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A short, easy hike up a low lava dome boasting excellent views of the Shasta Valley, Klamath Mountains, Cascade Crest and Mount Shasta. This is an excellent winter hike.
Total Length: 2.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 240 feet
Season: All year
The Haystack is an all but forgotten volcanic dome in Northern California’s Shasta Valley. Lying in the shadow of mighty Mount Shasta, the valley is an area often overlooked when it comes to outdoor recreation. While the valley has numerous interesting small mountains, most people simply pass on through, intent on getting to the high country to the south. Those looking with interest at the valley’s small mountains are forgiven for assuming they are on private land due to the abundance of cattle ranches visible from the highways. While this is true in most of the Shasta Valley, there are a couple of significant exceptions to the rule. The Haystack, found on the north side of Highway 97, is one of the best of these exceptions. Separated from the rest of the Shasta Valley’s small peaks, the Haystack, along with neighboring Yellow Butte, offer great off-season hiking options with astounding views in all directions. When the high country above the Shasta Valley is still cloaked in snow, a trip to the top of the Haystack will quench the thirst for alpine scenery.
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