Why Mt. Shasta Water is Special ~Medicine Lake~ [Would you rather die without walking? A Journey to America's National Parks (32) The Jewels of Mt. Shasta]
Written by Sayaka Kato
It's clear at first sight that Shasta water feels truly special
For example, if you stay in the Shasta area, after two or three days you will notice that your skin feels moisturized and smoother than usual, and your hair is shinier and smoother. Just by using "Shasta water" in the shower, you can immediately tell the difference every time you go about your daily life
The same goes for swimming in a lake. In particular, when I first visited Medicine Lake, which I will introduce here, after swimming in the lake, I felt so healed that my body and hair were noticeably transformed. It's hard to put into words, but I remember feeling like my body and mind were purified by the pure beauty of nature. It was quite a shocking experience
I don't know if it's because of the high mineral content, or if the water itself has been percolating for many years and is truly pure, but I feel that Shasta water is truly special. It's very sacred
As the name Medicine Lake suggests, it has long been a place where indigenous people have come to heal their minds and bodies
While living in the United States, I have traveled to many places, hiked mountains, and seen many different natural sites and lakes, but Medicine Lake has left a strong impression on me; it is a sacred place where the term "sacred place" truly fits
At an altitude of 2400m
Just quietly
Always there
Just as it is
Standing quietly
This caldera lake was formed by a volcanic eruption and has existed here since ancient times
It is considered a sacred lake by indigenous peoples, bringing healing
If you visit Medicine Lake, take the time to relax and enjoy nature
This is the furthest of Shasta's famous tourist spots, located over an hour from Shasta city and about an hour from McCloud
The period during which you can go there is short, and you can only go there for a limited time from around July to around October, when the snow melts and the roads are open
There are picnic tables and campsites nearby
There is also a trail that goes around the lake, about 13 kilometers (about 8 miles)
It's always empty and very quiet. There's a campsite, so if you camp, the views are amazing, both at night and in the morning
Kato Sayaka
Leave your California hiking and travel plans to us. Due to my father's influence, I have always loved outdoor activities, and since I was in Japan, I was captivated by the great nature of America and Canada, and as a result, I arrived at the United States, which I had longed for. We currently run ANAMI TOURS, which offers local optional tours that can be created with customers, including completely private hiking tours with Japanese guides. We will introduce you to some special options that you can find out because you are a local resident. If you are interested, please visit the website below.
Related reading
Mt. Water City: A sacred waterfall quietly lie at the foot of Shasta - Hedge Creek Falls - [Can you die without walking?] Journey to the US National Park (33) Mt. Shasta's Jewels]
McLeod Falls offers three waterfalls that celebrate simple beauty, so you can enjoy it [You can die without walking! Travel to American National Parks (35) Mt. Shasta's Jewels
Can you die without walking? Journey to American National Parks (22) Mt. Shasta's Jewels - Ney Springs and Faery Falls Edition
A journey to Mosbray Falls, where you reach that track in Stand by Me: Can you die without walking? Travel to American National Parks (30) Mt. Shasta's Jewels