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GATEWAY II TRAIL EXPANSION

The Mount Shasta Trail Association and the US Forest Service are currently engaged in a 45-mile expansion of the beloved Gateway Trail system adjacent to the city of Mt. Shasta. The existing trail network consists of 11 miles of non-motorized, multi-use trails (hiking, trail running, biking, and equestrian). This new and ambitious project will add routes extending higher up the slopes of Mount Shasta and will include a connection to the Ski Park and south end of the city. The system will have many incredible vistas and a wide variety of terrain for every type of trail enthusiast. The availability of these new trails will benefit locals who love the outdoors, and will attract numerous visitors to support the economy of Siskiyou County.
 
The work so far has included project conception, flagging of the proposed trail, and extensive environmental analysis. There is strong community support and enthusiasm for this venture. It is hoped that actual construction can begin in the next 12-18 months.
 
Cost estimates for this development are nearly a million dollars. While a significant portion of the funds will come from grants (e.g. $420,000 from The McConnell Foundation), we need individual, grassroots support to reach completion. If you can see value in this endeavor, please help by donating to the Mt. Shasta Trail Association on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. Go online to www.northstategives.org/mountshastatrailassociation
The photos (above) show an aerial view of the Gateway II Expansion area, beauty on Gateway I, and a geezer enjoying a vista area which will be included in Gateway II.
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NEW BRIDGE FOR CASTLE CRAGS STATE PARK

A small group (Mark Telegin, Neil Jacobs, David Tucker, and Steve Russell) have put in many hours to construct a new bridge to replace a crumbling one in Castle Crags State Park. The research and engineering were done by Mark. The bridge was totally constructed in Mark’s garage, then disassembled and hauled to CCSP. On Friday morning, we’ll begin the work of prepping the site, hauling the bridge to the site, and putting it together. We could use a few extra hands. See the instructions for where to meet from Mark, below.

“I have talked to most of you about working on Friday at Castle Crags. At 9 am we will be meeting at the Flume Camp ground, out by the pond, which is about a mile up the paved road from the main entrance to the park. Bring tools for ground work like shovels, picks, rakes, loppers and gloves. There are some logs in the creek along with rocks and debris to work on. We will also be tending to the old bridge. I’m not sure how long it will take to prep the site, but we will talk about installing the new bridge while we are working and figure out when we can start on the last part of the project.”  Mark

Take a look at the bridge. Unbelievable job, I think. Guys, thanks for keeping our parks beautiful.

JH

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BIG ENCAMPMENT CLEANUP DOWNTOWN

On Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 10:30 am, we’ll be tackling the cleanup of a large abandoned encampment near Ray’s Food Place. Let’s meet on the street in front of the Treehouse Motel, just west of the Ray’s parking lot. We’ll depend on Todd and Perry to guide us to the spot. I’ll have garbage bags, rakes, brooms, and shovels, along with a pickup truck. Bring gloves and a pickup truck if you have one.
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NEW MOSSBRAE FALLS TRAIL

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Mossbrae Falls, located in Dunsmuir, California, is one of the most beautiful natural features in the northern part of the state. Spanning about 300 feet, the falls seem to gush straight out of a lush, green hillside, providing a spectacular, cascading display for visitors. The sight is so special that people travel long distances to see it, coming from all over the world.

Unfortunately, the only way to access the falls is by trespassing along an active railway, and visitors must walk within a few feet of passing trains. Several years ago, a sightseer was struck by a train and severely injured.
The Mount Shasta Trail Association has been working for nearly 20 years to establish a safer path to Mossbrae Falls, without success. In the past 18 months, however, significant progress has been made. The current plan involves locating an official trailhead at Hedge Creek Falls, then constructing a pedestrian suspension bridge across the Sacramento River where the Hedge Creek Trail ends. The trail would continue north through a forested area below the train tracks and along the river, ending at Mossbrae Falls. The final trail would encompass both falls within about a half mile.
This is an exciting development, but it will be very expensive to complete the environmental reviews and actual construction.
The Trail Association has received a large gift to cover some of the costs, and is seeking grants to cover the remainder. In the meantime, we’re fundraising to show grassroots support for this wonderful project.
Please consider donating to the Mount Shasta Trail Association on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018. The online event may be accessed using www.northstategives.org/nonprofits.
 
Stay tuned for more detailed information on this plan.
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NEW, ACCURATE MAP AT GATEWAY TRAILHEAD

After considerable effort walking the entire Gateway Trail system to obtain accurate GPS data, a new map was created and placed on the trailhead kiosk on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018. It includes the new Lollipop Trail, the correct alignment for Pig Farm, the Foundation Trail, removal of “Fern Loop,” naming of major intersections, and accurate mileage measurements between all these locations. Several “you are here” signs will soon be placed at strategic locations within the trail system . Pictured is Paul Schwartz, who has been instrumental in getting this project done properly.

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MOUNT SHASTA “TRIANGLE” SPRUCE-UP

Yesterday morning a motivated group attacked the “Triangle” at the north end of town, weeding, raking, trimming, and spreading cedar bark. Thanks to Nancy and Peter Van Susteren, Neil Jacobs, Karen Aldous, Neal Posson, Lynn Linebarger, and Terez Maniatis of Native Grounds Nursery (who provided tools, cedar bark, and muscle, despite still being somewhat gimpy). This was a fun, combined effort by MSTA and the MS Beautification Committee. Attached photos are before, during, and after. By the way, in the “after” picture, you can barely see Peter removing the last two scotch broom plants.
JH
Before
Before
Clean Up
Bags
After
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SPRUCE-UPS FOR MS MEDIAN AND “TRIANGLE” ON SEPT 8 AND SEPT 22

We will be partnering with the MS Beautification Committee to trim, weed, and spruce up the median strip on Lake St. (Sat., Sept. 8 at 9 am) and the “Triangle” on N. MS Blvd., across from Point S Tire Co. (Sat., Sept. 22 at 9 am).

These are two highly visible areas that appear to most of our out-of-town visitors immediately on their arrival, so these efforts are important.

I will be out of town for Sept. 8, but there should be a good crew for that day. Hope some of you can show up for one or both mornings.

We expect that the work can be done in 1-2 hours if enough volunteers show.

JH

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Hike to Deadfall Lakes and Mount Eddy — Saturday August 4, 2018

Cool, refreshing Deadfall Lakes

Once again, for the most amazing views, join the Mt. Shasta Trail Association on a day hike to pristine Deadfall Lakes and to the top of Mt. Eddy slated for Saturday, August 4th. This 10-mile round-trip hike starts out gently on the Pacific Crest Trail to the multiple lakes and then becomes challenging as we gain 2,250 feet to the summit at 9,025 feet.

Mt. Eddy was formed some 400 million years ago from peridotite, a volcanic form of serpentine. This type of rock, ultramafic, is high in magnesium and low in calcium, and as such the soils derived from this material constitute a harsh growing medium for most plants.

Like with other serpentine areas, the result is that some plants adapt to the harsh conditions, taking advantage of the relative lack of competition, and evolve to become endemic to the site. The iron contained in the rock rusts, giving it its reddish tint.

It is the highest mountain in the Eddys – a subrange of the Klamath Mountains – the highest point in Trinity County, and the highest mountain W of Interstate 5. The mountain was named after Olive Paddock Eddy, the first woman to climb Mt. Shasta.

From this majestic peak hikers will be able to see Lassen Peak, Mt. Mc Loughlin, the Scott Mountains, the Eddy Range, Black Butte, Castle Crags Spire and of course Mt. Shasta towering over everything in sight.

Participants will meet at 9 am at 111 Morgan Way, in front of the Best Western Tree House Motor Inn. Bring lunch plus snack and water and if interested, a bathing suit for a very refreshing swim. Hiking poles are recommended. Expect to return by 6 pm.

For questions call Joan Roemer at 530-925-9644.

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Trail Town Celebration — Just a Few Days Away!

Banner on Mt. Shasta Blvd

On July 21st in downtown Mt. Shasta, we’ll be celebrating the launch of Mt. Shasta as an official Pacific Crest Trail Town!

One of the great things about the Pacific Crest Trail is the many wonderful towns it passes near–communities that offer rest and resupply to long-distance hikers on the trail, and provide access to not only the PCT but a variety of other trail-based outdoor recreation for the public. Come join MSTA and the Pacific Crest Trail Association on July 21 to celebrate this new PCT trail town and learn more about the PCT and other outdoor recreation opportunities near Mt. Shasta and in Siskiyou County. Events will include…

8:00 a.m.
A Guided Hike on the PCT

Experience the Pacific Crest Trail! Meet across from The Tree House Hotel on Morgan Way at 8 a.m. to carpool to a nearby trailhead for a short, easy hike along the PCT.

12 Noon to 9 p.m.
Activities and Booths
Family and Kid-Friendly!

  • Hiking Gear & Camping Demos
  • Crosscut Sawing
  • Pack Animal Demos
  • Leave No Trace Info
  • Local Trail Recreation Info
  • PCT Photo Booth
  • Prize Drawings
  • Food and Beverages for Sale
  • Much more!

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Live Music and Dancing

  • Wind Fields
  • Secret Society Handshake

All events are FREE and open to the public.