Introduction to Mount Shasta, CA Mount Shasta City

Roughly sixty miles north of Redding, a scenic road branches off I-5 to the tiny town that describes itself as "the best kept secret in California": MOUNT SHASTA CITY, hard under the enormous bulk of the 14,162ft Mount Shasta. Still considered active despite not having erupted for two hundred years, this lone peak dominates the landscape for a hundred miles around, and its "energies" attract New Agers by the score. If you want to climb to the summit (10hr; crampons and ice axe needed most of the year), or simply to explore the flanks of the mountain along the many trails, you must obtain a free permit from the ranger district office, 204 W Alma St (April–Oct Mon–Sat 8am–4.30pm; rest of year Mon–Fri 8am–4.30pm; tel 530/926-4511), or you can self-issue one at the main trailheads.

Greyhound buses on the Redding–Oregon run stop on N Mount Shasta Boulevard, a couple of blocks from the Chamber of Commerce, 300 Pine St (summer daily 9am–5pm, in winter daily 10am–4pm; tel 530/926-4865 or 1-800/397-1519, www.mtshastachamber.com). There's budget accommodation at the excellent Alpenrose Cottage Guest House, 204 E Hinkley St (tel 530/926-6724, www.hostels.com/alpenrose; up to $75), and the Best Western Tree House Motor Inn, 111 Morgan Way (tel 1-800/545-7164 or 530/926-3101; $75–100/$100–130). Nicer still, the McCloud Hotel Bed & Breakfast, 408 Main St, McCloud (tel 1-800/964-2823 or 530/964-2822), has rooms with Jacuzzis ($130–160/$160–200) and without ($75–100/$100–130). Lake Siskiyou Campground (tel 530/926-2618) is four miles west of town.

Some of the town's best food can be found at Lily's, 1013 S Mount Shasta Blvd (tel 530/926-3372), which serves Mexican fare, prime rib and, surprisingly, a wide range of vegetarian dishes, and big Sunday brunches. For Italian and cocktails, head for Mike and Tony's, 501 S Mount Shasta Blvd (tel 530/926-4792). Breakfast, or bagels anytime, can be found at the New Agey Bagel Café and Bakery, 315 N Mount Shasta Blvd (tel 530/926-1414).

Information by Rough Guides

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