Siskiyou County Travel Guide

Discover the natural beauty and cultural attractions of Siskiyou County in California, from the best hiking trails to the must-see museums and local cuisine.


Introduction to Siskiyou County

Siskiyou County is a hidden gem nestled in the Shasta Cascades region of California, offering visitors an abundance of breathtaking scenery and cultural attractions. From hiking and biking trails to museums and historical landmarks, there is something for every type of traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Siskiyou County

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Siskiyou Arts Museum: showcasing local and regional artists
  • Sisson Museum: highlights the history of Mount Shasta
  • Fort Jones Museum: featuring the local history of Siskiyou County
  • Dunsmuir Railroad Depot Museum: showcasing the city’s railroad history
  • Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum: featuring the history of the lumber industry

Natural Attractions of Siskiyou County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Shasta: a popular destination for hiking and skiing
  • Klamath National Forest: over one million acres of stunning forests and rivers
  • Castle Crags State Park: featuring granite peaks and hiking trails
  • McCloud Falls: three majestic waterfalls in a scenic canyon
  • Lava Beds National Monument: featuring lava tube caves and volcanic landscapes

Hiking/Biking Routes of Siskiyou County

  • Pacific Crest Trail: a well-known long-distance trail spanning from Mexico to Canada, with 160 miles in Siskiyou County
  • Mount Shasta Loop Trail: a challenging 11.6-mile trek to the summit of Mount Shasta
  • Castle Lake Trail: a 2.5-mile scenic hike featuring a high alpine lake
  • Iron Gate Trail: a 4.5-mile moderately difficult hike with stunning views of the Klamath River
  • Gateway Trail: a 5-mile beginner-friendly hike to the top of a ridge with panoramic views

Best Things to Do in Siskiyou County: Activities and Tours

  • Go whitewater rafting on the Klamath River
  • Take a guided mountain biking tour of Mount Shasta
  • Visit a local farm and pick your own produce
  • Attend the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon (just a short drive from Siskiyou County)
  • Attend a music or art festival in the area

Week-Long Itinerary for Siskiyou County

Day 1: Explore Mount Shasta and hike the Mount Shasta Loop Trail. Day 2: Visit the Sisson Museum and learn about the history of Mount Shasta. Day 3: Go whitewater rafting on the Klamath River. Day 4: Visit the Dunsmuir Railroad Depot Museum and explore the charming town of Dunsmuir. Day 5: Take a guided mountain biking tour of Mount Shasta. Day 6: Visit Lava Beds National Monument and explore the unique geological formations. Day 7: Relax and enjoy local cuisine and wine in one of the area’s fine dining restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Siskiyou County

Must-Try Dishes

  • Trout: fresh from the area’s rivers and lakes
  • Wild mushrooms: found in the surrounding forests and used in many local dishes
  • Grass-fed beef: from local farms and ranches
  • Artisan cheeses: produced by local creameries
  • Olive oil: made from olives grown in the area

Local Beverages

  • Wine: the area is home to several wineries producing premium wines
  • Beer: local small-batch breweries offer a variety of craft beers
  • Coffee: a local coffee roaster produces delicious artisanal coffee

Where to Stay in Siskiyou County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Mount Shasta Resort: offering stunning views and golf course
  • McCloud Mercantile Hotel: a historic hotel in the charming town of McCloud
  • Callahan’s Lodge: a rustic lodge offering a peaceful retreat
  • Hi-Lo Motel: a budget-friendly option offering clean and comfortable rooms

What to Buy in Siskiyou County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local honey and jams
  • Handmade pottery and ceramics
  • Artisanal soaps and skincare products
  • Native American crafts and jewelry
  • Local wines and olive oils

Local Culture and Customs of Siskiyou County

Siskiyou County is known for its laid-back and friendly atmosphere. Respect for nature and the environment is also a big part of the local culture.

Best Time to Visit Siskiyou County

The best time to visit Siskiyou County is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and the outdoor activities are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Siskiyou County

Do:

  • Explore the area’s natural beauty
  • Shop at local farmers’ markets and support the local economy
  • Respect the environment and help keep it clean

Don’t:

  • Leave trash or litter behind
  • Disturb the local wildlife
  • Ignore fire safety guidelines during wildfire season

Safety and Health

Safety in Siskiyou County

Siskiyou County is a safe area to travel in, but visitors should be aware of potential wildfire hazards during certain times of the year.

Health in Siskiyou County

Visitors should be prepared for potential altitude sickness when hiking at higher elevations.

Getting to Siskiyou County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Siskiyou County

  • Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) in Medford, OR
  • Redding Municipal Airport (RDD) in Redding, CA
  • Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in Sacramento, CA

Bus Stations Near Siskiyou County

  • Greyhound Bus Lines in Yreka, CA
  • Amtrak Bus Station in Dunsmuir, CA

Other Options

  • Rental cars are available at major airports and cities
  • Private shuttle services are available from some airports

How to Get Around in Siskiyou County

A car is the best option for getting around Siskiyou County, but visitors can also take advantage of local shuttle services and bike rentals.

Where to Go Next from Siskiyou County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lassen Volcanic National Park: featuring active volcanoes and thermal features
  • Crater Lake National Park: showcasing the deep blue waters of the world’s deepest lake
  • Ashland, OR: a charming town known for its theater productions and art galleries

Conclusion

Siskiyou County is a nature lover’s paradise with a rich cultural heritage. From hiking and biking to exploring museums and indulging in local cuisine, Siskiyou County has something for everyone. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, Siskiyou County is a destination worth exploring.



    Callahan
    Cecilville
    Dorris
    Hornbrook
    Klamath River
    McCloud
    Mount Shasta