siskiyou

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.

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 Trailhead, 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.