Shasta Cascade Archives - Active NorCal

Apr- 2026 -

20 April

The Mount Shasta Fish Hatchery Is Hosting Free Kids Fishing Days This Summer

Two summer dates are now on the calendar for one of Northern California’s most beloved youth fishing traditions. The Mount…

19 April

Scott River Lands a $2.9 Million State Grant for Salmon Restoration

Photo via Western Rivers Conservancy A stretch of the Scott River in Siskiyou County has secured $2.9 million in new…

19 April

280,000 Pine Seedlings Just Got Planted on Mt. Shasta’s Fire Scars

Crews working on the slopes of Mt. Shasta have completed a major reforestation push, planting more than 280,000 pine seedlings…

16 April

Tech Billionaire Lists Northern California Fly Fishing Ranch for $18.5 Million

Photo via Hall and Hall A sprawling 1,530-acre ranch in Fall River Mills with private fly fishing access is on…

15 April

The Bizarre Story of the Horse that Summited Mount Shasta in 1903

Photo by Sebastien Goldberg Who isn’t fascinated with standing on top of NorCal’s premier active volcano, the formidable Mt. Shasta?…

5 April

California Pulls Funding From Tribal Salmon Restoration on the McCloud River

A tribal-led effort to bring endangered winter-run Chinook salmon back to the McCloud River above Lake Shasta is in danger…

Mar- 2026 -

29 March

This Popular Northern California Destination was Once the Scene of a Bloody Battle in 1855

Photo by Brandon DesJarlais We know Castle Crags as the beautiful Northern California wilderness area settled just between Shasta Lake and…

29 March

Prescribed Burns Are Scheduled Near Weaverville and Shasta Lake This Week

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is set to begin prescribed burn operations starting Sunday, March 29, with activity potentially running through…

24 March

A Splitboarder’s Rough Day Above 12,000 Feet on Mount Shasta Ended With a Team Rescue

A splitboarder’s backcountry session on Mount Shasta took a serious turn on March 20 when altitude sickness left him stranded…

18 March

The Push to Raise Shasta Dam Just Got $40 Million in Federal Backing

The federal government is putting $40 million toward early planning efforts to raise Shasta Dam, reigniting a debate that has…

13 March

Two Young Climbers Rescued on Mount Shasta After 700-Foot Fall

Two young climbers were rescued from high on Mount Shasta earlier this week after a fall left one of them…

8 March

Will Mt. Shasta Ski Park Reopen Before the Season Ends?

After a winter filled with ups and downs, a big question is beginning to circulate among Northern California skiers: Will…

Feb- 2026 -

24 February

Forest Service to Conduct Prescribed Burns Near Shasta Lake this Week

Fire crews will be lighting prescribed burns in the Shasta Lake area this week as part of ongoing wildfire prevention…

17 February

Mt. Shasta Ski Park Back in Action Following Weekend Storm

Good news for Northern California skiers: Mt. Shasta Ski Park is back. Resort operators announced Monday that the mountain will…

12 February

Weed’s Iconic Totem Pole Knocked Down in Late-Night Crash

A longtime roadside landmark in the Siskiyou County city of Weed has been knocked down after a late-night crash. Just…

11 February

Remembering the Historic Valentine Avalanche that Created a 30-Foot Wall of Snow on Mt. Shasta

On February 13, 2019, a giant avalanche slammed Mount Shasta, which has come to be known as the Valentine Avalanche.…

10 February

California Farmers Ask Trump to Raise Shasta Dam

Debate over expanding Shasta Dam is heating up again. On Monday, a coalition of Central Valley farmers sent a letter…

10 February

WATCH: Climbing Mount Shasta in 85-mph Winds

Climbing to the peak of Mount Shasta is no easy task. Add 85-mph winds to the equation and it’s very,…

Jan- 2026 -

28 January

Watch Professional Skiers Summit Mount Shasta and Ride Down to the Bottom

Over the years I’ve seen a lot of videos of people summiting Mount Shasta. This one’s the best. Cody Townsend…

27 January

Remembering the Alien Sunrise Lenticular Cloud Over Mount Shasta that Went Massively Viral

It was a beautiful morning in Mount Shasta on February 12, 2020, when a rare lenticular cloud appeared over the…

25 January

How Science and Engineering Are Helping Salmon Return to the McCloud River

After four years of testing, tweaking, and collaboration, a pioneering effort near Shasta Reservoir is offering new hope for one…

22 January

Unsafe Conditions Force Closure of Trout Creek Bridge in Siskiyou County

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has closed the Trout Creek Bridge near the Trout Creek Campground after discovering significant structural damage…

20 January

Nearly 500,000 Chinook Salmon Fry Released Into the Sacramento River

Nearly half a million young Chinook salmon are now on the move in the upper Sacramento River. Last Friday, Coleman…

20 January

Expect Delays on I-5 Near Dunsmuir as Emergency Repairs Begin

Emergency repairs are getting underway this week on Interstate 5 just south of Dunsmuir, bringing lane closures and detours for…

18 January

Seasonal Road Closures Take Effect Near McCloud Falls and Mount Shasta

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has announced a seasonal area and road closure in the Mount Shasta and McCloud Ranger Districts,…

11 January

Prescribed Burns Planned Near Numerous Outdoor Destinations in Shasta-Trinity National Forest

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest plans to carry out a series of prescribed fire operations beginning Monday, Jan. 12, with work…

10 January

72 Bars on One Road? The Legend of Mount Shasta’s Whiskey Row

The stories of Siskiyou County during the Gold Rush are like something out of a Wild West movie. The town…

7 January

Lake Monsters: Here’s Why Sturgeon Grow to Be So Big in Shasta Lake

Massive sturgeon caught on Shasta Lake in 2018. Photo: Sou Saephan For anyone who’s been lucky enough to take a…

4 January

Mt. Shasta Ski Park Reopens Sunday After Two-Day Rain Closure

Mt. Shasta Ski Park is back open Sunday after a brief weather-related shutdown, giving skiers and riders a fresh chance…

Dec- 2025 -

31 December

Large D3 Avalanche Rips Through Avalanche Gulch on Mount Shasta

Photo via Mount Shasta Avalanche Center A large avalanche was confirmed in Avalanche Gulch on Mount Shasta following last week’s…

30 December

Indigenous Land Trust Acquires 10,000 Acres Along Restored Klamath River

As salmon push back into the headwaters of the Klamath River for the first time in more than a century,…

24 December

Avalanche Warning Issued for Mount Shasta Area Through Friday

The Mount Shasta Avalanche Center has issued a backcountry avalanche warning for south-central Siskiyou County as powerful winter storms move…

22 December

Mt. Shasta Ski Park Announces Tentative Opening Date with Snow in the Forecast

After a slow and snow-starved start to winter, Mt. Shasta Ski Park is eyeing a long-awaited opening day. In a…

18 December

Whiskeytown Lake Increases Water Flows Ahead of Incoming Storms

Whiskeytown Lake managers are adjusting water operations ahead of a new round of storms expected to arrive in Northern California…

16 December

Prescribed Burns Happening Across Shasta-Trinity National Forest This Week

If you see smoke in parts of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest this week, it may be part of planned prescribed…

15 December

Mt. Shasta Sees Spike in Rescues and Deaths During Extended 2025 Season

With only days left in 2025, Mt. Shasta has already seen more search and rescue incidents—and more fatalities—than all of…

12 December

Wolf Sightings Near Siskiyou County Elementary School Prompt School Safety Measures

Wolf activity reported near Little Shasta Elementary School prompted increased monitoring and safety measures this week in the Shasta Valley,…

12 December

NorCal Landowner Accused of Illegally Diverting Pit River Water Onto Private Property

A Northern California landowner is facing a lawsuit from Cal Fire, which alleges he illegally diverted water from the Pit…

11 December

The Turbulent History of Mt. Shasta’s Old Ski Bowl

It was in 1959 when ambitious developers leased land from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and opened a two-person chairlift on the…

6 December

Fight Against Golden Mussels Intensifies with New Shasta-Trinity Lake Protections

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has announced a new two-year order aimed at keeping invasive mussels out of some of Northern…

5 December

13 Waterfalls in One Weekend: Northern California’s World-Famous Waterfall Loop

There is a legendary loop sitting in the Shasta-Cascade of Northern California that includes 13 incredible waterfalls to visit. Realistically, you…

5 December

What’s the Deal with Those UFO-Like Clouds Over Mount Shasta?

If you live anywhere near Mount Shasta, you know the drill. Every few weeks the volcano throws on a dramatic…

3 December

Webcams Show Mt. Shasta Ski Park Almost Snowless as Ski Season Approaches

The Coyote Lift from the Mt. Shasta Ski Park webcam on December 3rd A few early season storms dusted the…

3 December

Daily Avalanche Forecasts for Mount Shasta Are Now Available for Winter 2025–26

Winter recreation season is officially underway on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and so are the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center’s daily…

3 December

Beautify Shasta Targets Redding’s Sacramento River Trail for Largest Cleanup Event Yet

Beautify Shasta is preparing for its largest volunteer cleanup of 2025, set for Saturday, December 6, from 8 a.m. to…

2 December

Lawsuit Challenges Forest Service’s ‘Emergency’ Logging in Northern California Forest

A coalition of environmental groups is suing the U.S. Forest Service over what they call the misuse of “emergency” powers…

1 December

Whaleback Wolf Pack Adds 10 New Pups as Activity Grows Near Mount Shasta

California’s gray wolves continue their slow comeback, and the latest update from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)…

Nov- 2025 -

29 November

Shasta-Trinity National Forest Launches Week of Prescribed Fires

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest will conduct several prescribed burns next week to reduce hazardous fuels and lower the risk of…

28 November

This Northern California Town Turns Into a Victorian Holiday Village Each Weekend in December

Nestled beneath the snowy slopes of Mount Shasta, the historic town of McCloud is preparing once again for its cherished…

27 November

Winter Bucket List for Outdoor Adventurers in Redding, California

It’s officially winter in Northern California, which means we’ll be trading our shorts and sun-tan lotion for scarves and beanies.…

26 November

Finding Mossbrae Falls – Northern California’s Forbidden Waterfall

Photo by Josh Hild Northern California is full of incredible waterfalls, many of which sit in the Shasta-Cascade region. The most…

26 November

Mt. Shasta Nordic Center Levels Up with New Off-Grid Guest Lodge

The Mt. Shasta Nordic Center just got a major upgrade. Siskiyou Outdoor Recreation Alliance has officially opened a brand-new guest…

22 November

Northern California’s Most Beautiful Outdoor Ice Rink Opens for Winter Winter Season

One of Northern California’s most unique winter experiences is officially open for the season. The Mount Shasta Ice Rink, formerly…

2 November

This Historic Northern California Boomtown Maintains its Gold Rush Charm

Brought to you by Discover Siskiyou It’s sometimes hard to fathom that Northern California once sat as the center of…

1 November

Controlled Burns Set to Begin Across the Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Fire crews with the U.S. Forest Service are preparing to launch a series of prescribed burns across the Shasta-Trinity National…

Oct- 2025 -

30 October

Pit River Tribe Regains 270 Acres of Ancestral Land Along the Fall River

The Pit River Tribe has regained ownership of 270 acres of ancestral land along the Fall River, southeast of Mount…

27 October

Why Does Whiskeytown Lake Stay Full of Water Year-Round?

With Northern California’s lakes and rivers seeing drastic water fluctuations throughout the year, there’s one lake you can see that…

20 October

Trinity Alps Wilderness Highlighted in Outside Magazine’s ‘Favorite Fall Backpacking Trips’

Photo by Erin O’Brien The Trinity Alps Wilderness, located just northwest of Redding, is a gorgeous mountain range providing backpackers with…

20 October

Salmon Are Surging Far Beyond Expectations After Klamath River Dam Removal

Just months after the historic removal of four major dams on the Klamath River, scientists and tribal leaders are stunned…

19 October

Celebrate the Fall Return of Chinook Salmon on the Shasta River

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and California Trout (CalTrout) are inviting the public to celebrate the fall…

7 October

New Wildlife Crossing Nears Completion on Highway 97 in Siskiyou County

A new wildlife crossing in Siskiyou County is nearly complete, marking a major step toward safer roads and healthier ecosystems…

5 October

The Best Places to Go Bird Watching in Siskiyou County

Brought to you by Discover Siskiyou In a world with more than its share of quirky people, “bird nerds,” those…

2 October

Fire Restrictions Lifted on Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers National Forests

Campers and outdoor enthusiasts in Northern California can once again enjoy campfires in the Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers National Forests,…

1 October

Remembering President JFK’s Trip to Northern California Just Weeks Before His Assassination

On November 22, 1963, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated as his motorcade drove through Dallas, Texas. Less than two…

Sep- 2025 -

28 September

Gold Miners Busted for Illegal Suction Dredging in NorCal Waterways

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has cited five individuals in Siskiyou County for illegally using suction dredge…

21 September

Climber Dies After 2,000-Foot Fall on Mount Shasta’s Wintun Glacier

A tragic accident claimed the life of a climber on Mount Shasta Friday afternoon when a man fell approximately 2,000…

16 September

Matsutake Mushroom Harvest Season Opens in Shasta-Trinity National Forest

The highly anticipated Matsutake mushroom harvest season officially opened on September 15 and runs through November 30 on the Shasta…

15 September

The Perfect Road Trip for Outdoor Adventurers in Siskiyou County

We work hard all week, and it’s important to spend our days off enjoying life. If you choose to enjoy…

10 September

The History Behind the Extravagant Castle Along the McCloud River

You’ve probably heard of the Hearst Castle, the magnificent residence of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst. But have you heard…

Aug- 2025 -

26 August

Bigfoot Jamboree Stomps Back Into Northern California This Labor Day Weekend

The legendary Bigfoot Jamboree returns to Happy Camp this weekend, celebrating its 58th year with three days of music, food,…

13 August

6 Awesomely Unique Small Towns to Visit in California’s Far North

Brought to you by Discover Siskiyou Etna, California Sitting 3 hours north of the hustle-and-bustle of Sacramento is an outdoor…

13 August

Climber Airlifted from Mt. Shasta After Losing Control on Icy Slope

A solo climber was rescued from Mt. Shasta on Sunday, Aug. 10, after sliding and tumbling several hundred feet down…

8 August

Last Chance for Ranger-Led Moonlight Kayak Tours on Whiskeytown Lake

If you’ve been wanting to experience Whiskeytown Lake in a truly magical way, don’t miss the final ranger-led moonlight kayak…

Jul- 2025 -

23 July

Chinook Salmon Spotted Spawning in McCloud River for First Time in a Century

In a major win for salmon recovery in California, adult winter-run Chinook salmon have been seen spawning in the McCloud…

21 July

Green Fire Near Shasta Lake Grows to 19,000 Acres, Crews Brace for Wind Shift

The Green Fire burning in Shasta County has grown to 19,021 acres and is now 51% contained, according to the…

17 July

Lake Redding Regatta Returns This August with Races, Beer, and Riverside Fun

Photo via Visit Redding The Lake Redding Regatta is back August 16–17, bringing two days of paddling action, live music,…

16 July

Mountain Lion Sightings Raise Caution on Redding’s Sacramento River Trail

The City of Redding is urging caution after recent reports of mountain lion sightings along the popular Sacramento River Trail.…

11 July

Mt. Shasta Summer Concert Series Returns with Stellar 2025 Lineup

Live music is back under the mountain this summer as the Mt. Shasta Concert Series returns to Shastice Park with…

10 July

Popular NorCal Waterfall Closes for the Year Due to Growing Green Fire Near Shasta Lake

The Green Fire burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest has forced the closure of several popular recreation areas — including…

Jun- 2025 -

25 June

10 Quintessential Hikes in Siskiyou County

Brought to you by Discover Siskiyou California’s Siskiyou County is the perfect place to visit for every type of outdoor…

22 June

Shasta Dam Turns 80: Celebrating a Northern California Icon of Ingenuity and Resilience

Eighty years ago, in the heart of rural Shasta County, thousands of workers came together to build something extraordinary—Shasta Dam.…

18 June

This Remote NorCal Park May Have the Best Stargazing in California

Sitting in the tippy-top of Northern California in Siskiyou County is one of the most beautiful, historical parks in all…

13 June

Mount Shasta’s New National Monument Could Be Erased by Federal Government

The federal government is taking steps to abolish the newly established Sáttítla Highlands National Monument—an ecologically and culturally significant stretch…

11 June

Search Continues for Missing Redding Man Last Seen on Mount Shasta

Authorities continue to seek public assistance in finding Lesner Noe Velasquez Cardenas, a Redding resident who went missing on Mount…

May- 2025 -

25 May

10 Destinations To Mark Off Your Shasta Cascade Bucket List

The Shasta Cascade region is one of a kind. The collection of waterfalls, trails, mountains, caves, rivers, museums and other…

23 May

Celebrate Memorial Day at the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden Near Mount Shasta

Photo: Discover Siskiyou Each year, Memorial Day stands as a poignant reminder to all Americans of the sacrifices made by…

21 May

Shasta County Declares Emergency Over Rising Wolf Encounters

Shasta County has declared a local state of emergency following a spike in gray wolf sightings and livestock attacks in…

16 May

Road Trippin’ Northern California’s Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

Brought to you by Discover Siskiyou Mount Shasta overlooks much of the North State and provides a certain familiar presence.…

13 May

Controversial Plan to Raise Shasta Dam Resurfaces — Here’s What’s at Stake

A decades-old proposal to raise Shasta Dam by 18.5 feet is once again gaining traction in Washington D.C., prompting fierce…

7 May

Potter Creek Cave: the Coolest Northern California Cave You Can’t Visit

It’s larger than Shasta Caverns. Extinct ground sloths were found there, the first ever in California. Sharp-faced bears, the most…

7 May

Ring of Fire: Snowboarders Climb and Ride Down NorCal’s Two Active Volcanos

When discussing the outdoors of far Northern California, two of the main destinations you’ll likely hear about are Mount Shasta…

5 May

Why Mossbrae Falls Is Still Closed to the Public—and What’s Being Done About It

Photo by Josh Hild Mossbrae Falls, just outside Dunsmuir in Northern California, is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the…

5 May

Shasta Lake Nears Full Capacity for the Third Straight Year

For the third year in a row, Shasta Lake is nearly full following another wet winter. The lake’s surface level…

Apr- 2025 -

28 April

Whiskeytown Lake Beaches Reopen with Major Upgrades for Summer Season

Whiskeytown Lake’s popular swim beaches are better than ever as Brandy Creek Beach, Oak Bottom Beach, and East Beach officially…

28 April

Mushroom Foraging Season Now Open in Shasta-McCloud Management Unit

Spring mushroom season is officially underway in the Shasta-McCloud Management Unit of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, with the harvest window…

18 April

Siskiyou Sheriff Sounds Alarm on Growing Gray Wolf Threat to Residents and Livestock

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office and Board of Supervisors are urging California lawmakers and wildlife officials to enhance measures protecting…

10 April

Lake Shasta Caverns Reopens with State-of-the-Art Lighting Upgrade

Lake Shasta Caverns has officially reopened to visitors following a major lighting renovation project that began in January. The upgrade…

8 April

Shasta Lake Expected to Reach Full Capacity this Spring

A late burst of winter storms has set Shasta Lake on a strong course for summer, with projections showing the…

7 April

9 Fascinating Historical Gems to Visit in Siskiyou County

Brought to you by Discover Siskiyou Photo by Richard Lee When gold was discovered in the American River in the 1800’s,…

3 April

The Massive Glowing Lantern Festival is Returning to Redding—Here’s What to Expect

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is lighting up Redding once again with its 2nd Annual Glowing Wild Lantern Festival, opening April…