It's a good thing Teddy Roosevelt had the vision and foresight to protect American forests such as Shasta-Trinity. That's because you won't find the kind of solitude the forest's granite peaks and cliffs, canyons, glaciers, rock pinnacles, and reflective lakes offer inside any of California's suburban malls. T.R. set aside Shasta and Trinity as separate national forests way back in 1905 and 1907, respectively; in 1954, their administrations were merged. Here, the earth is raw and visceral. Its power is palpable. As Mount Shasta looms in the distance, a plume of sulfurous smoke serves as a reminder of the awesome energy that lies hidden beneath the surface. At 14,161 feet, it is the second highest volcano in the Cascade Range. Read More »