“When I first caught sight of it over the braided folds of the Sacramento Valley, I was fifty miles away and afoot, alone and weary. Yet all my blood turned to wine, and I have not been weary since.” That’s how famed nineteenth-century naturalist John Muir described Mount Shasta’s intoxicating effect on him in 1874.

Muir wasn’t the only one who claimed that Mount Shasta is one of the world’s most beautiful mountains. When viewed from the north rising above the landscape around it, Shasta resembles Japan’s Mt Fuji.

Mount Shasta is not only lauded for its beauty but is also recognized as the largest volcanic peak in the contiguous United States. Towering at a top elevation of 14,162 feet (4,317 meters or 2.7 miles), it boasts one of the highest base-to-summit rises in the world, just slightly shorter than Mount Whitney’s 14,505 feet, which is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States.

What to See

You can choose to admire Mount Shasta from a distance, or you might opt to climb it. If you’re in the area, you’ll discover an abundance of activities available.

To enjoy the postcard-worthy view of Mount Shasta, which some compare to Japan’s Mount Fuji: drive north on I-5 to Weed and then continue north on US Hwy 97. From this vantage point, Mount Shasta appears almost solitary, with the glaciers on its north side glimmering in the sunlight. This explains why early Californian Joaquin Miller described it as: “Lonely as God and white as a winter moon.”

Reasons to Visit

• If you’re nearby, you can’t overlook Mount Shasta. Many visitors comment online regarding its stunning beauty, which may be reason enough to visit.
• For a closer view, drive to the end of the 15-mile paved road from Mount Shasta City. Bring binoculars to observe the white patches on top, which are glaciers. Toward the west, you might also see the Castle Crags in the distance.
• A captivating challenge awaits those who wish to climb it. From the road’s end, there is a vertical climb of more than a mile to the peak, demanding proper equipment and preparation.
• In winter, skiing is available at Mt Shasta Ski Park.
• Many online reviewers also share the spiritual aspects of the mountain, attributing it with especially positive energy.

Reasons to Skip

If you are not interested in camping near Mt. Shasta, climbing, or hiking, there may be limited activities beyond merely gazing at it.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring binoculars to enhance your viewing experience.
• Plan your visit on a sunny day if possible.
• Be mindful that the road from town may close due to snow.

Fascinating History

Native Americans regard Mount Shasta as the Great Spirit’s wigwam, claiming he created the mountain first among all.

The old-growth incense cedar forests that once blanketed Mount Shasta vanished due to their popularity. Remarkably, as recent as the 1970s, half of the world’s wooden pencils were crafted from it.

People began climbing Mount Shasta in 1854. In the late 1860s, male climbers adorned coats while women climbed in full skirts. Although styles have changed, the allure of reaching the summit continues.

John Muir had a deep appreciation for Mount Shasta. His 1877 account of climbing it could provide you with further insights.

What You Need to Know

Mount Shasta is approximately 200 miles north of Sacramento. To arrive via highway, exit I-5 at Lake Street in Mount Shasta City, then follow Lake Street eastward to Everitt Memorial Highway. During summer, you can drive all the way to the end of the road, reaching an elevation of about 7,900 feet.