Lake Shasta Caverns
Map SatelliteAn extensive series of caverns are found here in the McCloud Limestone Formation. This formation dates to the early Permian. The caverns themselves are probably of late Tertiary or Quaternary age.
These caverns are the equal of any in the country, with a number of connecting chambers extending several hundred meters into the mountain. Among the various cave features are multi-colored flute columns up to 20 meters (60 feet) high, stalactites, stalagmites, etc.
Vegetation in the area is of mixed pine-hardwood association, with the rare plant Shasta eupatorium, Ageratina shastensis, found nearby.
The rare Shasta salamander, Hydromantes shastae, may occur here.
The caverns were discovered in 1878.
Integrity: An access tunnel has been drilled to the lower chambers in 1964; prior to this, entry was through steep, narrow fissures. Lighting, walkways and railings have been constructed.
Use: Private but operated year-round as commercial enterprise. Access is by boat and bus, reached from Interstate Highway 5 via O'Brien-Shasta Caverns road.
January 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman