Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday Events

Local Area Events

Mt. Shasta City Park Headwaters & Spring Photo

Mt. Shasta City Park Headwaters & Spring

The beautiful spring located at the base of Spring Hill in the Mt. Shasta City Park is known as the headwaters of the Upper Sacramento River (though other branches of the mighty Sacramento reach even further into the wilderness). A viewing patio, benches and pathways make this amazing spring a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.The water gushing from the spring fell as snow on Mount Shasta years ago, and has made it's way underground to emerge into the sunlight at the City Park.Restoration work in recent years has stabilized the hillside above the spring with boulders and native plants.  The area has gradually returned to its natural health and beauty.  A paved pathway leads down from the spring and along the creek through the park, while two footbridges give access to wetlands, trails and more springs to the north.A great story about the Headwaters Spring is Where does the water go? at the Mt. Shasta Herald website!
DID YOU KNOW – The land, which ultimately became the Mt. Shasta City Park, was once part of the hunting ground for the Wintun, Maidu, and Okwanuchu Indian tribes and was first crossed by explorers around 1841. Big Springs, designated as the location of the headwaters of the Sacramento River, once contained a water-wheel and was the city's first source of energy (1901) for generating power to light the local community. The crystal clear water flowing through the park begins its journey high on the snow-covered peaks of majestic Mt. Shasta, flowing through underground lava tubes until finally gushing forth into daylight at the City Park's headwaters area. Along it's journey out of the park the water flows through the Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery, feeds into Lake Siskiyou, plunging over the Box Canyon Dam as it reaches it's final destination, the Sacramento River. The Headwaters Area is well-known as a local historical point of interest attracting hundreds of curious sight-seers each year.

Public Sweat Lodge Photo

Public Sweat Lodge

Sweat begins @ 1:00 pm. The ceremony lasts 60 to 90 minutes and is open to the public. Everybody is welcome to participate. To help everyone acclimate, we recommend that participants arrive at least one hour earlier.
These ceremonies' operational costs include fuel for automobile travel for our Ceremonial Leader (Walking Eagle and Gentle Springs drive from another town), firewood burned during the sweat lodge (which we pay $100.00 – one hundred dollars – per ceremony), water, tarps, helpers, gathering stones and medicine for the ceremony, fuel for chainsaws, and other related expenses. Therefore, by tradition, each participant always makes an offering before entering the ceremony. A cash donation is also greatly appreciated, necessary, and appropriate to help us cover the operational costs. Participants can choose their donation amount, with no minimum required.

Dress Codes:
Dress code for Men: Men should wear shorts.

Dress code for Women: The dress code for women is covered shoulders and preferably a long skirt. (A good old t-shirt and maxi skirt work great.) Women on their “Moon Time” will not be permitted inside the lodge, as this is a sacred time when the body is already naturally purifying.

A designated space is available for prayer and song during the sweat lodge.

What should you bring? Please bring a towel and wear comfortable clothes. Make sure you don't have any metallic details on your clothes due to the heat inside the lodge.

Before entering the sweat lodge, you must remove your shoes, glasses, and metal objects. If you have questions or feel unsure about what is appropriate for you or your condition, ask the Ceremonial Leader or a knowledgeable staff member before entering any ceremony.
Out of respect for natural law, we always make an offer before taking anything for our needs. We always leave our ceremonial areas clean. We ask that you refrain from any activities that disturb or damage the natural habitat.

Water and Hydration: Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water before and after the ceremony. Water is not permitted inside the lodge. We also encourage the participants to be well-hydrated on the days preceding the ceremony.

Drugs or Alcohol: Individuals who have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol within 24 hours preceding the ceremony are not allowed to enter the Ceremonial area or the Sweat Lodge!

Pictures: Pictures are not allowed during the ceremony, especially after the lit fire. Pictures are not allowed inside the sweat lodge. Group Pictures are allowed and welcome before or after the ceremony.

Questions? Contact via email: [email protected]