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Ascent to Helen Lake from the Bunny Flats Trailhead.


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Map Key

3.7

Miles

6.0

KM

Ascent

10,449' 3,185 m

High

6,939' 2,115 m

Low

3,510' 1,070 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

18%

Avg Slope (10°)

117%

Max Slope (50°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry
Wilderness permits are required and summit permits are required if you're ascending higher than 10k. Permits are not restricted and can be acquired at the trailhead. Summit permits are $25 and can be also be acquired at the trailhead. Camping is not restricted at the trailhead.

Need to Know

This trail can get extremely crowded. Be prepared for a line of climbers on holiday weekends. With a good snow season, skinning is possible from the Bunny Flat Trailhead, though hiking will likely be needed in the late spring. Horse Camp is a good rest spot 1.5 miles in. Feel free to fill up at the natural spring at Horse Camp.

Description

This is by far the most popular approach to the Shasta Summit for skiers and climbers. Helen Lake is a popular first day stop for anyone summiting via the south face. Helen Lake offers amazing exposed views of the cascades and the Red Banks above the camp. This is a solid day trip for anyone not wanting to summit or camp overnight.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ian Bohannon

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 4 votes

#2

in Mount Shasta

#161

Overall
  4.3 from 4 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
75%
3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Ascent Rankings

#2

in Mount Shasta

#11

in California

#161

Overall
24 Views Last Month
1,282 Since May 30, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

At Helen Lake looking up at the Red Banks
May 30, 2018 near Mount S…, CA
The last big climb before Helen Lake
May 30, 2018 near Mount S…, CA
Mid-climb lunch spot
May 30, 2018 near Mount S…, CA
The end of flat ground. Looking up towards the summit.
May 30, 2018 near Mount S…, CA
Bunny Flats trailhead
May 30, 2018 near Mount S…, CA
4am shot of the approach to Red Banks. Photo by C. Samuels
May 30, 2018 near Mount S…, CA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 23, 2020
James Beiting
10.5mi — 8h 00m
May 24, 2020
Justin Barham
Apr 18, 2019
David Crane
w MW 4 a.m. start from Bunny Flats up Avalanche Gulch to summit. Ski straight to parking lot. — 9h 00m
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