“When I first caught sight of it (Mt. Shasta) over the braided folds of the Sacramento Valley I was fifty miles away and afoot, alone and weary. Yet all my blood turned to wine, and I have not been weary since.” – John Muir

Many who have experienced the power of this awesome place echo John Muir’s words describing his first glimpse of Mount Shasta, a volcanic mountain in the Cascade range of Northern California. Small wonder, considering the amazing vacation opportunities presented! Mount Shasta offers nearly every recreational option one could possibly imagine, from the most luxurious to the most strenuous.

For those who became worried at the mention of volcanic activity, take heart; Mt. Shasta erupts approximately every 600-800 years, and the last eruption was in 1786, so there’s no expected activity for several centuries at least! The mountain is home to seven named glaciers including Whitney Glacier, the largest one found in California.

For the adventurous, the area is a veritable playground of natural challenges. The Mt. Shasta Ski Park is a great place to start, offering 32 trails with over 425 acres of ski-able terrain for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers alike. For the less experienced, the park offers lessons in Alpine and Telemark skiing, as well as snowboarding. During the summer, come and check out Brewfest, an annual party at the park featuring great brews, music, dancing, and great food.

Another summer favorite is rock climbing. South of Mt. Shasta is the Castle Crags State Park. One of the best-kept secrets of the region, it boasts a staggering array of spires, walls, and towers to climb, including the Cosmic Wall first conquered by Chris Bonington, the famous British climber. Not sure if you’re up to the challenge? Then consider taking one of the many introductory or advanced classes available year-round to hone your skills and make you a real mountaineer. There are even special classes for women only, taught by other women. Once you’re a little surer of yourself, take an amazing 3-day journey to the summit with other climbers. It’ll be an experience you’ll remember for years to come!

For those who like to enjoy nature in a slightly less strenuous fashion, the wildflower hikes hosted by a local naturalist are highly recommended. All necessary gear and food are provided, making these journeys a breeze to plan. On both the day trips and overnight hikes, much effort is spent to preserve and raise awareness of the local ecology.

One of the most popular summer activities in the region however is fishing. The Trinity River is particularly well known for its angling and fly-fishing, and is well stocked with Steelhead, Trout, and King Salmon. There are numerous fishing guides and tour outfits available who will happily show you to some of the best locations known and help you land that trophy fish!

If you prefer to take nature in smaller doses, without sacrificing the comforts of home, the Mount Shasta Resort is a world-renowned facility capable of handling all your personal or business needs. It offers golf, skiing, fine dining, special events and more, all in the shadow of one of nature’s most impressive displays of power.

So next time you’re planning a trip, keep in mind one of the top vacation destinations in the USA: Mount Shasta!