Lake Shasta is the self-proclaimed houseboat capital of the world. It is also home to the Shasta Caverns, a privately held set of caves that make for a nice diversion after endless hours on Interstate 5.

Now, if you go take a look at the website or take a glance at the literature available at the Caverns’ gift store, you will notice that this trip proudly bills itself as “Three Adventures in One”. The third adventure is the cave. Two other adventures? Here is the first. A ride on a pontoon boat across Lake Shasta. Guess the pace of life is slower in this part of the world if a pontoon boat qualifies as an adventure.

You see that bus? That’s adventure number two. Yup. I’m not judging. Just pointing out that things must be a little slow if a ride on a bus is an adventure.

Now, before I sound like a stuck up city slicker, I need to tell you that the views from the visitor center are amazing. The day we went, it was very warm and very clear. Shasta really is a beautiful place.

If you have never been in a cave before, this is a great place to start. It’s pretty user friendly and not overly strenuous. Aside from that, these caves have some really amazing formations.

The tour itself really doesn’t take that long, maybe an hour at the most. Luckily, the tour guide was knowledgeable and had a fair amount of personality.

I’d like to give you a map with directions, but the website only has GPS coordinates. Basically, head north on the 5. You will cross Lake Shasta and there should be some signs along the side of the road after that.