Mount Shasta peak
Mount Shasta rises to 14,162 ft in Cascade-Range within the Cascade Range range.
Standing at an elevation of 14,179 feet, it is the second highest peak in the Cascades and an iconic landmark in the region. With a base diameter of approximately 17 miles, Mount Shasta is a massive stratovolcano characterized by its symmetrical cone shape and multiple glaciers, including the Whitney Glacier, which is the longest in California.
During the winter season, Mount Shasta receives heavy snowfall, transforming it into a winter wonderland for mountaineering enthusiasts. The snowpack range varies each year, with an average accumulation of 300-500 inches (7.6-12.7 meters) on the higher slopes. This abundant snowpack provides excellent opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Several creeks and rivers are nourished by the mountain's runoff, including the McCloud River, the Sacramento River, and the Shasta River. These water sources not only contribute to the region's biodiversity but also offer various recreational activities such as fishing and whitewater rafting.
The name "Shasta" has its roots in Native American legend and history. The Wintu people, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years, referred to the mountain as "Uytaahkoo" or "White Mountain." European settlers later named it "Shasta" after the Shasta people, a Native American tribe in the region. Mount Shasta has also gained mythical and spiritual significance over time, believed by some to be a sacred place or a gateway to other dimensions. Its allure has attracted numerous spiritual seekers, giving rise to tales of hidden cities, UFO sightings, and mystical experiences.
Overall, Mount Shasta offers a combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and intriguing legends, making it a popular destination for mountaineers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a transcendent experience.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Cascade-Range range.
Snowpack near Mount Shasta
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sand Flat | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Slate Creek | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Billie Creek Divide | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Scott Mountain | 0 in | → |
| Howard Prairie | 1 in | → |
| Stouts Meadow Goes | 86 in | → |
| Howard Prairie Dam | 1 in | → |
| Highlands Lakes | 21 in | → |
| Nohrsc Peterson Flat | 63 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Shasta
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek Blw Ashland Creek At Ashland | 43 cfs | → |
| North Canal At Highway 97 | 37 cfs | → |
| East Fork Ashland Creek Near Ashland | 4 cfs | → |
| Link River At Klamath Falls | 1,570 cfs | → |
| West Fork Ashland Creek Near Ashland | 5 cfs | → |
| Klamath River At Keno | 1,150 cfs | → |
| Klamath Straits Drain Near Worden | 1 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Mount Shasta
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Shasta.
Ski areas
Fishing
Get Mount Shasta on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
Scan to install Look for this on your home screen