On a clear morning the mountain fills the windshield long before you reach it, white at the summit and larger with every mile. Mount Shasta, the town, is about an hour and a quarter from Etna. Go over Gazelle: south on Highway 3 to Callahan, then the Gazelle-Callahan Road over the mountains to Gazelle and south toward the 14,179-foot volcano. It is only a touch longer than the highway, but you will see gorgeous land and Lovers Leap rock, and it is a nice cell-phone-free drive. In winter, check conditions first. Here is a plant-based day there: a class, lunch, the headwaters and a grocery run for the rest of your stay.
Morning: a class at Shasta Yoga Institute
Shasta Yoga Institute, 315-A S. Mt. Shasta Blvd. Classes for all ages and levels of experience, with restorative yoga and yoga therapy among them, plus private sessions and workshops. After an hour and a quarter in the car, a slow class is a kind way to arrive. Check the weekly schedule and plan the drive around it, or, if you're traveling as a group, ask about a private session.
Coffee after class. Drizzle, downtown at 401 N. Mount Shasta Blvd, opens daily at 7 am for coffee (and, for the omnivores in your party, burgers and milkshakes). Ask about plant milks.
Lunch: two plant-based-friendly counters
Alua's Thrive Bar
Alua's Thrive Bar, 315 Chestnut St. Its online menu marks the Blasted Vegan bagel (tempeh bacon, vegan mayo, avocado and greens on an everything bagel) and a vegan butternut squash chili with black beans. The Quasi Reuben can be made with tempeh and vegan cheese, and the Golden Mylk, a turmeric and spice latte, comes with oat milk, as does the Chai Harder Latte. Read the smoothie descriptions before you order: one includes collagen, and another is made with whey unless you ask for the vegan protein. Its ordering page lists 8 am to 5 pm daily.
Berryvale Grocery
Berryvale Grocery. Mount Shasta's natural foods market and a local favorite for organic produce. Its cafe counter, an organic deli and juice bar, is the place to build a lunch: read the labels, ask what's plant-based that day, and carry it to the park. Before you head home, shop for the rest of your stay, and bring a cooler bag for the drive. Your next dinner at the house will thank you.
Afternoon: the headwaters
Mount Shasta City Park. Here the Sacramento River begins as a spring flowing out of the hillside, a short walk from the parking area. There's a bench by the water, and it's one of the most peaceful places in town to sit for a while. Bring your lunch, or bring nothing at all and just listen.
Lake Siskiyou. With time to spare, drive a few minutes south to Lake Siskiyou, which holds the mountain's reflection on calm days. Even a short walk along the south shore gives you the view. Our five days in Scott Valley has more ideas for a full Mount Shasta day.
Mount Shasta reflected in Lake Siskiyou. Photo: Thomas Roach on Unsplash
Home. Come home through Yreka: north on Interstate 5, then south on Highway 3 through Fort Jones to Etna.
Good to know
The drive is about an hour and a quarter each way.
Check the Shasta Yoga Institute schedule before you go, or call (530) 859-5433.
Alua's Thrive Bar lists 8 am to 5 pm daily on its ordering page. Check Berryvale's hours before you go.
The town sits at about 3,600 feet, and the mountain above it is colder still. Bring layers.
Driving electric? Charging is included at the house, and there are public fast chargers in Weed and Mount Shasta along the way.
Then drive home to the wood stove, a full fridge and the stars. See open dates and prices for your stay at Blossom Sanctuary. Join the Sovereign Circle free through December 31, 2026 for the member rate and a gift with your first stay.
