shasta trip

SHORT HIKES (15-45 minutes)
John Everitt Vista Point
Walk through large, old growth conifer forest to volcanic rock outcropping with panorama of area south to McCloud and Sacramento River Canyons. Look for botanical tree signs.
Time: 20 minutes Length: 1/2 mile RT Elevation: 5000' to 5100'
Difficulty: Easy. Climbs then levels to easy grade.
Trailhead: 9 miles up Everitt Memorial Hwy. to parking lot.
http://www.davestravel.com/articles/mtshasta/4.htm

The John Everitt Vista Point is named after a firefighter. John used to be an avid protector of the natural resources on Mt. Shasta. John died a short distance away from where the current vista point is located. In fact there is a small monument to him, which marks the exact spot where he died. There are parking and restrooms located here as well. The views of Mt. Shasta and of Strawberry valley are incredible. There are several hiking trails in the area. Two areas that come to mind are the trails at Bunny Flats, and the trails at Panther Meadows. Either location are only minutes drive from the Vista Point.

To get to the Vista Point take the central Mt. Shasta turnoff from Interstate 5 and drive east on Lake Street through the stop lights, to the top of the hill. Lake Street will eventually bend and become the Everitt Memorial Highway. The Vista Point is only 6 miles up the road. This road is almost all uphill to the Vista Point.

Panther Meadow Loop
Spring water flows in rivulets through fragile alpine meadow full of wildflowers. Peaceful loop trail allows great view of mountain. Sensitive plantlike; please stay on trail. No drinking water. Note: Only accessible after snow melts, typically June 1.
Time: 45 minutes Length: 1.5 miles RT Elevation: 7500' to 7900'
Difficulty: Easy. Rocky path is well-marked.
Trailhead: 12.5 miles up Everitt Memorial Hwy. to marked trailhead.