The drive to the TH took about 2 hours, including 30 minutes to go the last 8 miles on gravel and dirt roads. We were happy to be in a high clearance SUV, but we did notice that a BMW Z3 had also made it to the TH.

We had smoke on the drive down which really didn't dissipate until mid-day. Temperatures climbed into the high 70s by the end of the hike.

This TH is mostly used by summit parties but it does offer a great day hike up to the Clear Creek Springs. The first mile or so works its way up through an old growth red fir forest at which point you come out on the east rim of Mud Creek Canyon, a 600' to 1,000' deep scar heading up Shasta. You can see the 125' high Mud Creek Falls in the distance along with its cascade falling down the canyon.

The trail then follows the rim of Mud Creek Canyon up to the confluence of Mud Creek and Clear Creek and then follows the rim of Clear Creek Canyon. We followed the trail on up to a point where we could traverse across to the multiple springs which are the headwaters of Clear Creek. We actually started the traverse a bit early at 8,300'. On the return we found that it was better to go a bit higher to around 8,500' at which a point there is a trail going down to the springs.

We rehydrated at The Goat, but were unable to finish all of the sweet potato and French fries, possibly due to the high garlic content.