Mount Shasta Trail Association
Inspire • Create • Conserve
To make the trails safe and easy to traverse, but also as part of our agreement with the state granting agency.
We got a bunch more signs installed today, including some that were eaten by animals, vandalized by human animals, or that had deteriorated.
CLARIFICATION: EVEN THOUGH WE’RE INSTALLING SIGNPOSTS ON MAGMA AND DEADWOOD, THESE NEW TRAILS ARE NOT FULLY COMPLETED AND HAVEN’T BEEN SURVEYED BY THE USFS. CONSEQUENTLY, THEY ARE NOT YET OPEN.
We need a couple helpers tomorrow, Sat morning, May 10 at 9 am to install signs on new trails in Gateway. Meet at the GW Trailhead on Everitt Mem Hwy. See some new trails, meet new people. Don’t get stuck on the couch.
Hey, I know that installing signs isn’t as sexy as building or improving trails, but we have to do it so people don’t get lost in Gateway. So get off your duffs and help us this Saturday. Good news is that we’ll be pounding in most of the steel posts and for the ones needing concrete, we’ll just pour in the dry mix and add water (no mixing).
It’s an opportunity to see the top or bottom of some of the new trails (Magma, Deadwood, Strawberry Valley). Much of the work can be done near vehicles and there will be some short hikes. We really need about a half dozen volunteers. We’ll meet at the Gateway Trailhead (Everitt Memorial Hwy ½ mile above the high school) at 9 am.
Let’s go, eh?
It looked it could be a wet day at Faery Falls Saturday, but eight of us went anyway. We cut some drainages, widened the trail, and made some dicey spots a little safer. I don’t think a drop of rain fell on us. We did get a lot of “thank yous” from about 30 hikers who passed us on their way to the falls, which were running high. Thanks to Taylor Cole (US Forest Service), Bryson Schreder and Renee Casterline (Siskiyou Outdoor Recreation Alliance) for scouting the job and directing us. The intrepid volunteers included Eric Blomberg, Brian Ellis, Isajah Roggow, and Mike Hupp. Photos show the narrow trail, cutting into the hillside to widen it, and moving a large boulder to create a handhold.
Come one, come all: we’ll be gathering at the US Forest Service Office (204 W. Alma St., Mt. Shasta) at 8:30 am this Saturday, April 26. After a short sign in and safety talk, we’ll carpool to Ney Springs and walk to Faery Falls, where we’ll work to make the trail there safer and easier for hikers. I guess we’ll wrap up by noon.
Volunteers of all abilities are welcome; stay only as long as you want. Just come and say, “Hello,” and we’ll be happy. I got the tools. Jim: no trouble, OK?
An unidentified stealth member of the MSTA chainsaw crew snuck up onto Strawberry Valley Trail this afternoon and removed all the obstructing trees, then moved to the Howard access road and got the two big ones there. Happy riding and be ready to help with our trails soon!
For all you impatient trail workers, we’re getting our plans in order for some great trail work this spring and summer. In conjunction with the USFS, the first outing will be to work on the Faery Falls Trail to make it safer and easier. More details will be coming in the next few days, but I suspect we’ll meet in front of the USFS Office on Alma St. next Saturday, April 26 at about 8:30, then carpool near to Faery Falls (about a 10-15 minute drive).
The 2025 Mount Shasta Trail Challenge sticker sheets are here and once again our local partners and sponsors at Dragon Graphics have hit it out of the park!
These custom stickers are chock full of local specificity but the only way you can get them are by completing 6 of the 12 trails on this year’s challenge. Show your accomplishment and local pride by displaying these on your water bottle, laptop, or wherever. As always, the Trail Challenge and these stickers are totally FREE!!
Which sticker is your favorite? Is it the historic Gerard Lookout or the Ranger on Sisson’s Trail? Maybe you like one of the bike themed stickers? Castle Crags Vista Point has a great shape but so does Miners Humbug. They are even several for our younger trail challengers! Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Get your Trail Challenge passport and more information here.
FYI- Everitt Memorial Highway has just reopened to Bunny Flat if you want to check out Strawberry Valley and Lemurian Delirium.
Choose your own adventure! The 2025 Mount Shasta Trail Challenge lets you choose between biking the Upper McCloud River or hiking the 3 McCloud waterfalls. The recent rainfall and snowmelt are making for an incredible show!!
You may have to park closer to the highway until the campground opens but that extra bit of hiking just means less crowds. The waterfall trail still has patches of snow on it and a few trees down but it’s passable for hiking. Dog on leash friendly and trail closer to parking paved for wheelchair and baby strollers.
We know you are anxious to see the 2025 Trail Challenge sticker sheet and the reveal is almost here. In the meantime…THANK YOU to the trail challenge mega fan who donated a dozen custom water bottles at the Mount Shasta Visitor Center. The first twelve trail challengers completing 6 of the 12 featured trails get dibs.
Download your always free Mount Shasta Trail Challenge passport here.
The 2025 Mount Shasta Trail Challenge kicked off a few weeks ago so we better start telling you about the cool finisher swag!
This year we are giving away FREE “Alert Bells” to the first 100 finishers. These bells are custom made for us by Bevin Bells in East Hampton, Connecticut. They have our popular Trail Challenge logo on them and a very nice sound. They work on bikes, backpacks, dog collars, you name it. Bells work remarkably well to alert others when you are just around the bend. It’s also a good idea to keep an ear bud out so you can hear the bell:)
The Gateway Trail System has been a multi user trail network for more than a decade and the recent trail expansion was paid for with grant funds that mandate multi use. Some historic trails are “Hike Only” while others are “Downhill Bike Preferred”. Responsible trail users practice “Share the Trail” principles and should always stay under control. With a little courtesy we can all use these beautiful trails together safely.
But that’s not all Trail Challengers… Stay tuned for another finisher swag announcement in the coming weeks!
