Alabaster, Alabama is a suburban city located in Shelby County. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. The Cahaba River runs through the city, providing opportunities for fishing and kayaking. The water quality of the Cahaba River is monitored regularly by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, with frequent testing for hydrology constituents such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and bacteria levels. Other outdoor recreation opportunities in Alabaster include hiking trails at Buck Creek Trailhead and biking at the nearby Oak Mountain State Park.