Native American tribes from this region of the Cascade Mountains regard Mount Shasta as the center of creation and it has been regarded by the Lonely Planet guide as a top 10 US destination.
It is a breathtaking vision viewable from miles and miles around Northern California and drawing you magnetically towards it, and you’re so glad you came.
Whether it is to hike or shop or meditate in Shasta’s spiritual orb, you will enjoy your time there and find many opportunities to play.
We rented a boat on Lake Siskiyou and spent a couple of hours exploring and swimming with Spike.
Lava Beds National Monument is described as a land of turmoil, both historically (clashes between Modoc Indians and USA Army forces between 1872-1873) and geological (volcanic eruptions have created a rugged landscape). There are numerous caves, rock art sites and battlefields to explore.
Volcanic eruptions at the Medicine Lake Shield Volcano have created a landscape that is rough, rocky, and harsh, yet it was home to the Modoc Indians whose existence was threatened by settlers forging out west. The Modoc War that started here in 1872 was the last of the Indian Wars in California and Oregon.
An area in Lava Beds National Monument is named Captain Jack’s Stronghold after Modoc chief Captain Jack who held off a United States Army force outnumbering them by as much as 10 to 1 for several months before their water supply was cut and Captain Jack caught and hanged.
In the heat, we wallowed in Medicine Lake. The lake sits in the caldera of an ancient volcano called Medicine Lake Volcano (last active 1000 years ago). The water is cold and clear and was used by Indian tribes for ceremonies. Local tribes believe that the Creator and his Son bathed in Medicine Lake after they created the earth, and the Creator imparted his spirit to the waters.
Thoughts and Things
This area in Northern California around Mt Shasta means a lot of things to different people and is historically significant to the culture and spirituality of the place. Learn more about Lake Shasta and surrounding areas, explore it on foot or by car, and be changed by what you see.