I visited and climbed inside of jot Dean Ice Cave within the last 10 years with friends. However, it's better to go there in the Spring Summer or fall because this area could be under a lot of snow right now unless someone has plowed the road (Not sure). So, first make sure the road is open before you go there. Also, you are about 50 miles from the nearest gas station there too. And there isn't any cell reception there also, so unless you have a satellite emergency phone like the 911 Iphone 14 or after you won't be able to call for help there in an emergency. The way most people get there is to drive up or down interstate 5 to Highway 89 near Mt. Shasta. Then you drive past McCloud. However, where you turn left you should consult with a Forest service map as navigation can be difficult if you are not used to being this remote. However, the last time I was there the road was paved all the way there.
When I went there with friends it would have been better to take a rope for safety because there was an ice waterfall you had to climb down to the next area and then there is an area below that. However, over the years this ice is going to change, sometimes more and sometimes less. I think the best way to say it is: "Chaos theory regarding ice and water and rivers and oceans where you cannot really predict exactly what form water is going to take from year to year. So, maybe having climbing rope in your truck or car even if you don't use it might be helpful.
when I went there were hand sized rocks stuck in the surface of the waterfall so I could grab them while sliding down the ice waterfall on my jeans to a more stable place to stand. My friends went down to the next level to the left which they said went on beyond there flashlights from their headlamps. A headlamp is helpful doing something like this so you can protect yourself if you bang your head on sharp rocks various places in the ceilings or catch yourself with your hands if you fall. So, co-ordination and planning is going to be helpful for most people going into Jot Dean Ice Cave. Just be careful because you are so remote if something bad happened you would need a satellite phone and a helicopter to get to a hospital 50 to 100 miles away. So, be sure to take enough fuel, food, water and warm clothes depending upon what time of year you go there. and a paper Forest service map because Google maps on your phone isn't going to work there.
There are lava tubes all around Mt. Shasta if you know where to look and even Lava Beds National Monument is on the back side of Mt. Shasta away from Interstate 5 too. So, Lava tubes can be found all around the mountain and some are more safe than others. Jot Dean Ice cave is a Lava Tube Ice Cave.
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