Indeed, in the past 20,000 years, there has been a major eruption approximately every 500 years. These glaciers were In retreat, but recent evidence suggests that they are once again advancing. The slopes of Shasta arc cloaked in beautiful forests of sugar pine, Jeffrey pine, incense cedar, white fir, red fir, mountain hemlock, and near timberline, white-bark pine. Do not, however, expect unbroken expansive forest cover, since nearly all the lower forested slopes outside of the designated wilderness have been entered by logging operations. The most extensive forest patches are found on the northeast shoulder of the mountain between Diller Canyon and Whitney Falls, as well as on Red Fir Ridge on the mountain's southeast flank.
Wildlife is sparse, as most animal habitat lies outside of the wilderness boundaries.
Going any further up the mountain, except by the southerly route described below, usually requires a lot of experience and climbing gear. Even the climb to the top of Shasta can be accomplished in one long day. Bear in mind that altitude sickness can be a problem to those who ascend the mountain too rapidly. However, with proper equipment, including an ice ax, most people in reasonably good shape can reach the summit when they give themselves adequate time. Pages reproduced from this book are copyrighted material.