
What’s a typical day like for a forest supervisor on a national forest? Well, they oversee how visitors use the land and help protect forests. So, they have their hands in lots of tasks, like developing forest plans with staff and complying with environmental regulations. And don’t forget coordinating with plenty of partners on long-term forestry.
What’s not on that routine list? Climb Mount Shasta, the fifth highest peak in California.
In May 2021, Rachel Birkey joined the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California as forest supervisor. With a background in legal advocacy and counsel for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, Birkey launched the first interagency fire cost-recovery program and her team recovered funds to rehabilitate hundreds of thousands of acres of fire-ravaged lands in the region.
Recently, she wanted to explore a more on-the-ground role in forest management.
You don’t get more on the ground than the more than 2.2 million acres of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest — including mountains, rivers and forests. Under Birkey’s leadership, she’s helped move forward projects like the Trinity Forest Health and Fire-Resilient Rural Communities to protect this vast land.
Trinity County has the highest wildfire risk in California with the second highest wildfire risk to homes. The $33.4 million from the Wildfire Crisis Strategy helps safeguard these local communities with forest thinning, prescribed burning and fuel breaks.
When it comes to understanding the complexities of these forests, there’s no underestimating firsthand experience. Birkey already did field visits to connect with employees, community members and the land itself.
But now she found herself planning more than just a day hike.

Climb the mountain, see the forest
Leaders lead by learning. So Birkey gathered the best guides — Lead Climbing Ranger Nick Meyers and Climbing Ranger Haylee Darby — to navigate her and her husband Scott on the three-day ascent of Mount Shasta. The climb would involve dense forests, patches of snow and steep ridges up to a 14,179-foot summit.
“Rachel is an absolute warrior,” recalled Meyers. “She continued each day to push forward with the best attitude.”
The team started at the Mount Shasta Wilderness boundary, ready to set out on the Clear Creek route. While the easiest route on the mountain, it’s not to be taken lightly. Early parts of the 11.5-mile route offer a marked, maintained trail to the treeline. After that, there is no trail to the top of Mount Shasta and its over 7,600-feet elevation gain.

By the first night of base camp, Birkey found herself in a whole new head space. The powerful mountain winds and the day’s upward slope left her in awe of those who regularly handle climbs like this.
“It was such a perfect chance to learn firsthand about the tireless efforts of our climbing rangers,” Birkey said. “Their work ensures our Mount Shasta Wilderness Area remains resilient and beautiful for the next generation.”
Summit fever on Mount Shasta
On the second day, snow and steep terrain added to the 15 hours from basecamp to the summit and back. Lots of one foot in front of the other, watching to not twist an ankle, slip or fall.

“It was a long day, but everyone endured with good attitudes, smiles and a lot of snacks,” Birkey added.
And just before the top, they crossed the Summit Plateau where all routes and fellow adventurous climbers come together. It’s here where everyone starts to realize they’ll forever carry the beauty of this hike with them as they reach the top.

From the peak, Meyers took to the radio to proudly announce, “Attention, all forest personnel… your Shasta-Trinity National Forest forest supervisor has made it to the top of Mount Shasta!”
And bonus — to our knowledge, Birkey became the first forest supervisor to make it to the top of Mount Shasta. A journey that allowed her to witness the dedication of our climbing rangers and reinforced her commitment to the responsible management of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest landscapes.

Back at base camp that night, before the next day’s final descent, Birkey summed up the shared experience. “Challenging adventures like this have a way of bonding us all, and this trip was no exception.”