Dorris Travel Guide

Explore the charming town of Dorris in Siskiyou County, California through this comprehensive travel guide that lists down places to visit, best hiking/biking routes, things to do, where to stay, what to buy, and more.


Introduction to Dorris

Located in Siskiyou County, California, Dorris is a small town in the Shasta Cascades region that offers a great outdoor experience. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Dorris is the perfect getaway destination. The town is home to several natural attractions, including breathtaking mountain views, hiking trails, and cycling routes.

List of Places to Visit in Dorris

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Butte Valley Museum: The Butte Valley Museum is located south of Dorris and features an extensive collection of artifacts that showcase the town’s rich history. Visitors can see exhibits, art displays, and memorabilia that depict the museum’s history.
  • Dorris Railroad Depot Museum: The Dorris Railroad Depot Museum is home to a restored depot and train cars from the past century. Visitors can learn about the history of the railway and enjoy a ride on the scenic train route through the mountains.

Natural Attractions of Dorris: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Shasta: Mount Shasta is the most popular natural attraction near Dorris. It is an incredible mountain that stands at over 14,000 feet, and visitors can partake in activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing.
  • Lava Beds National Monument: Lava Beds National Monument is a protected area filled with caves, natural landmarks, and other geological features. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and exploring the caves. It’s a perfect day trip destination from Dorris.
  • Klamath Falls: Klamath Falls is a beautiful area with numerous waterfalls, rivers, and streams that flow through it. It’s perfect for an afternoon picnic in nature.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dorris

  • Pine Creek Trail: The Pine Creek Trail is a six-mile hike that provides a beautiful view of the pine creek canyon and surrounding mountains.
  • Shasta Valley Wildlife Area: The Shasta Valley Wildlife Area offers 13 miles of hiking through the wildflowers of the valley’s wetland area.
  • Volcanic Legacy Trail: The Volcanic legacy Trail is a 20-mile bike trail that passes through rugged terrain showcasing the region’s geologic diversity.

Best Things to Do in Dorris: Activities and Tours

  • Watch Mount Shasta’s Sunrise: Watching the sunrise over Mount Shasta is an unforgettable experience that’s worth waking up early for.
  • Take a Scenic Drive: Take a scenic drive around Dorris to see the beautiful landscape surrounding the area.
  • Explore the Local Cuisine: Sample some of Dorris’s local delicacies, stop by a food truck and enjoy a warm meal under the open sky.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dorris

Day Activity
1 Visit the Butte Valley Museum
2 Hike the Pine Creek Trail
3 Explore Lava Beds National Monument
4 Go river rafting on Klamath River
5 Biking on the Volcanic Legacy Trail
6 Take a scenic drive to Mount Shasta
7 Visit the Dorris Railroad Depot Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Dorris

Must-Try Dishes

  • Butte Valley BBQ is a local food truck that serves delicious burgers and barbecue dishes cooked over hickory-fired pit.
  • Beef Shepherd Pie - A beef, carrots, and potato dish topped with breadcrumbs that is a local speciality.

Local Beverages

  • Shasta Beer Works makes handcrafted beers that showcase the flavours of Siskiyou county.

Where to Stay in Dorris: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Comfort Inn & Suites offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, hot breakfast, and an indoor pool and Jacuzzi.
  • Dorris Inn offers nicely furnished rooms at affordable rates located north of town.

What to Buy in Dorris: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Soaps made from natural, quality ingredients by a local woman-owned business.
  • Siskiyou County Honey - Sweeten up your life with some pure raw honey from Siskiyou County’s natural beehives.

Local Culture and Customs of Dorris

Dorris is a small town with a strong community spirit. Locals take pride in preserving and showcasing their town’s history and natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit Dorris

The best time to visit Dorris is during the summer months between June and August as the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dorris

Do:

  • Do dress in layers as the temperature can change throughout the day.
  • Do respect the wildlife and obey the rules of the forest.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or disturb the natural resources.
  • Don’t harm the wildlife; hunting is strictly prohibited in most areas around Dorris.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dorris

Dorris, as in most places, is relatively safe for visitors. However, it is always recommended to take necessary precautions like keeping your valuables safely, be aware of your surroundings, and follow traffic rules.

Health in Dorris

Dorris has limited health-care services. It is recommended to carry your medicines and consult with the primary care physician before travelling.

Getting to Dorris: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Dorris

The nearest airports to Dorris are Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport and Sacramento International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Dorris

The nearest bus stations to Dorris are in Klamath Falls, located 20 miles south of the town.

Other Options

One way to travel to Dorris is by renting a car and enjoying the scenic views along the way.

How to Get Around in Dorris

The best way to get around Dorris is by car. Having a personal car will allow you to explore the town entirely at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Dorris: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

-Mt. Shasta City - Hike to waterfalls, explore natural springs, go skiing, and witness a picturesque view of the mountain itself. -Mammoth Lakes - A popular skiing and hiking destination that is home to a stunning range of basalt columns. -Ashland - Visit the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, enjoy wine tastings on the way, or visit one of the region’s many vineyards.

Conclusion

Dorris is a small town with a rich history that offers a perfect combination of outdoor activities and cultural attractions. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history buff, or someone who loves to explore small towns, Dorris has something for everyone. Visit Dorris for a quick getaway and experience nature in its purest form to bring back some of the best memories you’ll have in a lifetime.