Mount Shasta is indiscriminate to whom she calls to her mysterious area of Northern California.
While most come to challenge Shasta’s summit or snap photos of her waterfalls, many spiritual seekers come for the area’s healing properties.
Still, others make the journey specifically for the snow-capped mountain views and the wild flower-studded meadows ripe for frolicking.
It doesn’t matter what you believe or where you go on the mountain, the energy is tangible everywhere.
Here is the only guide you need- the history, the mystery, and the lore, plus where to find the best views, hikes, and vibes at Mount Shasta, California.
(Actually, if you plan to hike, you might need one other guide: How to Pack for a Day Hike)
Where is Mount Shasta?
Mount Shasta is 60 miles north of Redding, 75 miles south of lovely Ashland, Oregon, 200 miles north of Sacramento, and 245 miles east of San Fransisco.
The closest airport is in Redding, but San Fransisco may be more cost-effective.
Also, note that the mountain shares its name with the nearby town of Mount Shasta.
Where to Stay Near Mount Shasta
Best budget hotel: Shasta Inn is the perfect choice for when you want to stay near the mountains but save $. This area has a few cheaper hotels, but they can be sketchy, while the Shasta Inn is clean and safe, so it’s worth the extra bucks.
Best value for money: Best Western Plus Tree House is the top choice for hotels near Mount Shasta because it’s pretty nice, has 2 restaurants and an indoor pool and hot tub, and is relatively inexpensive.
For a luxurious retreat: If you want to feel absolutely absorbed in the natural beauty of NorCal, book a room at Mount Shasta Resort. Some suites have a huge outdoor deck opening up to Lake Siskiyou.
Lore of the Mountain
Native Americans
The Native Americans of the area have always felt that this area of the Cascade Mountains was the center of the universe.
Mount Shasta covers the territories of the Shasta, Wintu, Achumawi, Atsugewi, and Modoc tribes. Many of them have always practiced (and still practice) their sacred ceremonies here.
The Ascended Masters
In the 1930s, Guy Ballard was exploring the mountainside when he encountered a mysterious figure who claimed to be an “ascended master.”
Ascended Masters are people who are believed to have already lived many lifetimes on this planet.
Later, Ballard would write about how this ascended master passed on his teachings and took him on a badass cosmic journey through space and time.
Ballard then started a religious movement called the I AM Activity — a mix of Christianity, philosophy, and nationalism (Ballard claimed to be George Washington reincarnated).
The US government would end up charging them for swindling their followers out of money, and the group mostly dissolved.
Aliens: Telos and The Lemurians
Before Atlantis, there was Lemuria, also located in the Northern Pacific Ocean.
Legend says that Lemuria and Atlantis went to war and sank their continents. The Lemurians hid in Mount Shasta, where they built their secret city, Telos, and have remained ever since.
Locals tell these stories from the 1940s:
- Lemurians were reported to be at the general store in town. They were described as being 7 feet tall and dressed in long white robes.
- Aliens paid for their purchases with gold. Rather than accept change, they disappeared.
- These days, some locals believe the saucer-shaped clouds that gather at the summit are actually camouflaged alien ships docking at Telos.
Earth’s Root Chakra
Pedestaled by forests and lakes, the mountain is known for its natural beauty and powerful spiritual presence.
There’s just something about this place.
The Earth’s Root (Sacral) chakra is said to be in Mount Shasta. The Root Chakra connects the energy of humanity to the energy of Mother Earth. This is also called grounding.
Regardless of spiritual beliefs or practices, anyone who visits the area will feel changed when they leave.
Whether that’s because they’ve been grounded by the Earth’s root chakra or alchemized by the sweat and grit needed to climb to the summit is up for you to decide.
Personally- I don’t know if I agree that this is the Earth’s Root Chakra.
I do know that I felt plugged into nature, most spiritually, especially at Faery Falls, where I spent several hours writing and reflecting.
Best View Points at Mount Shasta
- Lake Siskiyou. This lake is one of the most classic viewpoints of the mountain and is also one of the easiest to get to in good weather. Tip: For the best views from Lake Siskiyou, go to Cable Beach.
- Highway 97 View Mountain Point is on the side of the highway- use caution.
- Castle Lake Road, you’ll find many different spots on the east side where you can pull (safely) off to the side of the road and get shots of Mount Shasta with the city below it.
Top Things to See at Mount Shasta
- Lake Shasta Caverns National Landmark. Tucked away in the foothills of the mountain, 900 feet above Shasta Lake, you can explore underground caves and calcite formations.
- Waterfalls. This area of Northern California is known as the Waterfall Loop- catch Faery Falls, McCloud River Falls, and Hedge Creek Falls in this area!
- Lakes. Lake Siskiyou is the most famous lake in the area, but if you have time, I highly recommend Castle and/or Heart Lake. Both give artistic, symmetrical views of the mountain. You can take a two-mile round trip hike between the two lakes.
Frequently asked questions
How did Mount Shasta get its name?
The mountain is named after the Native Americans who lived in the area. The name Shasta means ‘teacher’ in the native language.
Do people live on Mount Shasta?
Although some believe Lemurians and even Lizard people inhabit Mount Shasta, there are no official records of anyone currently living on the mountain.
When did Mount Shasta last erupt?
The last confirmed eruption of Mount Shasta happened way back in 1786 and was observed by a French explorer from his ship.
Will Mount Shasta erupt again?
Well, yes. Shasta is an active volcano.
However, research indicates that the mountain erupts with at least one eruption occurring in short (500-2,000 years) time periods separated by long intervals (3-5 thousand years) of silence.
So basically, yes, Mount Shasta will erupt. However, it’s unlikely that it will occur in our lifetimes.
Can I drive to the summit of Mount Shasta?
In summer, when the snow has cleared, you can take a scenic drive up the Old Ski Bowl Trailhead to about 8,000 feet in elevation.
This beautiful drive is 14 miles long and takes an hour round trip.
Where can I camp at Mount Shasta?
Yes! There are a ton of camping options. One of the more popular options is Castle Crags, where you’ll find both premium views and premium hiking.
What are the best hiking trails at Mount Shasta?
Here are the top 3 most popular trails:
- Lake Siskiyou Trail
- Ney Springs and Fairy Falls
- Mount Shasta Via Avalanche Gulch Route
Are dogs allowed at Mount Shasta?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Mount Shasta- kind of. The Mount Shasta Wilderness and Sierra Club property are off-limits. Most other places, such as Castle Lake or Lake Siskiyou Trail, are dog-friendly.
Check in
Did you make the journey to Mount Shasta, and if so, did you have any mystical experiences? Do you have a question that wasn’t answered here? Let me know in the comments below 🙂
