Page 128 - 2023-2024 Travel Guide to California

SISKIYOU
Known as California’s North, Siskiyou offers awe-inspiring wilderness,
volcanic landscapes and boundless outdoor recreation
EPIC IN EVERY
DIRECTION
Discover Siskiyou
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MARBLE MOUNTAINS, West Siskiyou, above;
Lava Beds National Monument, below.
Four hours north of San Francisco, just
below the Oregon border, lies Siskiyou.
Its four unique regions offer a variety
of vacation opportunities for outdoor
enthusiasts. California’s True North is a
place for adventure and history, to breathe
in the clear mountain air and explore
nature. Investigate caves in the Lava Beds
National Monument, fish for salmon and
trout in the Klamath River, hike the Pacific
Crest Trail, swim in the pools of McCloud
Falls and shred the slopes of Mt. Shasta all
within 445,000 acres.
Marvel at the Marble Mountains
in West Siskiyou
The Klamath National Forest is home to
some of the most spectacular California
wilderness areas. Hike the Pacific Crest
Trail to Kangaroo Lake or raft the wild
Upper Klamath River to the glorious
Ukonom Falls. Tackle miles of biking,
equestrian, and running trails within an old
growth forest in Happy Camp and visit the
Karuk Tribe People’s Center Museum.
Yreka, the Hub of North Siskiyou
The high desert town of Yreka became a
commercial hub for mining camps after the
discovery of gold in 1851. Stroll the shops in
the seven 19th-century historical landmark
buildings of the West Miner Street Historic
District. Visit the Siskiyou County Museum
to learn the history and lives of pioneers
and tribal people. Greenhorn Park is home
to a Disc Golf Course and a host of trails for
hiking, biking and birding.
B Y L E N O R E G R E I N E R
East Siskiyou’s Volcanic Lava Beds
National Monument
On the north face of the Medicine Lake Shield
Volcano, discover the Lava Beds National
Monument’s rugged volcanic landscape.
Ancient lava flows created diverse volcanic
features and cave tubes around 65,000 years
ago. Explore the caves along the two-mile
Cave Loop. View exhibits in Mushpot Cave,
the only lighted cave at Lava Beds.
Majestic Mount Shasta
in South Siskiyou
Access Mount Shasta from Bunny Flat Trail-
head, a popular day-hiking campsite and
starting point for mountaineers attempting
to summit the 14,179-foot active volcano. In
winter, explore the Mount Shasta Nordic
Center by snowshoe or check out Mount
Shasta Ski Park with its newest chairlift, Gray
Butte, taking skiers and snowboarders to an
elevation of 7,536 feet. In summer, enjoy Lake
Siskiyou, a favorite spot to boat, fish, and
camp with panoramic views of Mount Shasta.
Hike the McCloud Falls River trail to take in
three scenic waterfalls pouring through basalt
rock formations, an easy three-mile loop with
picnic and photo ops. Further south, Castle
Crags State Park rewards hikers with stunning
views of granite peaks and Mount Shasta
rising above evergreen ridges from the Vista
Point Trail. Cross over the Sacramento River
via a pedestrian suspension bridge to access
fishing and swimming spots.
After an adventurous day, stay at Siskiyou’s
plentiful lodging options—from cabins and
lodges to RV parks, hotels and B&Bs.
126 2023-24 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
DISCOVER SISKIYOU