Shasta Caverns Guide
Shasta Caverns: Journey into the Heart of the Mountain Guide
Shasta Caverns is a captivating natural wonder located near Mount Shasta, offering a unique and unforgettable underground adventure. These stunning limestone caves are adorned with intricate formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone, creating a mesmerizing subterranean landscape. A visit to Shasta Caverns is a journey into the heart of the mountain, revealing the hidden beauty and geological history of the region. The caverns were discovered in 1878 by a hunter named J.A. Richardson. Over millions of years, rainwater seeping through the limestone rock dissolved minerals, creating the intricate cave system we see today. The caverns were initially known as Baird Caves, after Spencer Fullerton Baird, a prominent naturalist. They were later renamed Shasta Caverns to better reflect their location near Mount Shasta. The caverns have been a popular tourist attraction since the early 20th century, offering guided tours that showcase the geological wonders and history of the site. A visit to Shasta Caverns begins with a scenic boat ride across Lake Shasta, followed by a bus ride up to the cave entrance. Knowledgeable guides lead tours through the caverns, pointing out the various formations and explaining the geological processes that created them. The tour includes several chambers, each with its own unique features and formations. The constant temperature inside the caverns (around 58 degrees Fahrenheit) makes it a comfortable experience year-round. Photography is allowed, so you can capture the beauty of this underground world.
Transportation
Access to Shasta Caverns is only available through the official Shasta Caverns tour. The tour includes transportation from the visitor center to the caverns, including a boat ride across Lake Shasta and a bus ride up the mountain.