Trailheads on Mt. Shasta

Four-wheel drives are recommended on the dirt roads leading to the trailheads but a two-wheel drive vehicle can be used and in some cases even a car on a few of the trailheads. The road conditions change depending upon the time of year and snow conditions. Be sure to use a National Forest Service map for directions.

Also visit Roads/Camps/Trailheads

The Bunny Flat Trailhead (Elevation 6,860 feet)

The trailhead to the Summit begins at Bunny Flat, milepost 11, on the Everitt Memorial Highway. To get there from Interstate 5, take the central exit to Mount Shasta City which will put you on Lake Street; continue east through the Mt. Shasta Boulevard intersection, through the merge with Washington Drive and its resulting curve to the north, to the stop sign at the next intersection. Across the intersection is the beginning of the Everitt Memorial Highway, or A10, as it is marked on some maps. Drive 11 miles, referring to the milepost markers on the highway, winding up the Mountain to the Bunny Flat parking lot, elevation 6,860 feet.

The highway is County-maintained year round, including snow-removal services during the winter months. The two-lane, paved road is kept in excellent shape for any type of vehicular travel, but during the winter months, road conditions can change rapidly because of snowstorms and rockfall. Sometimes, especially in heavy snowfall, the road may not get plowed until the late afternoon. You should always carry a shovel and tow chain in your vehicle in the winter, and drive slowly when the road is icy. If you arrive at the Bunny Flat parking lot before the road has been plowed, park close to the snowbank, allowing the snowplow plenty of room to clear the parking lot. This trailhead also provides access to:

Bolam Trailhead (Elevation 5,400 feet)

From the junction of Weed’s Main Street and Highway 97, drive 11.5 miles on the highway to Bolam Road. Turn right onto this very rough road (recommended for four wheel drive vehicles only). Follow this road for 2.4 miles and cross the railroad tracks. Continue another 4 miles to the end of the road at Bolam Trailhead. From here a trail crosses Bolam Creek and continues south toward Whitney Falls. This trailhead also provides access to Whitney and Bolam Glaciers. Use caution when climbing near or in the creek during the summer months. Flooding has been known to happen and may occur on extremely hot days.

Northgate Trailhead, (Elevation 6,900 feet)

From Mt. Shasta City drive North on I5 to Weed. Then catch Hwy 97 N towards Oregon driving though Shasta’s ancient lava flows. After about 30 minutes of driving and 14.5 miles from Weed turn right on Military Pass Road. This road served as an old emigrant trail. As early as 1853 wagon trains of overland emigrants crossed the M.P. road into Shasta Valley and Yreka. And at this point the 1857 Military Pass from Fort Crook, emerged to join the westward emigrant road. which is also Forest Service road 43N19 or #19. Then drive 4.5 miles to the Andesite Logging road. Look for arrows on signs & trees. Turn right toward the Mountain on 42N16 for 4.2 miles, following the signs to the Northgate trailhead. There is a small dirt parking area next to old clear cut. There is a restroom and a fee tube. The trail to timberline is well defined but is very strenuous due to the steady uphill gain. Once at timberline you be walking among the tallest Whitebark pines on the mountain. There are also several base camps. Once your at timberline follow the trail as it snakes through a natural gate on the lower end of Hotlum-Bolam ridge. Northgate is a rocky mound of reddish rocks. Follow the open bowl, staying left, you have the option of traversing up the ridge at any time. At the routes base camp you have a full view of the Hotlum headwall and upper bolam glacier. 4-5 hours, some cairns. This trailhead also provides access to the Hotlum/Bolam Route, East Bolam Glacier Route.

Clear Creek Trailhead (Elevation 6,480 feet)

From McCloud, drive east 2.8 miles to Pilgrim Creek road, you will see a sign that says Mt. Shasta Wilderness; turn to your left and follow that road for 5.2 miles to another sign located on Forest Service road #41N15 at which time you will make another left. Follow that road for 4.9 miles to a 4-way dirt intersection at the #31 road, and then continue straight on road #41N61. Follow the Clear Creek Trailhead sign for 0.7 miles to road #41N25Y. Follow the signs again for 2.2 miles until you reach the trailhead. You can take a more scenic route by taking the Ski Park Highway north of Highway 89 until you run into the #31 road. The #31 road takes you around the east side of the Mountain, crossing Squaw and Mud creek, for 11.5 miles until you reach the intersection of #41N15 and #41N61. Once you’re there just follow the Clear Creek Trailhead signs while also watching for big Mule deer (Bucks) that inhabit that area!

• Clear Creek Route
• Wintun Ridge Route