If you find peace in mellow strolls through temperate forests and lush meadows or extended pack trips to high alpine lakes, northern california and southern oregon has an abundance of marked trails and rugged mountainous back country.  

One of the greatest trails of all the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) extends from Canada to Mexico, traversing the Cascade mountains of Washington, Oregon and Northern California then continues on across the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of California. The PCT runs right through the center of northern California and southern Oregon and can be accessed at many points in this area. If you were to hike the entire PCT from Canada to Mexico you would cover approximately 2600 miles but sections of the trail can be hiked covering as much distance as desired. The PCT in Southern Oregon winds its way down through the Cascade Mountain Range passing along the rim of Creator Lake then crosses Interstate 5 on Siskiyou Summit and passing by Pilot Rock. It continues on through the Marble Mountains, Past Mount Eddie the highest point in Trinity County then drops down amongst the towering spires of Castle Crags . Just past Castle Crags State Park the PCT crosses Interstate 5 once again and makes it way to Lassen Volcanic National Park .

More information on hiking trails and backcountry usage .  

Guide Services 

Shasta Mountain Guides -  Mt. Shasta's only local guide service, is glad to announce its 16th season of climbs and activities on and around Mt. Shasta. We at SMG love these mountains and are dedicated to sharing a quality experience with you. As guides and leaders, we consider ourselves equal and active participants with you, willing to share our experience, knowledge, humor, and skills.   We offer a wide variety of mountaineering, special women's trips,  rockclimbing and skiing.  Please visit our web site for schedules and complete trip information. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | Phone: 530-926-3117

Climbing Information, Equipment Sales and Rentals

The Fifth Season -  Rent a bike at the Fifth Season.  The Fifth Season is headquarters for skiers, climbers, and snowboarders. As a North Face demo store, we offer a complete selection of the finest mountaineering and ski gear as well as the most current rental and demo equipment for Mt. Shasta adventures. Located in Mt. Shasta City. (530) 926-3606

Shasta Base Camp -  The core of mountain culture and the beginning of every adventure... Shasta Base Camp a mountaineering, and backcountry supply shop located one Chestnet St. in Mount Shasta. Information available on backcountry locations and conditions on Mount Shasta and in Siskiyou County. Location: 316 Chestnut Street, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067 | Phone: 530-926-2359

Guide Books

Climbing Mt. Shasta -  by author Steve Lewis. More Than a Guide Book! this book is the only written resource you'll need to help you prepare for a 14,162 ft. ascent on the second highest volcano in the United States. Also, resourceful information on mountaineering, hiking and backpacking; prepares you for your climb from the trailhead to the mystical volcano's summit. And, read about Shasta's history, wildflowers, wildlife and legends.

The Mt. Shasta Book - by Andy Selters & Michael Zanger.   Here finally is a comprehensive guidebook to Mt. Shasta,the crown jewel of California's mountains. Mt. Shasta, an immense mountain mass soaring to over 11,000 feet above its surroundings, has long been a mecca for mountaineers, skiers, hikers, spiritualists and people inspired by great mountains. On 14,162-foot Mt. Shasta's lower slopes, hikers and nordic skiers find walks and tours among gothic forests and subalpine meadows, trips to finish in an hour or two or to last a week. On Shasta's upper slopes, climbers and ski mountaineers find routes from moderate to severe, many including travel on the largest glaciers in California. For skiers, the book reveals quiet forest routes and divulges some of the little-known powder pockets. For climbers, the book describes virtually every route on the mountain, telling for each route what to look out for and helping the prospective climber decide which route he or she is ready to try.

Additional Listings

• Alpine Skills International - 11400 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161 - Phone: 530.582.9170.
• Sierra Wilderness Seminars - 1-888-797-6867.
• Shasta Vortex Adventures - 400 Chestnut Street, Mt. Shasta CA 96067 Phone: 530-926-4326.