My Mt. Shasta Road Trip: A Highway Hannah Adventure

Hey friends, it’s Hannah here! 🌻 You know me—I live for the open road, those stretches of highway that lead to places that feel bigger than life itself. On my latest adventure, I found myself in Northern California, staring up at the incredible snowcapped peak of Mt. Shasta.

Mt. Shasta, California

This mountain isn’t just tall (over 14,000 feet, if you’re counting)—it’s legendary. People come here for hiking, skiing, fishing, or just to feel its spiritual energy. I came for all of it: the trails, the lakes, the small towns, the waterfalls, and yes, even the quirky crystal shops. And let me tell you—this is a stop every road tripper needs on their list.

So buckle up, because I’m taking you through every spot you can’t miss around Mt. Shasta.

Meeting the Mountain

Driving toward Mt. Shasta is an experience in itself. One minute you’re cruising through pine forests, and then suddenly—bam—the mountain just appears on the horizon, towering above everything else. It’s one of those jaw-drop, pull-over-and-take-a-million-pictures moments.

The mountain has been sacred to Native American tribes for centuries, and today it’s also known as a spiritual vortex. Whether you believe in the mystical stuff or not, the energy here is real. I felt it the second I got close.

My Favorite Places Around Mt. Shasta

Mt. Shasta Resort

Lake Siskiyou

This was my first big stop, and wow—what a view. The lake is calm and reflective, with Mt. Shasta perfectly mirrored in the water. I walked the 7-mile trail around the lake, crossed those cool wagon-wheel style bridges, and stayed to watch the sunset. The sky turned pink, the mountain glowed, and I just sat there thinking, “This is why I travel.”

If you love being on the water, rent a paddleboard or kayak here in summer. It’s also a great camping spot if you want to wake up to mountain views.

Castle Lake and Heart Lake

Castle Lake feels like a hidden alpine treasure. It’s surrounded by granite cliffs, and in summer it’s great for swimming or just dipping your toes in the icy water. I took the hike up to Heart Lake, which is smaller but sits higher above Castle Lake. From there, you can see Mt. Shasta looming in the distance—it honestly looks like a postcard.

McCloud Falls

This was one of my favorite stops! The McCloud River has three waterfalls—Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls—and each one is stunning. I started at Lower Falls, which is the most accessible, then hiked the short trail connecting all three. The Middle Falls are wide and powerful, and by the time I reached Upper Falls, I was just in awe of how wild and untamed the river feels.

Bring a picnic—there are plenty of shady spots to relax.

Hedge Creek Falls

Sometimes the best stops are the quick ones. Hedge Creek Falls is just off I-5 near Dunsmuir, and it’s a short walk to a small waterfall. The best part? You can walk behind the falls. I felt like a kid again, laughing while the mist cooled me off.

Panther Meadow

If there’s one place around Mt. Shasta that feels sacred, it’s Panther Meadow. The Wintu tribe considers it holy ground, and you can feel why when you’re there. In summer, the meadow is alive with wildflowers and trickling streams. I just sat down in the grass, took a deep breath, and felt completely at peace.

Please be respectful here—stick to the trails and treat it with care.

Adventure Time: Hiking, Skiing & More

• Hiking: I tried a few trails, from the mellow Spring Hill Trail (great for a quick workout and view) to longer routes around the mountain. For hardcore adventurers, summiting Mt. Shasta is possible—but you’ll need gear and experience.

• Winter Fun: If you come in winter, head to the Mt. Shasta Ski Park. I’m not the world’s best skier, but the vibe was friendly, the runs weren’t overcrowded, and the views were unbeatable.

• Fishing: I met a couple of anglers at Lake Siskiyou who swore it was the best trout fishing in Northern California. Whether you fish or not, the rivers and lakes here are just gorgeous to sit by.

Exploring the Towns

Mount Shasta City

The town itself is adorable—cozy cafés, local restaurants, crystal shops, and friendly faces everywhere. I grabbed breakfast at Seven Suns Coffee & Café (get their breakfast burrito, trust me), wandered through metaphysical bookstores, and ended the day with craft beer at Pipeline Taps.

McCloud

McCloud feels like stepping back in time. Old buildings, cute inns, and easy access to the waterfalls. I stayed at the McCloud Hotel, which had such a vintage, welcoming vibe.

Dunsmuir

This railroad town stole my heart. It’s quiet, surrounded by trees, and right along the Sacramento River. I strolled through the Botanical Gardens, watched fly fishermen in the river, and grabbed dinner at a local diner that felt straight out of the 1950s.

Weed, California

Okay, I had to stop here. The town of Weed leans into its funny name—you can buy “I ❤️ Weed” souvenirs everywhere. But beyond the humor, it has great views of the mountain and a lot of logging history. Worth a quick stop!

The Mystical Side of Shasta

Alright, let’s talk about the spiritual side of this mountain. People say Shasta is home to hidden civilizations, UFO sightings, and portals to other dimensions. Do I believe all of that? Maybe not. But do I believe there’s something special about this place? 100% yes.

I joined a short meditation group at sunset in Panther Meadow, and it was beautiful. Even if you’re not into crystals and chakras, the stillness of this mountain can work its magic on you.

Where I Stayed

• Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort: camping right by the water—waking up to sunrise over the lake was unforgettable.

• Mount Shasta Resort: cute cabins, spa treatments, and a bit of luxury after long days on the trail.

• McCloud Hotel: a historic stay that made me feel like I was in a storybook town.

Best Times to Go

• Summer: Wildflowers, open trails, lake days.

• Fall: Quiet, colorful, and cozy.

• Winter: Skiing, snowshoeing, hot chocolate by the fire.

• Spring: Raging waterfalls and blooming meadows.

Honestly, there’s no bad time. It just depends on the vibe you’re chasing.

Mt. Shasta isn’t just a stop—it’s an experience. Between the lakes, waterfalls, mountain air, and charming little towns, it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

I gave myself three days here, and honestly? I could’ve stayed a week. Next time, I might.

So if you’re rolling down I-5, chasing adventure through Northern California, promise me you’ll stop at Mt. Shasta. Bring your hiking boots, your sense of wonder, and maybe an open mind—you never know what kind of magic this mountain will share with you.

Until the next adventure,💛 Hannah