<2> A Climber Is Lucky to be Alive After Falling 700 Feet Down Mount Shasta
<3> The Unpredictable Nature of Climbing
<>Mount Shasta, a 14,179-foot volcano in Siskiyou County, California, has been a popular destination for climbers and adventure seekers for decades. The mountain’s unique shape and challenging terrain make it an attractive option for those looking to test their skills and push their limits. However, as the recent rescue of two young climbers demonstrates, even the most experienced and well-prepared individuals can fall victim to the unpredictable nature of climbing.
<3> The Rescue Effort
<>On the morning of March 5, 2026, rescue crews from Siskiyou County received a distress call from the two climbers, who were attempting to summit Mount Shasta via the popular Avalanche Gulch route. The climbers, both 19 and 20 years old, had been climbing for several hours when they encountered a sudden and unexpected storm, which caused them to lose their footing and fall approximately 700 feet down the mountain.
<>The rescue effort was led by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the US Forest Service, the California Highway Patrol, and several volunteer search and