Mount Shasta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Shasta |
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Aerial view of Mount Shasta from the southwest
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 14,179 ft (4,322 m) NAVD88 |
| Prominence | 9,772 ft (2,979 m) |
| Isolation | 335 mi (539 km) |
| Parent peak | North Palisade |
| Listing |
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| Geography | |
 Mount Shasta
Location in California
Mount Shasta
Location in the United States
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| Location | Shasta–Trinity National Forest, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Cascade Range |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Shasta |
| Geology | |
| Formed by | Subduction zone volcanism |
| Age of rock | About 593,000 years |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Volcanic arc | Cascade Volcanic Arc |
| Last eruption | 1250 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1854 by E. D. Pearce and party |
| Easiest route | Avalanche Gulch ("John Muir") route: talus/snow climb |
| Designated: | 1976 |
Mount Shasta is a giant, potentially active volcano located in northern California. It's part of the beautiful Cascade Range. Standing at 14,179 feet (4,322 meters) tall, it's one of the highest peaks in California. This amazing mountain is also the largest volcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc by how much rock it contains. The area around Mount Shasta is protected as part of the Shasta–Trinity National Forest.
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Discover Mount Shasta: California's Giant Volcano
Mount Shasta is a truly impressive sight. It rises sharply from the ground, looking like a giant pyramid. On clear days, you can see it from far away, even 140 miles (225 km) to the south! Many people, from writers to presidents, have been inspired by its beauty.
The Mountain's Unique Shape
Mount Shasta isn't just one peak. It's made up of four old, overlapping volcano cones. One of these is a smaller, cone-shaped peak called Shastina, which is 12,330 feet (3,758 meters) tall. If Shastina were a separate mountain, it would be one of the tallest in the Cascade Range!
Glaciers on Mount Shasta
Even though it's in California, Mount Shasta has seven named glaciers! Glaciers are like slow-moving rivers of ice. The biggest ones, like the Whitney and Hotlum Glaciers, flow down the north and east sides of the mountain. The Whitney Glacier is the longest, and the Hotlum Glacier holds the most ice in California. You can also find smaller glaciers in bowl-shaped hollows called cirques on the south side.
A Look at Mount Shasta's Past
Mount Shasta has a rich history, with its story stretching back centuries.
Early Sightings and Naming
The first written mention of Mount Shasta was in 1817 by a Spanish explorer named Narciso Durán. He described a "very high hill" covered in snow. Later, in 1841, the name "Shasta" was officially given to this magnificent mountain.
The Siskiyou Trail and Gold Rush
For a long time, Mount Shasta was an important landmark along the Siskiyou Trail. This ancient path was used by Native Americans for trade and travel. In the 1850s, the California Gold Rush brought many new settlers to the area.
First Climbers and Explorers
The first person to officially climb Mount Shasta was Elias Pearce in 1854. Just two years later, in 1856, the first women, Harriette Eddy and Mary Campbell McCloud, also reached the summit! Famous explorers like John Muir and Clarence King also visited the mountain. Muir even wrote about surviving a blizzard near the summit by staying warm in hot sulfur springs.
Modern Access and Recognition
The arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad in 1887 made it easier for people to visit Mount Shasta. This led to more tourism and the creation of early resorts. Today, Interstate 5 follows parts of the old Siskiyou Trail, bringing many visitors to the mountain each year. In 1959, the Mount Shasta Ski Bowl set a record for the most snowfall in one storm, with an incredible 15.75 feet (479 cm) of snow! Mount Shasta was recognized as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, highlighting its special natural features.
Ancient Stories and Legends
Mount Shasta is not just a natural wonder; it's also a place filled with many fascinating stories and legends.
Native American Tales
Some Klamath Tribes believe that Mount Shasta is home to Skell, the Spirit of the Above-World. They tell stories of Skell battling Llao, the Spirit of the Below-World, who lived at Mount Mazama. These tales describe them throwing hot rocks and lava, which likely represents the powerful volcanic eruptions that shaped these mountains long ago. Native American groups still perform important rituals on the mountain today.
Legends of Lemuria
Mount Shasta is also famous for legends about a hidden city. These stories say that advanced beings from a lost continent called Lemuria live inside the mountain. This idea became very popular after books were written about these hidden Lemurians. Some stories even describe the mountain as home to peaceful, powerful beings working to help humanity.
Spiritual Significance Today
Today, Mount Shasta continues to be a special place for many different spiritual beliefs. You can find a Buddhist monastery, Shasta Abbey, near the mountain. In 2024, a large statue was built in the Ski Park to honor Ray Merlo, a beloved community member.
Mount Shasta's Climate
The weather on Mount Shasta can be very extreme, especially at its high elevations.
| Climate data for Mount Shasta 41.4096 N, 122.2001 W, Elevation: 13,396 ft (4,083 m) (1991–2020 normals) | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 9.5 (−12.5) |
12.2 (−11.0) |
16.5 (−8.6) |
23.8 (−4.6) |
32.1 (0.1) |
41.0 (5.0) |
49.6 (9.8) |
49.4 (9.7) |
43.9 (6.6) |
30.8 (−0.7) |
15.7 (−9.1) |
8.4 (−13.1) |
27.7 (−2.4) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | −10.2 (−23.4) |
−8.0 (−22.2) |
−6.3 (−21.3) |
−2.4 (−19.1) |
4.6 (−15.2) |
11.5 (−11.4) |
18.1 (−7.7) |
16.5 (−8.6) |
8.9 (−12.8) |
1.9 (−16.7) |
−4.7 (−20.4) |
−9.6 (−23.1) |
1.7 (−16.8) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 13.12 (333) |
13.3 (340) |
14.48 (368) |
7.25 (184) |
5.45 (138) |
3.56 (90) |
0.55 (14) |
0.42 (11) |
1.66 (42) |
10.14 (258) |
18.31 (465) |
30.21 (767) |
118.45 (3,010) |
| Source: PRISM Climate Group | |||||||||||||
The Mountain's Amazing Geology
Mount Shasta is a stratovolcano, which means it's a tall, cone-shaped volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava and ash. Its history is full of powerful volcanic events.
How Mount Shasta Was Formed
About 593,000 years ago, lava began erupting, slowly building up an ancient Mount Shasta. Then, between 300,000 and 360,000 years ago, the entire north side of the volcano collapsed! This caused a massive landslide that flowed for 28 miles (45 km) into the Shasta Valley.
The mountain we see today is made of four main cones that formed over time. The oldest parts are visible at Sargents Ridge. Another cone, Misery Hill, formed 15,000 to 20,000 years ago.
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Shastina and Black Butte
Shastina formed after the last ice age, about 9,500 years ago. It has a perfect crater at its top. Around the same time, Shastina and nearby Black Butte created huge flows of hot ash and rock. These flows covered large areas, including where the towns of Mount Shasta City and Weed are today.
The Hotlum Cone and Recent Eruptions
The highest part of Mount Shasta, the Hotlum Cone, formed about 8,000 years ago. It's named after the Hotlum glacier on its north side. The very top of the mountain is a dome of rock that pushed up through the cone. You can still find a few hot springs and gas vents (called fumaroles) near the summit.
In the last 8,000 years, the Hotlum Cone has erupted at least eight or nine times. The last major eruption happened about 200 years ago. It sent hot mudflows (called lahars) and ash down the mountain's sides.
Is Mount Shasta Still Active?
Mount Shasta is considered a "very high-threat volcano" by the United States Geological Survey. This means it could erupt again.
Monitoring the Volcano Today
Scientists use special equipment like seismometers and GPS to keep a close eye on Mount Shasta. These tools help them detect small earthquakes or changes in the mountain's shape, which could be signs of volcanic activity. While the mountain has been quiet recently, volcanic gases still escape from vents at the summit, showing that there's still molten rock deep inside.
What an Eruption Could Be Like
If Mount Shasta were to erupt, it could release volcanic ash, hot flows of gas and rock (pyroclastic flows), or lava. Because there are glaciers on the mountain, an eruption could also cause dangerous mudflows (lahars) as ice and snow melt rapidly.
Climbing and Exploring Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is a popular destination for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Reaching the Summit
The best time to climb Mount Shasta is usually from late April to October. However, some experienced climbers also tackle the mountain in winter. Many routes are also popular for backcountry skiing. If you plan to climb, you'll need to get a summit pass and a wilderness permit.
Safety on the Mountain
Climbing Mount Shasta can be challenging. Each year, there are typically a few climber deaths and several rescues. It's important to be prepared and aware of the risks when exploring this powerful mountain.
See also
In Spanish: Monte Shasta para niños
- List of mountain peaks of California
- List of California fourteeners
- List of California county high points
- List of Ultras of the United States
- List of volcanoes in the United States
- Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
 | Emma Amos |
 | Edward Mitchell Bannister |
 | Larry D. Alexander |
 | Ernie Barnes |
