Mount Shasta is a potentially active volcano located in northern California south of the Oregon border. At 14,179 feet (4,322 m) tall, it is the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range behind Mount Rainier. Mount Shasta has an iconic, majestic presence and has long been regarded as spiritually significant by Native American tribes in the area. It continues to attract spiritual seekers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts today.
In this article, we will explore 52 riddles related to various aspects of Mount Shasta, including its geography, geology, ecology, history and legends. The riddles span from easy to more challenging. Read on as we lift the veil on this enigmatic mountain.
Riddles about geography and geology
What U.S. state is Mount Shasta located in?
California
True or false: Mount Shasta is an active volcano that last erupted in 1786.
False – Mount Shasta is potentially active but has not erupted in recorded history. Its last eruption was over 300 years ago.
About how tall is Mount Shasta?
Over 14,000 feet – specifically 14,179 ft (4,322 m)
What range is Mount Shasta a part of?
The Cascade Range
What plate boundary is Mount Shasta located near?
It is near the boundary between the North American and Pacific plates.
What causes Mount Shasta’s dramatic shape with surrounding lava plateaus and cone?
It was formed by eruptions alternating between the main central vent and flank vents. Central vent eruptions contributed to the cone shape while flank eruptions created the lava plateau surrounding its base.
Riddles about climate and ecology
What tree species dominates the lower slopes of Mount Shasta?
The Shasta red fir dominates up to 7,500 feet.
What major river system does Mount Shasta feed?
It feeds the Sacramento River system. Meltwater from Mount Shasta glaciers is an important source for the Sacramento River and California’s water supply.
True or false: With a high summit and latitude, Mount Shasta has many large glaciers.
True – Despite periods of retreat, Mount Shasta still has the largest glacier system in California and over 7 named glaciers.
What animals may you encounter on Mount Shasta?
Black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, many bird species including bald eagles, and marmots.
What unique phenomenon can often be observed high on Mount Shasta?
Lenticular clouds forming over the peak.
Riddles about human history
What Native American tribes considered Mount Shasta a sacred mountain?
The Karuk, Shasta, Wintu, Ajumawi, and Modoc tribes all revered Mount Shasta and tribal legends associated it with spiritual forces.
Mount Shasta City at the foot of the mountain was founded in what year?
1886
The first recorded ascent of Mount Shasta was by which explorer in 1854?
Elias Pearce
What controversial spiritual figure established an ashram at Mount Shasta in 1929?
JC Ballard
In 1987 the U.S. Postal Service controversially featured Mount Shasta on what objected-to stamp?
A stamp for the Harmonic Convergence associated with the New Age movement.
Legend riddles
According to Native American legends, Mount Shasta was inhabited by powerful spirits with masts like what large creature?
Woolly mammoths
In stories similar to Atlantis legends, who did Native Americans say had cities with advanced technology inside Mount Shasta?
The ‘Lizard People’
What mythological creature is said to be hidden in caves under Mount Shasta?
Lemurians
Who did pioneer settler John Muir claim to encounter mysteriously on the slopes of Mount Shasta?
Saint Ives
What name is for the romantic legends of a lost continent in the Pacific that supposedly now exists in tunnels and caves under Mount Shasta?
Lemuria
Spiritual riddles
Who did spiritualist Guy Ballard claim he met while hiking on Mount Shasta in 1930, inspiring ‘I AM’ religious activity?
Saint Germain
What spiritual practice did Buddhist monk Padmasambhava reportedly practice in a cave on Mount Shasta 800 years ago?
Meditation
Which author wrote about metaphysical beings called ‘Lords of Venus’ living inside Mount Shasta?
Phylos the Tibetan
What mysterious organization of enlightened masters did Theosophist Edouard Schure propose had headquarters at Mount Shasta?
The Great White Brotherhood
Due to its unique energy, what kind of portal does author Joanna Cherry allege Mount Shasta contains?
A dimensional portal
Other Mount Shasta riddles
Mount Shasta lenticular clouds share a name with what popular baked good?
Pancakes
Besides a smartphone or thermometer, what common household item could be hazardous to health at Mount Shasta’s high altitude?
An oven, due to decreased oxygen
What animal has there been reported sightings of near Mount Shasta even though it went extinct over 10,000 years ago in North America?
Woolly mammoths
What phenomenon might convince a weary hiker that Mount Shasta was erupting even if it was not?
Lenticular clouds gathering over the peak
Other than water or coffee, what refreshing beverage from berries could help you hike up Mount Shasta?
Huckleberry juice or smoothies!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed these 52 riddles about magnificent, mythical Mount Shasta! From its impressive height to mysterious legends to spiritual speculations, this majestic Cascade volcano provides plenty of riddles to ponder. While some answers rely on myths or unverified tales, others touch on Mount Shasta’s very real natural wonders that continue attracting new generations of adventurers and wonderers today. The true allure of this sacred mountain lingers as long as its slopes lead our imagination on towards hidden vistas gazing back!
