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We Didn’t Need No Stinkin’ Raincoats at Faery Falls

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.

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Reminder: Faery Falls volunteer work day Sat., April 26 at 8:30 am at the USFS Office

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?

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Strawberry Valley Trail is Clear

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!

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Trail Work Day at Faery Falls on Sat, April 26

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). 

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Trail Challenge Stickers Are Here!

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.

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2025 Trail Challenge – The Waterfalls are Roaring!

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.

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Trail Challenge Update and Swag!

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!

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The 2025 Trail Challenge Goes Live

Looking for something great to do in the gorgeous weather this weekend? The 2025 Mount Shasta Trail Challenge just went LIVE and is calling you!

Check out the Trail Challenge passport posted here.

This year’s theme is bike friendly trails and the expansion of the Gateway Trail Network. There are several new trails and trails new to the Trail Challenge to check out. There is something here for folks of all abilities, all sports and all seasons.  All this snow might make biking a challenge so whip out those skis or snowshoes! There are lots of options if you like hiking with your kids, or parents, or dog:) Maybe find a lower altitude trail like Lollipop if your favorite is still snowed in. 

Lots more information to come in future posts on finisher swag, highlighted trails, etc! For now, just get out there and enjoy this incredible weather!

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Chainsaw Certification Course for MSTA Volunteers

This spring, the US Forest Service will offer MSTA volunteers the opportunity to attend a chainsaw certification course. This allows us to keep our beautiful trails clear of trees and brush in a safe manner (and the certification is required to work on USFS property). We currently have about a dozen certified sawyers who do this critical work, and because people just love to cut stuff up, we have a lot of fun when we go out.

If you want to attend this course, please let me know so we can give a rough head count to the USFS staff. The course usually happens on a Friday and Saturday from 9 to 4 in late April, May, or early June. You can use the “Contact” tab on this website to add your name to the list.