Mt. Shasta City Park, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067

## Overview Nestled at the base of the magnificent Mount Shasta — a 14,179-foot stratovolcano in Northern California's Cascade Range — the spring at Mt. Shasta City Park is one of the most celebrated natural springs in the western United States. Fed by snowmelt and glacial runoff that filters through layers of volcanic rock, the water emerges cold, clear, and abundant year-round. The spring has long been considered a headwater source of the Sacramento River, California's longest river, which flows many miles to the south before emptying into the San Francisco Bay. Mount Shasta and its springs hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for several Native American tribes, including the Shasta, Wintu, and Karuk peoples, who have revered the mountain as a sacred place for thousands of years. In more modern times, the spring has drawn visitors from across the country who come to fill jugs and bottles with the naturally cold mountain water. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers alike, and visitors have long reported that it tastes exceptionally clean and refreshing. The spring is located within the publicly accessible Mt. Shasta City Park, a well-maintained green space that also features picnic areas, walking paths, and views of the towering peak above. The park and its spring have become a beloved gathering point for the local community and a must-visit stop for anyone passing through Siskiyou County. ## Directions 1. From Interstate 5, take the **Central Mt. Shasta exit** into the town of Mt. Shasta. 2. Head east on **Lake Street** toward the mountain. 3. Turn left (north) onto **Mt. Shasta Boulevard**, the town's main street. 4. Turn right (east) onto **Nixon Road**. 5. Follow Nixon Road a short distance until you reach the entrance to **Mt. Shasta City Park** on your left. 6. The spring is located within the park — look for the stone spring house near the park's center. Parking is available on-site. *GPS coordinates: 41.3271, -122.3169 (approximate — the listed coordinates may place you slightly east of the actual park; use the directions above for best results).* ## What to Expect The spring flows abundantly from a natural outlet at the base of Mount Shasta, channeled through a charming stone spring house that has become an iconic local landmark. The water is notably cold, even during summer months, reflecting its origins as snowmelt filtered through volcanic rock deep within the mountain. The surrounding City Park is a pleasant, shaded area with mature trees, open grassy fields, and picnic facilities — making it easy to spend an afternoon here. The park is open to the public and free to visit. Many visitors bring containers to collect water from the spring; you'll often see locals lined up with jugs, a testament to the spring's enduring popularity. The setting is spectacular: on a clear day, the snow-capped summit of Mount Shasta dominates the skyline directly above the park. The area is accessible year-round, though winter conditions may bring snow and cold temperatures to the town (elevation approximately 3,500 feet). Spring and summer offer the most comfortable visiting conditions, with wildflowers and lush greenery throughout the park. Note that while the spring water has been historically used as drinking water and is widely regarded by visitors as clean and delicious, water quality can vary with conditions, and no guarantees of potability can be made.