Chatchay & Garth’s Birthday Climb Mt Shasta (14,179 ft)

At 14,179 feet Mt. Shasta is one of the highest mountains in California. We'll drive down on Friday, climb Saturday and Sunday and drive home on the late Sunday afternoon. Two nights camping will help to acclimate on the high altitude.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/6/7/6/event_440778038.jpeg

Distance: 10 miles.

Elevation gain: 7,600 ft

Difficulty: Difficult

Guests: No

Drivers: $55 for drivers

Eastern route (Clear creek) (trailhead location 41.36561° N, 122.12745° W)
(Approximately 5 miles and 7600 feet elevation gain one way)

In the summer, when the snow has melted and loose rocks are not a chance but a certainty, the rangers recommend a different route than Avalanche Gulch: Clear creek. This ascends the southeast slope of Mt Shasta. This route also affords the most scenic views of Shasta (especially the ones overlooking the Mud Creek Canyon and its falls). It is not a technical climb.
From the Clear Creek Trailhead simply follow the trail as it heads through red fir forest on the northwest side of Mud Creek Canyon (20-30minues from the trailhead). Initially the canyon is not visible, but as the trail climbs and the trees thin the route passes closer to the canyon edge and excellent views open up. Soon not only is the canyon visible, but Mud Creek Falls and Mount Shasta as well looming directly ahead.

After about 2 miles the trail reaches the base of Wintun Ridge at about 8300 feet of elevation. Soon possible camps are encountered and running water from snowmelt or springs is visible. Continue on the trail up to another half mile to reach Clear Creek Meadows and the springs feeding Clear Creek. Either snow or a use trail leads past the meadows to the beginning of the climbing route.
Mud Creek Falls

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/6/b/a/event_440778106.jpeg

Clear Creek Meadows

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/6/e/8/event_440778152.jpeg

To the left one sees a prominent striped cliff (do not head for it; just use it as a reference point as you are going straight up). Once the "trail" reaches its elevation, the "milestone rock" becomes very visible.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/7/4/9/event_440778249.jpeg

Head for that stone and stay to its left. The trail leads to the bottom of the fort-like red rocky formation that towered all the time over your head. Climb that "Fort" whichever way is easier.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/7/c/e/event_440778382.jpeg

Equipment needed:
Crampons
Ice axe
Helmet
My Hiking Style:
I have three principles for my hiking: Safety comes first, Respect your fellow hikers and the environment, and Have fun! I consider myself a "vertical” hiker (from supper fast to supper slow depends on the nature of the hike and roster. We will take a number of short breaks, as well as a lunch break.
• THE FINE PRINT:

• The 'ten essentials' to always have in your pack generally include: Map/compass (and advance understanding of where you're going!), sun protection, extra clothes, extra food, extra water, headlamp/flashlight (and spare batteries), first aid kit, matches/firestarter, knife/tools, and a whistle if you need to signal for help. You should always be prepared in case you get separated from the rest of the group and/or have to spend a night on your own in the wilderness.
• I reserve the right to remove anyone from my events if I'm concerned that their ability or fitness level will slow down the rest of the group. If there is a waiting list, I may remove anyone with multiple past 'no-shows' to the 'no' list to make room for those who may be more reliable.
• PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.