But please do your research. The whole area has a hot mix of progressive and MAGA/old school conservative attitudes. There is a long-simmering notion of the whole northern end of the state succeeding to form the (naturally red) state of Jefferson. You may see some crazy MAGA crap.

Even Chico has MAGA elements. However, the whole area relies on tourism dollars, so you should be basically welcome.

I was an idiot and worked my way up the mountain alone; please don't do that. Remember high altitude is a real challenge if you're not used to it.

If you can find a copy of Brandon's 'Weird America' there are some good notes in there as well as many other sources. Wish I was going with you!

https://www.amazon.com/Weird-America-Jim-Brandon/dp/0525474919

Thank you!

We're not hikers and we don't want to do any strenuous outdoor activities.

We mainly want to go because my understanding is that it's a spiritual votex (e.g. Sedona, Az). We'd be mainly checking out places to meditate and just hang out.

I know how some parts of CA are very MAGA. Fortunately, not by me (I'm in Redondo Beach) but thanks for the heads up...

BTW..........I'll see if I can find a copy of that book.

I never been further north than Sacramento in California.

Medford Airport is about a 25 mile longer drive than Redding Airport to Mt. Shasta City.

Ashland is the most liberal community in southern Oregon, themed about a Shakespearian Festival (and other theatre).

https://ashlandoregon.gov/101/Experience-Ashland

Mt. Shasta City has more metaphysical shops but not nearly as much in term of arts, restaurants, general culture, etc. as Ashland. McCloud, good highway, but off IS 5, is a nice quiet place to stay just south of Mt. Shasta with several nice restaurants.

All of the country is beautiful nature but in recent years plagued by wildfire smoke. Pretty much over for year now except for controlled burns by various agencies.

Redding is a MAGA pit of despair.

For cathedrals of nature, would recommend Redwood National Park and the various State Parks in northern Humboldt and Del Norte Counties over Mt. Shasta. Fly into the Eureka-McKinleyville Airport north of Humboldt Bay and stay in Trinidad.

I am sort of local, live on the Klamath River near the Siskiyou-Humboldt County border about midway as a crow flies between Mt. Shasta and Redwood National Park. Mt. Shasta is in Siskiyou County. My family has been in western Siskiyou County since the 1850s. Lots of nature and wilderness.