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Mt. Shasta - (5.2 Miles; O&B) - Black Butte Peak

Everitt Memorial Highway
Mt. Shasta, California 96067
Siskiyou County

Black Butte, which you speed by as you cruise along I-5 near Mt. Shasta, offers a slightly difficult hike with a sweet payoff.  
The hike is difficult in that the gain in elevation approaches 2,000 feet so each and every step is up, without a break, although not at too dramatic of an incline.  The ground is not as soft as similar hikes which makes it a little easier than you might expect and the views from the top are worth each and every step.    
This hike is especially cool because of the different trail environments and views you get as you make your way along the trail.  There are a few times on the hike when you get an, "I'm on a different planet" feeling.  
The attached pictures will give you a pretty good idea what the trail offers but the best way to find out is to get out and hike it.  
Distance:  5.2 miles (round-trip) 
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Dogs: No
Camping:  Yes, but not at the mountain - Check out our Camping Section for nearby places.  
More info:
Bring a hat and some sun block.  The upper part of the trail offers no shade.   Don't forget your camera.  You can get some incredible shots of the surrounding area from the top. 
Click the link for a short video about --> Hiking Black Butte.
How to get there:
The trailhead is on the northeast side of the mountain.  Take the Central Mt. Shasta exit from I-5 and turn right (W. Lake Street).  West Lake Street will turn into Everitt Memorial Highway.  Stay on the highway for about 2.2 miles and you'll see a small sign on the left for the Black Butte Trailhead.  After you turn left off the highway, you'll leave the pavement and now be on a dirt road. Take the first right (< 1/10th mile) and go for about a mile until the road gently curves to the left (at this point, you'll be driving directly at Black Butte).   At the bottom of the hill, take the road to your right (right before the levee and power lines).  This road will eventually sweep to the left and you will go under the power lines.  Immediately after you go under the power lines, take the road to the left and it will lead you directly to the parking lot. 
Other things to check out in the area:
Mt. Shasta City Park is a nice place for a post-hike picnic and is also home to the Sacramento River Headwaters.  Castle LakeLake Siskiyou and Shastice Park are also great options for a chill afternoon. 
*Click on the photos below to enlarge them

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