Here’s a copy of the letter that we recently sent out to members, just in case you didn’t receive one. Lots of great information on all the trail projects we are working on. If you can, please help us with a donation this Giving Tuesday. Thank you!
Giving Tuesday — Oh Yeah — November 30, 2021
It’s hard to believe but we have created another award winning classic “Oh Yeah, the Movie.” This engaging iMovie was created with the hopes of inspiring donations to the MSTA for Giving Tuesday which is in November 30th, this year. Early giving begins November 16th. Please share with other trail lovers — whether they are hikers, mountain bikers, runners or equestrians!
Volunteers Sign the Way to Heart Lake
In partnership with the Forest Service, a crew of 24 (13 volunteers, 7 Forest Service staff, and 4 MSTA board members) got up early to install signs on the newly upgraded trail from Castle Lake to Heart Lake. Prior to the recent acquisition by the Forest Service of a 637-acre parcel of land from the Wilderness Land Trust, the MSTA improved the trail to Heart Lake last summer and today installed signs on that trail.
This was no easy walk in the woods, as the crew had to haul water, dry-mix concrete, steel sign posts, signs and tools up the trail. And then to top it off, holes had to be dug in the rocky terrain for each sign post. Many thanks to all the hard workers for improving this popular trail.
Trail Challenge 2021 Ends on October 31st
REMINDER TO TRAIL CHALLENGERS
The Mount Shasta Trail Challenge 2021 ends October 31st. We look forward to seeing you on the trails!
Seventh Trail Challenge Stewardship Prize Winner
The Mount Shasta Trail Association is pleased to announce our seventh stewardship prize winner, Bowden Davis. Davis is a regular volunteer for MSTA’s trail work days. Davis won a $25 Mount Shasta Chamber of Commerce gift certificate that can be used at local businesses. This prize is sponsored by the MSTA. All prizes can be picked up at the Mount Shasta Visitors Center.
We had a lot of photos of Davis working on the trails, but now have one of Davis enjoying his hard work. Thank you Davis!
Sixth Trail Challenge Stewardship Prize Winner
The Mount Shasta Trail Association is pleased to announce that Daniel Briceno is our sixth stewardship prize winner! This steward award is sponsored by Jane Cohn, Michael Zanger, Linda Freeman and Ken Goehring. They are donating a copy of their book, Mount Shasta Wild Flowers A Field Guide .Stewardship winners can pick up their prizes at the Mount Shasta Visitor Center. Congratulations Daniel and thank you for being a steward of our trails!
Fifth Trail Challenge Stewardship Prize Winner
The Mount Shasta Trail Association is pleased to announce our fifth stewardship prize winner, Dustin Bonivert. No only does Dustin help with trail work, he can often be seen riding his mountain bike or taking long runs on the Gateway Trail.
Below is a picture and a comment from Dustin: “Is this appropriate?! Lol, I was taking a break on a trail run….”
Dustin won a $25 Mount Shasta Chamber of Commerce gift certificate that can be used at local businesses. This prize is sponsored by the MSTA. All prizes can be picked up at the Mount Shasta Visitors Center.
Hike to South Gate Meadows — Saturday August 21, 2021
The Mount Shasta Trail Association invites the public on a 4.6-mile roundtrip hike to South Gate Meadow on Saturday, August 21. The hike is moderate with a 400 ft elevation gain and a high point of 7,900 ft.
The South Gate Meadow Trail is one of the most scenic and interesting trails on Mount Shasta. The trail starts at the Old Ski Bowl and passes through spectacularly barren moonscape toward the South Gate, a gap between the south end of Sargent’s Ridge and Red Butte, a large volcanic dome unsurprisingly composed of reddish colored andesite. The first part of the route stays above tree line, giving constant views including Black Fox and Buck Mountains to the east. Beyond the boulders the trail enters into a canopy of red fir forest leading to the Squaw/South Gate Meadow.
The meadow is an idyllic scene with lush grass carpeting the ground as numerous spring-fed creeks course their way through the meadow. The creek birthed at the springs responsible for the meadow is Squaw Creek Valley, which flows off of Mount Shasta, through the town of McCloud and into Squaw Valley Creek, beyond which it courses its way into the McCloud River. Above the meadow is Sargent’s Ridge, topped by Shastarama Point, Thumb Rock and Konwakiton Glacier.
Please note that dogs are not allowed in the Mount Shasta Wilderness which is where this hike is entering. Meeting place is 111 Morgan Way, the street in front of the Best Western Tree House Motor Inn (near Ray’s) at 9:00 am. Participants will carpool. Bring lunch, sun protection and water. Hiking poles are recommended. Expect to return by 3:00 pm. For further questions, call Joan Roemer 530-925-9644.
New Map Kiosks on the Lake Siskiyou Trail
Exciting news! There are now 5 new maps installed on the two existing and 3 new kiosks at Lake Siskiyou. The maps have great information for all lake visitors to use for planning their outdoor adventures. Check them out the next time you are at Lake Siskiyou. Or, use this post as an excuse to get down to the Lake for a little outdoor fun!! Enjoy.
South Fork Sacramento Field Trip — Saturday July 24, 2021
Below is the poster for another Forest Service sponsored field trip to the South Fork Sacramento River area. One aspect of this project is the proposal for additional non-motorized trails. If interested, note that you must sign up by the end of Thursday July 22nd.
