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From the forest floor to mountaintop: An inspiring ascent

Forest Service Supervisor walks the walk — right up Mount Shasta

Tom Stokesberry & Cheryl Laughlin
Pacific Southwest Region
January 22, 2025

Two hikers with backpacks and poles on dirt trail head into treeline.
From the trailhead, the Clear Creek trail offers jaw-dropping views of Mud Creek Falls. The summit of Mount Shasta looms in the background. (USDA Forest Service photo by Nick Meyers)

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.  

Two hikers, in hats with backpacks and walking sticks, stand next to sign for “Mt. Shasta Wilderness, Shasta-Trinity National Forest.”
Forest Supervisor Rachel Birkey and Scott Birkey stand at the Mount Shasta Wilderness boundary, ready to lay siege to the Clear Creek route. While the easiest route on the mountain, they know they’re in for a challenge. (USDA Forest Service photo by Nick Meyers)

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.

Orange route shows the full, steep path up to the peak of a mountain.
Along the highlighted path, the Clear Creek route ascends the broad ridge in between Mud Creek Canyon, Konwakiton Glacier, and Wintun Glacier on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. (USDA Forest Service photo by Nick Meyers)

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.

Three hikers sit near a small tent amid an opening surrounded by trees.
Base camp near the treeline. Small trees provide protection from gusty mountain winds. (USDA Forest Service photo by Nick Meyers)

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.

Steep slope covered in snow with two hikers using poles to steady themselves.
Patches of snow remind hikers that a slip and fall could result in a painful slide down the hill. Careful foot placement is essential. No ice axe or crampons needed during this time of year. But trekking poles are useful – acting like four-wheel drive for climbers like Rachel and Scott Birkey. (USDA Forest Service photo by Nick Meyers)

“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.

Two hikers navigate through steep, rocky terrain with patches of snow below them.
This is the steepest part of the Clear Creek route on Mount Shasta, nearly 13,000 feet above sea level. Here, Climbing Ranger Haylee Darby helps Forest Supervisor Rachel Birkey carefully navigate through the loose boulders. (USDA Forest Service photo by Nick Meyers)

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.  

Three people sit atop a rock peak facing the camera with clear blue sky behind them.
The team woohoo moment at the top of Mount Shasta. Forest Supervisor Rachel Birkey is joined by Lead Climbing Ranger Nick Meyers on the left and Climbing Ranger Haylee Darby on the right. To our knowledge, Birkey became the first forest supervisor to ascend Mount Shasta’s peak. (USDA Forest Service photo by Nick Meyers)

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.” 


https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/features/forest-floor-mountaintop-inspiring-ascent