Introduction
Mount Shasta is one of California's most majestic mountains. It is a volcano which stands apart from any major mountain range. As such, it rises over the surrounding terrain and seems larger than its 14,162 feet.
I climbed Mt. Shasta in June 2006 with two friends by the most popular "avalanche gulch" route. Conditions were a bit unusual with 12 feet of snow at the trailhead at 6,900ft. The snowpack was about 200% of normal. We were hiking on snow and ice the entire time. It's a strenuous hike, but not too technical. Crampons and an ice axe are needed, but it's not necessary to rope up and there are no crevasses or extreme exposure. Snowshoes are helpful for the ascent to base camp in the afternoon when the snow is soft. Wind can be an issue, so having snow pickets to help in guying out your tent is a good idea before attempting the climb to the summit.
Pictures
The trailhead at Bunny Flat and a view of the mountain
Looking up Avalanche Gulch from low camp
Start of the hike from the trailhead at 6,900ft
Stopping for the first night after a short walk
Starting the climb with snowshoes to base camp
At the "helen lake" base camp with protective snow mounds
Climbing up from base camp at dawn
Looking northwest from the summit
Three at the summit
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