Quick report
Clear Creek route is the recommended thoroughfare to the summit of Shasta this late in the season. Snow remains on route but snow travel is no longer necessary on the main section of the climb with proper route finding around the patches. Some snow remains on the Summit Plateau. While this route is less technical than others on Shasta, it still commands respect. The large vertical relief, combined with the overall loose nature of the scree and talus test one's physical and mental fortitude. For this weekend, 8/9 - 8/10, into early next week, heat exposure is a major concern and another important reason to get an early start. While less susceptible to major rockfall, other typical hazards on Clear Creek include wandering off route into steeper and/or glaciated terrain, clouds (a major cause of getting lost) and thunderstorms. Located at about 8500’, the springs at Clear Creek are stunning and magical place to setup camp before a climb and return to. Please be considerate of this incredible space and the fragile ecosystem surrounding the springs by camping at least 200 feet from the springs and traveling on hard durable surfaces to avoid stepping on the sensitive riparian plants and soils. Wood fires are also not permitted in the Mount Shasta Wilderness. Fires scar the landscape and firewood is scarce at high elevations. Dead and down wood is also crucial to soil regeneration in alpine environments.