The city of Mount Shasta sits at the foot of one of California's most dramatic landmarks — a massive volcanic cone that towers over the surrounding forest and dominates the skyline for a hundred miles in every direction. The mountain itself is a serious wilderness destination, drawing hikers, skiers, and mountaineers year-round. The small city at its base is a quiet, outdoorsy town with just enough amenities to serve as a comfortable base.
In summer, the mountain's lower slopes are laced with hiking trails and the nearby Lake Siskiyou offers swimming, fishing, boating, and windsurfing. In winter, the Mount Shasta Ski Park draws downhill and cross-country skiers to the mountain's flanks. The surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest gives the whole area a wild, unhurried feeling that sets it apart from California's more crowded outdoor destinations.