What are the most popular attractions in the area and can you drive up higher on the mountain?
Mount Shasta is the most popular attraction. You can view the mountain best by taking the “scenic drive” which is 14 miles long and takes about 30 minutes driving time each way. From the Visitors Bureau, go east on Lake St.; pass the traffic light and continue several blocks where the road curves to the left becoming Everitt Memorial Highway. Continue on Everitt Memorial Highway for 12 miles where you will come to the Bunny Flat parking area and if the road has been cleared of snow, drive another 2 miles to the Old Ski Bowl parking area. The views are outstanding and you will see nature in its grandest.
McCloud Waterfalls, Headwaters of the Sacramento River and Castle Lake are the other popular attractions which are described below.
How do I get to McCloud Waterfalls?
From the Visitors Bureau, go west on Lake St. to I-5 south towards Dunsmuir. Take the Hwy. 89 exit towards McCloud; drive past the town of McCloud and continue 5.5 miles to the “Fowler’s Campground Lower Falls” sign and turn right. The parking area at Lower Falls is 1 mile. You can hike to the Middle Falls and back to the parking area in about 1.5 hours, and hike to the Upper Falls and back to the parking area in about 3 hours. If you don’t wish to hike, you can drive to see the Middle and Upper Falls from the viewing areas off of the campground road which is located about ¼ mile before the parking area.
How do I get to the Headwaters of the Sacramento River?
From the Visitors Bureau, go east on Lake St. to the traffic light at Mt. Shasta Blvd. Go left and continue approximately 1 mile until you see the Mt. Shasta Animal Hospital sign on the right. Turn left at the next street which is Nixon Rd. and then turn right into the Mt. Shasta City Park. The Headwaters is located straight ahead where you will find parking. The water coming from the spring is safe to drink. Enjoy!
How do I get to Castle Lake?
From the Visitors Bureau, go west on Lake St. and cross over I-5. You will come to a stop sign at the intersection of Old Stage Rd. which is in front of the Fish Hatchery & Sisson Museum. Turn left onto Old Stage Rd,. In ¼ mile the road will fork. Stay to the right onto W.A. Barr Rd. and continue past the Mount Shasta Resort golf course, cross over the Box Canyon Dam and turn left onto Castle Lake Rd. which is ¼ mile from the dam bridge. Continue on this road for 7 miles and you will arrive at Castle Lake. In the winter the lake may freeze over. Use caution and check that the ice is solid before venturing out onto it.
Where are the Sacred Sites?
The “Mt. Shasta Sacred Sites Guidebook”, available at the Visitors Bureau or several other retail locations in Mt. Shasta for $4.95 is the best resource for information on 13 sites considered to have special energy.
Where are the Camping areas?
See this page for camping information or stop by the Visitors Bureau for our Camping handout which lists the local private and US Forest Service campgrounds.
Where are the best fishing areas?
World-class trout fishing has made our area a favorite destination for fishermen. This page gives detailed information on the lakes and rivers that offer the best fishing. You can also get a free Fishing Guide from the Visitors Bureau.
What are some of the best places to take a picture of Mount Shasta?
Avery popular spot to get a great shot of the mountain is from the beach at the Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort. If the lighting is just right, you can also get a pretty reflection of the mountain in the water. Castle Lake Road has a few areas on the east side where you can pull off the road to get a wonderful shot of Mount Shasta with the city beneath it. For a different view of the mountain take I-5 north to the Weed Airport Rd. or stop at the rest area nearby. If you take the scenic drive up Mount Shasta there are many beautiful photo opportunities from the Bunny Flat and Old Ski Bowl parking areas.
