Mount Shasta, a majestic peak in Siskiyou County, California, is not only known for its breathtaking beauty but also for its enigmatic history. Native Americans regard the region above the tree line as sacred and often warn people against venturing there. This spiritual significance and numerous unexplained disappearances make Mount Shasta a focal point for mystery and intrigue.
The Enigma of Siskiyou County
Since 2009, former police detective Dave Paulides has dedicated his investigative skills to solving mysterious missing persons cases across the United States.
With over 10 years of experience and more than 5,000 search and rescue cases reviewed, Paulides has identified around 1,200 cases that defy rational explanation. These cases have been thoroughly vetted for possible causes such as animal predation, mental health issues, and suicide, yet remain unresolved.
One of the most perplexing cases Paulides has investigated is the disappearance of Carl Landers on Mount Shasta in 1999. On May 25 of that year, three experienced hikers – Carl Landers, Milt Gaines, and Barry Gillmore – set off from Mount Shasta's Bunny Flat trailhead toward the summit.
The Disappearance of Carl Landers
The hikers reached a place known as 50/50, a common campsite for those attempting to summit the mountain. The next morning, with the wind howling, Carl, looking cold, was advised by his companions to head to the next stop, Lake Helen, where they would meet him.
Carl took off walking, and shortly after, Milt and Barry followed. However, upon their arrival at Lake Helen, just 650 feet away, Carl was nowhere to be found.
This immediate disappearance in an unobstructed, open snowfield above the timberline, with no crevices or large boulders, was baffling.
The search for Carl became a week-long operation, one of the most extensive in the area's history. Despite exhaustive efforts, including checks with the US Geological Survey for seismic activity (to rule out avalanches or rock cover), no trace of Carl was ever found.
An Ongoing Mystery
In the more than 20 years since Carl’s disappearance, no clue has surfaced to explain what happened to him. No metal ice axes, crampons, colorful nylon packs, coats, black pants, or plastic boots were ever found.
The search and rescue coordinator, Griz Adams, a veteran with over 30 years of experience, concluded that Carl wasn’t on the mountain. "He either went up or he went in," Adams stated, emphasizing the limited options for a rational explanation.
Conclusion
The case of Carl Landers is one of many mysterious disappearances around Mount Shasta, a region imbued with both natural wonder and unsettling enigma.
Despite extensive searches and investigations, the mountain keeps its secrets well-guarded, leaving us to wonder about the true nature of this sacred and mysterious place.