Mount Shasta view from Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (I-97)

This photo is of Mount Shasta taken along the way Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (I-97). The easiest way to navigate to this view is to route to the "Mt Shasta Viewpoint" on Google Maps. It'll take you to a large parking lot right off of I-97. Face south towards the majestic mountain for this view. If you're flying a drone, you can fly to the center of the road, as I did in my photo.

To capture a snowy peak on Mount Shasta, visit the heart of winter, my favorite time of year here. That said, the area is beautiful all months of the year.

During the late afternoon through sunset the light will directly hit the mountain, creating nice illuminations and shadows. Sunrise is also a beautiful time to capture the mountain's glow.

Before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements.

In my featured image, I lined the highway in the center—a perfect leading line guiding the viewer's eye towards Mount Shasta. If you plan to compose similarly and aren't flying a drone, and instead walk onto the highway, stay very alert for passing traffic.

A telephoto lens is helpful here, allowing you to compress the road and distant mountains more prominently in your image. It will also help bring out the mountain's details.

Consider waiting for a car to pass to have a subject in your photo and create a sense of motion.

Pluto's Cave, a tourist attraction, is about twenty minutes away by car. This underground cave gets its name from Pluto, the Greek God of the underworld.

Mount Shasta itself is around an hour away. You can consider visiting especially if you're into skiing and climbing. Besides hiking trails, you can also visit Lake Siskiyou Beach for lake views.