“When I first caught sight of (Mount Shasta) over the braided folds of the Sacramento Valley I was fifty miles away and afoot, alone and weary. Yet all my blood turned to wine, and I have not been weary since.” ~ John Muir
When you join us in flight or take a lesson, you will be seeing some of the most gorgeous country this planet has to offer. Seeing it from bird’s eye view reduces any limitations to your viewing pleasure. Beautiful Mount Shasta Valley is considered one of California’s majestic locations.. Mount Shasta is a stunning stratovolcano–it is the fifth highest peak in California, the second highest peak in the Cascade Range and the sixty first highest in North America.
The native Karuk tribe named her the Úytaahkoo or “White Mountain,” and she stands unconnected to any nearby mountains and has a peak at 14,179 feet (4,322 meters) above sea level. Mount Shasta is considered one of California’s most significant and beloved landmarks. The mountain is a magnet for people who demand adventure sports. One can engage in river activities, mountaineering, trails, camping, paragliding, snow sports, not to mention attempting to reach the summit!
You will experience an incredible 360° view of the Siskiyou and Cascadian mountain ranges. People return to this area many times, as there are a plethora of geological features to take in: Castle Crags, The Eddies, Black Butte, Whaleback Mountain, Herd Peak, and hundreds of lakes, streams and rivers.
Whaleback Mountain is the mecca of Shasta Valley paragliding. Located in the North East shadow of Mount Shasta, its summit is at 8,528 ft (2,599 m). Flight enthusiasts love this mountain because of the well kept camping facilities, easy roads and access to the launch/landing sights. Cross country pilots from all over the world visit this location because of the great potential for long distance flights, and flying clubs use the location as one of their key locations for paragliding competitions.
Herd Peak Lookout #304
Herd Peak is famous for being a fire lookout at 6,908 ft (2,106 m) and for its amazing paragliding where it has been recorded to be the launch site for the one of the longest flights of 87.8 miles (141.3 km) to Alturas CA. The views are stunning and gives the visitor a great view of the eastern forests ranges and valleys.
Black Butte, right next to Mount Shasta, formed when thick pasty lava oozed out of its central vent. It is famous for its summer hikes and high quality winter sports season. A short hike can deliver some amazing views and downhill fun. This little volcano Only when you are at the top, you realize how big she is. Once a fire lookout, it is now a favorite place to visit and take in the view.
The Castle Crags is a picturesque view with craggy raw spires of rock both sharp and smooth reaching over 6,000 ft. Driving I-5 North, one should not, and cannot miss viewing this creation. You will be driving along another natural beauty, the Sacramento River. You can experience amazing hikes and dedicated people who may pass by on the famous Pacific Crest Trail. While hiking this area, one will witness rugged flora and fauna that thrive in some of the harshest terrain.
Mount Eddy is the highest peak of the Trinity mountain range (9,037 ft or 2,754 m) and is another glorious range, giving stunning views of the amazing valley. The mountain was named in honor of Olive Paddock Eddy, the first woman to climb Mt. Shasta!
Shasta Valley offers so much natural beauty and we invite you to join us in enjoying our little-but big-part of the country.
