cozyfamilyvacationIt’s a small mountain town with views and a vibe that are unmatched- but are there things to do in Mount Shasta CA with kids? Because, let’s face it, there are only so many crystal shops my 5 year old can take- and only so many nervous stares from friendly shop owners I can endure as I make sure he doesn’t actually push over a Buddha statue or glass case of rare gemstones.
To me, the Mount Shasta (also known as Mount Shasta City) has always seemed a hidden gem. Many people are familiar with the view of the actual Mount Shasta, as in the stratovolcano (here’s a National Park Services explainer on what is a stratovolcano?). It’s also considered a hot spot for “spiritual tourism”. With its many esoteric shops and access to a mountain that some consider an “energy vortex”, it draws travelers and seekers from around the world. Still, Mt. Shasta has a small-town feel. Even during busy seasons, I’ve never experienced it being overcrowded or annoyingly busy.
And while it’s known more for its hippied-out vibes and less for its kid-appeal, I think it’s an incredible special place to share quality family time, take in some amazing natural beauty, and make unforgettable memories.
This post is all about fun things to do in Mt Shasta CA with kids.
Things to Do in Mount Shasta #1: Explore the Mountain
Obviously, Mount Shasta is a main attraction here- its snow-capped presence shimmers over the city, visible from many of its quaint locales. And climbing Mount Shasta with kids is not as daunting as it sounds. There are many easy trails and accessible areas to explore. Hikemtshasta.com has a ton of helpful info on Mount Shasta trails, including maps, directions, and advisories.
Here are some family-friendly Mount Shasta areas to consider:
Panther Meadow Trail: The trail through the delicate Panther Meadow is short (1.4 miles) and easy, but FULL of incredible views and scenery. It’s high on Mount Shasta, and provides a gorgeous perspective on the Trinity Alps, Trinity Divide, Castle Crags, and Green Butte. From hikemtshasta.com:
Boasting constant views of Mount Shasta and Green Butte, there are also plenty of chances to observe stark Gray Butte. The trail also has numerous opportunities to enjoy a great perspective on the Trinity Divide and the distant Trinity Alps. All of these views are had while looping around a small but gorgeous alpine meadow. It is hard to believe that such a short trail can still be so awe-inspiring.
It’s also a great opportunity to teach your kids to be a responsible tourist- the meadow is quite fragile, and considered sacred by many. It’s important to stay on the trail in order to avoid further marring the grasses. The meadow is the result of a spring that waters the mountain’s volcanic soils. It’s split into an upper and lower section, and both have great views of Mount Shasta. If you want to just explore the upper section, it’s an easy 0.7 mile loop and there’s a different entrance you can take. Here’s the hikemtshasta.com Panther Meadow guide with directions and more.
Bunny Flat: This site is a trailhead for many trails and so is heavily used by hikers and visitors. It’s also a great walk-up spot for catching views of the upper mountain and just taking some time to sit in nature. It also has bathroom facilities and plenty of parking. As one Yelper noted:
The views are amazing with minimal work involved. We loved it!
Things to Do in Mount Shasta #2. Fish Hatchery and Museum (Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum)
The Mount Shasta Fish Hatchery is the oldest trout hatchery west of the Mississippi, and the adjacent Sisson Museum offers kids a fun way to learn about fishing and the history of the area. Interactive exhibits and eye-catching art and photography keep kids entertained as they learn about everything from railroads and volcanoes to lenticular clouds and Native American basketry. Note: The museum is generally closed from the last weekend of March through mid-December, depending on the weather. You can learn more about hours, exhibits, and more on the Mt. Shasta museum website.
In her blog post, “What to do in Mount Shasta”, Kathy Zant writes of the local museum:
Some of my favorite memories with the kids were field trips to the museum and fish hatchery. You’ll note how tall the fences are around the fish hatchery to keep out the hungry bears.
#3. Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens
Located in close by Dunsmuir right by the Sacramento River, this lovely arboretum features a wide range of well-marked plants and flowers, plus recreational areas with picnic tables, a trail, and even a ball field (with a plaque commemorating that Babe Ruth played there!). Visitors note how well-maintained and clean the space is, and that is has restrooms. Says one reviewer:
Well marked, nicely maintained. We love that most plants are marked, so you can identify your favs. Playground for the kiddies, nicely maintained riparian trail along the Sacramento River, lovely trails all throughout the gardens. Much to offer! A very worthwhile stop to spend a while, or a couple hours.
#4. Castle Lake
Serene is the word most often used to describe this lake, it seems, and it’s easy to understand why. It’s a beautiful mountain lake, with a relatively easy trail around it and amazing views, particularly from Heart Lake, which offers a breathtaking view of Castle Lake and Mount Shasta. It is worth noting that the trail can be somewhat hard to follow, according to my own experiences and many online reviews. The lake is family-friendly- as one reviewer explained:
This was a nice hike. Not to difficult and you could bring children. I saw several families on our hike. We had no rush at all with several breaks and did the hike in 3 hours round trip. The view from the top over castle lake and mt Shasta is very beautiful. The actual heart lake is more of a small pond, so don’t expect to much from that.
Things to do in Mount Shasta #5: Berryvale Grocery
You might be thinking: a grocery store? Really? But Berryvale is really the heart of Mount Shasta City- a small, fresh produce-filled landmark, if you will. I’m not sure you’ve really experienced Mount Shasta if you haven’t sat in their tiny, unassuming cafe, eating a delicious sandwich and sipping on a Shasta Sunrise smoothie while listening to people at nearby tables discussing crystals, aliens, and/or goji berries. Plus, the food really is good- from organic product, to ready-made bowls and sandwiches (plus juices and cofee drinks), to pre-packaged healthy-ish desserts.
And geographically, Berryvale is the perfect spot to grab something to eat and explore the town center. The store is located on the main drag- Mount Shasta Boulevard, where you can stroll through shops and eateries. I used to like to grab a coffee from Berryvale and wander, sometimes venturing down a side street to end up near a cute park or neighborhood- always with the majestic Mount Shasta in sight.
Where to Stay in Mount Shasta?
There are many great B&Bs and small inns in Mount Shasta! And hotels, too. For an easy family stay, my favorite spot is the Best Western Plus Tree House in Mt. Shasta. It’s got a really great, cozy mountain vibe and is perfectly situated close to the main downtown area. The rooms are spacious, the staff is welcoming, it’ s got a great pool and hot tub… to me, it’s just perfect for families.
