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Scenic Drives in South Siskiyou County at the foot of Mount Shasta
The small towns nestled at the foot of Mount Shasta are located within a short, very picturesque drive of each other. Visit each, to shop, dine, and sightsee.
Middle Falls McCloud River - USFS photo. |
The Waterfalls of the McCloud River
- To reach these lovely waterfalls, drive past the small town of McCloud (plan to stop and visit this unique community either before or after your journey) and continue about 6 miles further on Highway 89 to the turn-off for Fowler's Campground. Turn at the sign and drive less than 1 more mile to the McCloud River.
Both Upper and Lower Falls are easily accessible by car, while the hike to Middle Falls is beautiful. This trail begins at Fowler's Campground and the distances are marked at the trailhead. You will want to take your time, so bring lunch or a snack and plenty of drinking water. Each of the three falls has its own personality. At Upper Falls, the quiet river gathers itself into a massive stone chute, charging the waters with enormous energy before they spill into a pool far below. Middle Falls, the most inaccessible, spreads a sheet of falling water over a lava cliff. Lower Falls is a wonderful spot to rest, picnic and play. Watch for the tiny Dipper bird which flies low and plunges in and out of the cascading water.
Mount Shasta's Everett Memorial Highway
is a year-round gateway to recreation and sighseeing on the slopes of Mount Shasta. As you travel up the highway, which begins as Lake Street in Mt. Shasta City, you will pass through conifer forests, and see the site of a huge mudslide which ripped out ancient trees, and sent boulders tumbling down the slopes. In spring and winter, park and play in the snow at Bunny Flat, the trailhead for the most popular route to the summit. During the exceedlingly short high altitude summer season, walk with care through the delicate beauty of alpine vegetation in Panther Meadow. Drive to the 8000ft. level, and experience the stark and barren beauty above treeline. See many great photos of this Road up Mount Shasta at the Siskiyou County Film Bureau web site.
Mount Shasta from Military Pass Road. |
Round Mount Shasta 4-wheel route
- This scenic route takes major highways except for a portion around the northeast side of the mountain. The high clearance 2-wheel, and 4-wheel section is only open during the summer and early fall. Starting in Mt. Shasta City, the view of the mountain is of two distinct peaks, with the slightest hint of an ancient third cone off to the south. As you continue to Weed, Shastina, the lower peak becomes more prominent, with heart-shaped Diller Canyon forming a huge gash that cuts down the side of the mountain and into the foothills. Take Hwy 97 out of Weed to Military Pass Road on the northeast side. Here is where you might need your 4-wheel drive. As you descend to the McCloud flats you will see glaciers and lava flows up close, and drive through pine, fir and hemlock forests. Take Hwy 89 back to McCloud. From the City of McCloud, the hot springs in the Mud Creek Canyon area become visible as a dark stain on the snowy slope. Take Hwy 89 over Snowman's Hill, and back to Mt. Shasta City. Pick up a map, and check road conditions at the Forest Service office in Mt. Shasta, or at the Mt. Shasta Visitors Bureau.
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