rubble, Skell sealed his victory by flooding the crater with liquid sapphire, trapping Llao in the underworld forever. Today, this lake is known as Crater Lake, Oregon.

Other legends are a bit more… obscure. Deep within Mount Shasta is said to lie Telos, the hidden city of the Lemurians—ancient, long white-haired people from the lost continent of Lemuria. Some claim to have spotted these celestial beings wandering the surface. There are others known as the Lizard People! These advanced reptilian humanoids supposedly inhabit the mountains’ underground lava tube network. Some believe these creatures possess advanced technology and may have a connection to ancient civilizations, or even extraterrestrials! And of course, no mysterious mountain would be complete without its own resident Bigfoot population. The local Modoc people call them “Matah Kagmi”, or “keepers of the woods.”

The list goes on and on, from U.F.O. and paranormal sightings to unexplained disappearances, and unexplainable energy disturbances. Without a doubt, Mount Shasta’s mysterious appeal attracts seekers of the extraordinary from around the globe, all hoping to unlock the mountain’s many secrets. So whether you’re drawn to discovering ancient civilizations, the allure of the unknown, or simply seeking a connection with Mother Nature, Mount Shasta is a place where reality and legend intertwine.

Mount Shasta City

Even if you’re not planning an overnight stay here, the City of Mount Shasta is well worth spending an afternoon exploring. Though this tiny mountain town only spans a few square blocks, it’s bursting with charm and packed with an abundance of restaurants, fancy boutiques, and even spiritual and crystal shops to check out.

During our brief visit in town, we received a crash course in meditative melodies in the Crystal Tones Singing Bowls shop, engaged in illuminating conversation in Heart Light, and enjoyed a succulent lamb burger and refreshing watermelon salad at Pipeline Craft Taps & Kitchen! – all within mere steps of each other!

And, as luck would have it, we arrived at the beginning of the town’s 4th of July parade and an Arts & Crafts festival, all with a stunning backdrop of Mt Shasta to add that final touch to the experience!

Going Up?

During lunch at Pipeline Craft Taps & Kitchen, our friendly waitress gave us simple and very specific directions to road A10 (or Everett Memorial Hwy) which leads up the mountain. So we gobbled up the remainder of our lunch and hit the road.

The drive up A10 was surprisingly smooth, stress-free, and a far cry from the winding roads we had expected. Along the way, we found several vista points where we could pull over to gaze upon the vastness of untouched wilderness below. By the way, the average drive time from town to the end of A10 is around 45 minutes, one way – without stops.

End of the Road

Bunny Flat trailhead and vista point, puts you at 6,800 ft above sea level, and about as far up as you can go before running out of paved road. At this point, you’re technically halfway up the mountain’s 14,178 ft peak. So if you want to go the extra 7,379 ft to the top, you’ll have to hoof-it from here on out. 

This was an extraordinary place where one truly feels they’re on top of the world, both literally and figuratively. The intense energy and sheer magnificence of the mountain towering before you create a completely immersive experience. Time seems to freeze, thoughts become still, and all that matters is the moment. Perhaps this is the indescribable feeling or ‘energy’ travelers claim to experience when visiting Mount Shasta. Maybe it’s something else entirely. One may never know for sure, but for us, it’s a sensation that is undeniably real.

Beyond Mount Shasta

Hedge Creek Falls

We were eager to explore more areas and still had plenty of daylight left to visit a few more spots. So we drove back down the mountain and off to our next stop, Hedge Creek Falls in the town of Dunsmuir. A quick 10-mile drive south on Highway 5 led us right to it—no parking lot “per say”, just an area on the side of the road where everyone else was parked.

A short 0.5-mile hike down the trail, and there you are! The Hedge Creek Falls are very popular with locals and tourists, so expect to be greeted by a lively crowd of fellow visitors splashing about and marveling at the natural wonder. 

The trail continues behind the Hedge Creek Falls, allowing you to stand beneath the water for some more great photo ops.

During our visit, a couple posed for wedding photos amidst the roaring falls and slippery rocks, in their Tux and Gown! How they managed that, we’ll never know.

On a hot day, it’s the perfect spot to cool off while dipping your feet in the crisp refreshing mountain water. And speaking of crisp and refreshing, at the trailhead, be sure to take a few slurps or fill up your water bottles with ice-cold natural spring water from the fountain next to the gazebo. It’s fed by underground springs flowing from Mt Shasta, and probably the best water you’ll ever taste!

TIP: There are no specific operating hours or entrance fees for Hedge Creek Falls or its trail. While dogs are welcome, please keep them leashed. Be cautious of poison oak along the trail. And to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, please observe all parking or any other regulations if posted.

Castle Crags State Park

Now running short on time, we were determined to get a glimpse of Castle Crags State Park before hitting the road towards home. Like Hedge Creek Falls, this park is conveniently located right off Hwy I-5. After passing through the park’s entrance, a short winding road led us to a small parking area with a small restroom structure (planning a bathroom break ahead is recommended).

From here, it’s just a 5 minute easy hike to a breathtaking vista point overlooking miles of wilderness, rugged peaks, the majestic Mt. Shasta, and Castle Crags. There are also some benches and mounted viewfinders if you want a closer look, or just sit, relax, and breathe it all in.

Our only regret is not doing our homework before visiting the park. Besides the 6,000 ft tall granite spires and spectacular views, the park also offers plenty of other activities to satisfy any inner outdoorsman. There are 76 campsites – each with fire pits, picnic tables, and even showers and actual flushing toilets near each site. 28 miles of hiking trails (including the famous Pacific Coast Trail, which runs from Mexico to Canada, and a wheelchair accessible one, leading to a vista point).

The Sacramento River flows through the park as well, providing plenty of picturesque picnic and day-use spots along its channel. And, Castle Crags State Park is legendary for its trout fishing. So, for all you anglers out there, be sure to bring your fishing gear when you visit! You’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t. Trust us on this.

Other Spots of Interest

There is still more to explore and see throughout the area. Along our route, was the town of McCloud and McLoud Falls (that we somehow drove right past), breathtaking Lassen Volcanic National Park, many accessible Ice Caves and Lava Tubes to explore, Castle Lake, Shasta Lake, Whiskeytown, and so much more.

We can guarantee that for our next Northern California outdoor adventure, we’ll be sure to include everything we missed, and probably discover new spots as well!

Practicalities

Throughout Mount Shasta and the surrounding area, there are many lodging options for any budget. Depending on your itinerary, you may want to book your hotels in separate towns along your route, vs using one hotel as your “home base”. For our last night, we wanted a head start on the drive home the following morning, so we drove an hour south to Corning to have dinner and catch some sleep for the night.

Cell service can be very unreliable throughout many areas of Mount Shasta, downloading maps or important info ahead of time is recommended. Also, we suggest packing a few basics for your trip. After all, it is mountain country, so you’ll want a good pair (or two) of hiking shoes to hike around in. Sunscreen, chapstick, and mosquito spray might also come in handy. And finally, when you pay to enter a State Park, keep the receipt! It’s good for other State Parks you might visit within the same day — but ask the attendant at the kiosk, just to be sure.

Conclusion

Our Mount Shasta road trip gave us the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery. From the mystical energy of Mount Shasta to the serene beauty of Hedge Creek Falls and Castle Crags, this trip had it all. Whether you’re in search of ancient secrets, breathtaking views, or just a break from the city, this Northern California destination won’t disappoint. We’re already planning our next visit — how about you?

For more road trips from the San Francisco Bay Area, check out our posts in the Local Discoveries section, like Point Reyes, Fort Ross, Paso Robles, and Solvang! You know we love hearing from you, so comment below and subscribe to our blog.