Mount Shasta peak
Mount Shasta rises to 14,162 ft in Pacific-Ranges 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 Pacific-Ranges 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Stouts Meadow Goes | 60 in | → |
| Nohrsc Slate Creek | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Peterson Flat | 90 in | → |
| Nohrsc Scott Mountain | 0 in | → |
| Highlands Lakes | 22 in | → |
| Sand Flat | 1 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Clear C Nr Igo Ca | 217 cfs | → |
| Sacramento R A Keswick Ca | 9,910 cfs | → |
| Trinity R A Lewiston Ca | 1,010 cfs | → |
| Rush C Nr Lewiston Ca | 14 cfs | → |
| Cow C Nr Millville Ca | 203 cfs | → |
| Anderson-Cottonwood Id Cn At Sharon St Redding Ca | 257 cfs | → |
| Grass Valley C Nr Lewiston Ca | 18 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
Set up an alert
Custom alerts are configured in the Snoflo iOS app. Open the app, navigate to this peak, and tap the bell icon to set thresholds for snowfall, temperature, or wind.