A Weekend in Mount Shasta
History, Mysticism, Hiking, and a Cozy Cabin in the Woods
Mount Shasta has always had an energy that feels different from anywhere else in Northern California. The mountain rises sharply above the landscape, snow capped and dramatic, and the towns around it blend outdoor adventure with spiritual curiosity. We spent a weekend here tucked into a tiny cabin among the redwoods, hiking with our dog, sipping wine on a quiet deck, and exploring the quirky, mystical downtown shops.
The History and Lore of Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta sits at the southern end of the Cascade Range and is one of the highest volcanic peaks in the United States. For thousands of years it has been a sacred place for Indigenous tribes including the Shasta, Modoc, Wintu, Karuk, and Achumawi peoples. The mountain appears in creation stories, oral traditions, and spiritual teachings across the region.
Over time, Mount Shasta also developed a global reputation for mysticism, hidden worlds, and spiritual healing.
The Legend of Lemurians
One of the most famous Mount Shasta legends involves the Lemurians, said to be an ancient, highly evolved civilization that escaped the destruction of the lost continent of Lemuria. According to lore, the Lemurians retreated into a vast underground city called Telos, hidden inside the mountain. They are described as peaceful, intuitive beings who occasionally appear to travelers in white robes or leave signs of their presence in the forest.
Whether taken literally or symbolically, Lemurian lore is woven into the culture of the town. You see it in shops filled with crystals, books, and artwork referencing Telos, ascended masters, portals, and hidden realms.
Saint Germain Foundation
Mount Shasta is also home to the Saint Germain Foundation, a spiritual movement rooted in the I AM Activity, founded in the early 1900s. Followers believe in inner transformation, divine presence, and ascended masters guiding humanity. The Foundation built an elegant Mediterranean style building in town where students attend classes and gatherings. Even without joining, the building is interesting to see, and it highlights how spiritual communities have shaped the culture of Shasta for decades.
Why the Mountain Draws People
Between Indigenous history, volcanic geology, and mystical stories, Mount Shasta is considered a place where the physical and spiritual meet. Visitors come to hike, ski, meditate, recharge, or simply experience the calm of the forests and high alpine air.
Where We Stayed: A Quiet Cabin in the Redwoods
Our Airbnb cabin sat about fifteen minutes outside downtown Mount Shasta. It was nestled deep in the trees, surrounded by redwoods and quiet mountain air. We spent evenings on the deck wrapped in blankets, drinking wine, and playing music on the guitar. It felt peaceful, grounding, and removed from the rest of the world.
If you want a nature focused stay, this type of cabin is perfect. The area is full of forest cabins, rustic lodges, and small chalets that feel ideal for a retreat style weekend.
Exploring the Town of Mount Shasta
Downtown Mount Shasta is small, walkable, and full of personality. We wandered through boutique shops, bookstores, and stores dedicated to crystals, metaphysics, and local art. Many shops highlight Mount Shasta’s spiritual identity, offering everything from Lemurian crystals to aura photography.
A Tarot Card Reading
We also stopped into a small metaphysical shop for a tarot reading. The reading was warm and thoughtful and felt like part of the full Mount Shasta experience. Spirituality is not a side note here, it is part of the town’s identity.
Where We Ate and Snacked
Mount Shasta has a surprisingly good food scene for such a small town, especially if you lean toward casual but quality meals.
Shasta Brewing Company: A relaxed local brewery perfect for after hiking or wandering town. The beer list rotates and has a friendly local crowd. It is great for a flight or a pint with views of the mountains.
Pipeline Craft Taproom and Kitchen: Pipeline is one of the best casual restaurants in town. They have great snacks, share plates, and hearty dishes with local ingredients. It is perfect when you want something easy and satisfying.
Berryvale Natural Foods Market: This natural foods grocery store became our go to stop for snacks and prepared foods. They have a deli, healthy grab and go items, and local products. It is the kind of place where you stop for “just one thing” and walk out with bags of snacks.
Hiking with Views
We took our dog on a nearby trail that gained elevation quickly and opened into beautiful views of the mountain. Mount Shasta has endless hiking options, from easy forest walks to alpine trails that take you far up the slopes. Some local favorites include:
Panther Meadows in late summer
Gray Butte Trail for sweeping mountain views
Castle Lake and Heart Lake
McCloud River Falls Trail with three waterfalls
Lake Siskiyou Trail for something gentle and scenic
In March or early spring the trails can be snowy or icy, but the views are worth it.
Other Things to Do Around Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is ideal for short weekend trips because everything feels close and manageable. Here are some other local highlights:
Visit the Headwaters at Mount Shasta City Park: A peaceful spot where cold spring water flows out from the mountain. People fill bottles here or simply sit and enjoy the sound of the water.
Explore the Shasta Lavender Farm (seasonal): If visiting in summer, the lavender fields are beautiful and calming.
Drive to McCloud: A nearby historic mill town with cafés, antique shops, a small hotel, and access to McCloud Falls.
Check out Mt Shasta Ski Park: For skiing or snowboarding, Mt Shasta Ski Park offers a more local, down to earth experience with stunning mountain views.
Visit Crystal Shops in Town
If you want the full Mount Shasta experience, browse:
Soul Connections
The Crystal Room
Sacred Mountain
They each reflect the town’s spiritual side in different ways.
Final Thoughts
Mount Shasta is the kind of place that feels both grounded and otherworldly. You get the peacefulness of forests and mountain air combined with the mystical energy and quirky charm of the town. Our weekend felt restorative, cozy, and fun. Between hiking with our dog, finding spiritual shops, enjoying casual food spots, and staying in a quiet redwood cabin, it was exactly the type of trip that reminds me how much beauty and personality Northern California holds.
