Climbing Mt. Shasta: Route 1, Avalanche Gulch (Paperback)

~ Steve J. Lewis (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

His book is more than a guide book; it's well organized and loaded with comprehensive information written for anyone planning to climb the mountain. You should hurry out and buy a copy immediately. -- Marvin Tolbert, Extreme skier, and fellow climber

I've found Steve Lewis's book to be an excellent resource for preparing anyone to climb Mt. Shasta. It contains much needed information that should prevent the type of incidents and injuries that the Search and Rescue team deals with on the mountain. A better prepared climber saves time, money, and unnecessary dangerous exposure to SAR team members. I highly recommend reading the book! -- Sgt. Dave Nicholson, Siskiyou Co. Sheriffs Dept.

I've found Steve's book to be the best reference available for preparing anyone to safely and successfully climb to the summit of Mt. Shasta using the Avalanche Gulch Route. -- Robin Kohn, Outdoor Recreation Specialist, Mt Shasta, CA

It is one thing to receive the many gifts the mountain can give, as my friend Steve has. An even greater thing is to share and teach that knowledge to others. Keep up the good work. -- Lou Whittaker, Expedition Leader & Rainier Mountain Guide Author, "Memoirs of A Mountain Guide"

This is a great book for the Mt. Shasta adventure. Steve's love of Mt. Shasta and his enthusiasm for climbing, makes the book easy reading and a great resource. -- Leif Voeltz, The Fifth Season Store, Mount Shasta, CA

This is unique for it is the most complete guide book I have seen anywhere. The information presented includes climbing techniques, weather, geography, flora, fauna, history safety, gear, and, of course, the route itself. Climbing Mt. Shasta is not so much a guide book as it is an introduction to mountaineering. I hope other guide book writers will pick up on Steve's idea, and write books that are as complete as this one. -- Northern California Trail Magazine; Chico, CA

What an exciting book Steve Lewis from Mt. Shasta has written! This book was written specifically for those who are motivated to climb Mt. Shasta for the first time. It contains detailed information for novice climbers and for experienced mountaineers who dream of reaching the Summit using the Avalanche Gulch route. But for those of us who don't feel the desire to go to the top, this book is packed with loads of information about the mountain's legends, lore, fact and fiction. Steve's really done his homework. There are maps, charts and exact guidelines for your trek to the top. The hazards of mountaineering are thoroughly stressed. Everything you may need to reach the "Summit" is explained in detail. I enjoyed some of the quotes used, such as, "Concentrate on your footing, not on your fear." Also, "Only conquer on foot what you feel you can conquer in your mind." Good advice for just walking on flat ground!!!! Climbing Mt. Shasta is an absolute hit!! Well done, Steve, and congratulations on going even farther than the "Summit." -- Dyana Wings of Wings Bookstore; Mt, Shasta City, CA

Product Description

Climbing Mt. Shasta contains 12 comprehensive chapters and power packed appendices loaded with resourceful information. This book was produced in very high quality paper with an attractive color cover and eight pages with color pictures. Also, there are several black and white pictures along with an aerial map, several maps and charts. The book has a lot of subheadings making it easy for the reader to follow. Chapter One begins by introducing the Volcano's eruptive history, its thick icy glaciers, and the story of the first recorded summit ascent on Mt. Shasta. The next few chapters acquaint the reader, or climber, with the hazards and rewards of mountaineering allowing those of you who know little about the Mountain to become better acquainted with it. You will also be introduced to weather, safety, climbing techniques, and proper use of equipment. Re-live the dramatic story of the climber who survived two lonely, cold nights without sleeping gear at 12,000 feet. Subsequent chapters prepare you for your climb up the mountain. Once you're packed, author Steve Lewis takes you on a step-by-step journey to the summit. Finally, glissade with him 2,000 feet down a snowfield as he takes you safely back to base camp. Enjoy your stay in the Mt. Shasta area with the last chapter titled Camping and Recreation. Appendices include a mountaineering glossary, mountaineering stores, and resourceful phone contacts.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 170 pages
• Publisher: PhotograFix Publishing (October 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888740051
• ISBN-13: 978-1888740059
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #591,344 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A big disappointment if you have ANY climbing experience., September 3, 2000

By	Robert W. Audretsch "bob1941" (Tucson, AZ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

.... This guide of 170 pages devotes about 63 pages to climbing Mt. Shasta. The rest includes: discussions of internal frame vs. external frame packs, how to pack your pack, whether snow shoes are necessary in the summer (!), and such profound statements as "Good quality clothing protects your body from the cold and fierce winds that can generate on the Mountain." Beware of a book with two pages of acknowledgements including two acknowledgements to dogs! Or a climbing guide with a glossary that defines "peak," "run, "trailhead," and "summit." For a climbing guide to Shasta I expect more than just one detailed photo illustrating the route. I expect maps. And I expect the discussion of more than just one route up the mountain. Want to climb Shasta in the winter? Look elsewhere. Want the mileage and elevation gain in detail? Look elsewhere. The list goes on. Is this guide useful for anyone? Yes, it is useful for someone with no climbing experience at all. Anyone else, wait for the next guidebook to be published.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE MOST COMPLETE GUIDE BOOK ANYWHERE, April 8, 1997

By A Customer

When I first picked up Steve Lewis' guide book Climbing Mt. Shasta, I asked myself why in the world would someone write a guidebook on just one route? Typically, a guide book will try to show most of a particular area's trails or climbs. After pondering this, I realized that the Avalanche Gulch route on Mt. Shasta is probably one of the most climbed routes in the United States. More people have been injured or killed on this route due to poor information than any other on the mountain. Steve Lewis' book dedication gives a clue to the book's purpose "I dedicated this book to the memory of all persons who have been injured or lost their lives on Mt. Shasta. Hopefully, the information presented here will make future climbers aware of the hazards of mountaineering." This is unique for it is the most completed guide book I have seen anywhere. The information presented includes climbing techniques, weather, geography, flora, fauna, history safety, gear, and, of course, the route itself. Climbing Mt. Shasta is not so much a guide book as it is an introduction to mountaineering. I hope other guide book writers will pick up on Steve's idea, and write books that are as complete as this one. Northern California Trail Magazine; Chico, California

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best beginner guide I've ever read about any climb, July 27, 1998

By	Matthew Haughey (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a simple, straightforward guide to climbing Shasta, especially for first-timers. I was given three books about Shasta by some friends before my recent trip and this one was the most useful. It gave warnings about all the dangers, tips for having the best time possible, and clear descriptions of all the available routes.