All Siskiyou County Lodging
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South County Attractions
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Attractions in South Siskiyou County at the foot of Mount Shasta
Experience the wonder of spectacular Mount Shasta at every turn.
The South County region encompasses the mountain towns of
Dunsmuir, McCloud, Weed and Mt. Shasta, as well as a wealth of land rich with
recreational opportunities. In these historic mountain towns, life moves
at a slower pace. Perhaps it's the mountain, which locals and visitors
are drawn to glance at several times a day. Here visitors can enjoy a
stroll down the boulevard after dark, feeling safe in each of these
comfortable communities where residents share the beauty of the area
with travelers. In this region a bounty of water found in lakes, rivers,
streams and snowfall, provides for year round recreation possibilities
for all ages and interests. This region has it all - visitors can enjoy
dozing on a patio boat on Lake Siskiyou, casting a line on the McCloud
or Sacramento Rivers, gliding down the slopes at Mount Shasta Board and
Ski Park - and many things in between. Not only outdoors enthusiasts enjoy
this region - there are soft adventures too, like tea time at a lovely
historic hotel and the best art galleries in northern California, for those who don't crave an adrenaline rush. Visitors
to these alpine towns will find a welcoming spirit from our residents
that make Dunsmuir, McCloud, Weed and Mt. Shasta ideal places to rest from
adventures and to enjoy life at a slower pace - a mountain pace.
The City of Mt. Shasta . . .Mt. Shasta City, gateway to majestic Mount Shasta is a newly discovered vacation mecca for visitors looking for everything from luxury resorts to primitive camping. The beautiful shaded boulevards of downtown Mt. Shasta are lined with galleries, gift shops, bookstores, fine restaurants and espresso shops. The Mt. Shasta Chamber of Commerce offers abundant information for visitors. Visitors coming to experience the wonder of spectacular Mount Shasta will find exceptional access to the mountain via Everitt Memorial Highway. The road is open year round to the 6900 ft. level at Bunny Flat, an excellent area for snow play during the winter, and the most frequently used starting point for climbers.
Box Canyon Dam and Trail - Stand 209 feet above a jagged river gorge, and view the Sacramento River rushing out of Lake Siskiyou. Take W.A.Barr Rd. south to Lake Siskiyou. Stop and park just before crossing the dam. After peering over the edge into the canyon, take a scenic walk on the 3/4 mile trail that begins along the edge of the Resort golf course and follows the north edge of the gorge. The trail crosses several tiny creeks and offers views of the dam and canyon from a number of different vantage points. Watch for some surprises along the way, some dating back to the turn of the century!
Mt. Shasta City Park, and the Headwaters of the Sacramento River - Mt. Shasta City Park, north of town on Mt. Shasta Blvd, has excellent picnic areas and an exceptional nature trail, with winding paths snaking through horsetails and forested areas. There is just enough mud and water to bring out the child in everyone. Visitors are amazed by the volume of icy clear water gushing from the hillside at Headwaters Spring in the park.
Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery and Sisson Museum - Tour the oldest operating fish hatchery in California. Feed the fish in the open ponds outside the long buildings where over 3 million fry are cared for until they are large enough to be moved outside. Walk next door to the Sisson Museum which houses an excellent permanent collection on the history of climbing on Mt. Shasta. Sisson Museum 530-926-5508.
Siskiyou Skating Rink, located in Shastice Park in Mt. Shasta City, the Siskiyou Skating Rinkis the west coast's largest utdoor skating rink. Ice skatng is available from November through March, offering daily public skating, skating lessons, hockey games and power skate workouts. Skate rentals are available during ice season. The rest of the year, bring your own plastic-wheeled roller skates for open skating on the smooth concrete rink.
Lake Siskiyou is the newest lake in northern California, and is the only one originally constructed solely for the enjoyment of boaters, fishermen, swimmers, campers, hikers and scenery lovers. The Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort on Lake Siskiyou is a full service private campground with beach access and boat rentals. To reach the lake, take W.A. Barr Rd. south out of Mt. Shasta City, and follow signs to Lake Siskiyou, over the dam and around the lakeshore to
Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort. Public access on the north shore is by dirt road, popular with fishermen and local families out for a swim.
Dunsmuir. . . .Nestled in the tree-covered Upper Sacramento River canyon, Dunsmuir is one of northern California's last unspoiled mountain towns. A myriad of experiences await visitors, from peaceful and relaxing strolls through the park, to blood-pumping outdoor excitement on the river. The historic commercial district is a delightful mix of early 20th century architecture, and up-to-date shopping and gourmet dining opportunities. Train enthusiasts are drawn to this historic railroad town. The Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce offers abundant information for visitors.
Upper Sacramento River The river, which flows through town, offers unparalleled trout fishing to fishermen from around the world. Springtime brings boaters to the crystal waters, to raft and kayak classic Class II and III rapids. Through the summer and fall, swimming, intertubing, and canoeing please visitors, as well as peaceful strolls along rich riverbanks.
Mossbrae Falls is a beautiful waterfall cascading over a lush hillside of brilliant green moss, ferns and wildflowers into the pristine Sacramento River. The trail runs along the railroad track right-of-way north from the Scarlet Way bridge over the river. Stop by the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce office downtown for a map and detailed instructions for reaching the falls.
Botanical Gardens in Dunsmuir City Park - This 10-acre gardens, planted and maintained by local volunteers, is a must-see for avid gardeners. Be sure to check out the special hummingbird and butterfly gardens, as well as the beautiful hillside pathways with inviting benches. The Gardens are a part of the Dunsmuir City Park which includes a childrens' play area, fishing access to the Sacramento River, and picnic and barbecue areas.
Hedge Creek Falls - This lovely little falls was nearly destroyed during the construction of the Interstate 5 freeway. When Dunsmuir residents complained bitterly, the roadway was moved. Park at the Hedge Creek mini-park near the north Dunsmuir freeway exit and take the short walk to the falls. Tiny Hedge Creek spills over the lip of an ancient lava flow into a clear pool below.
Upper Sacramento River Exchange Center - Winner of the 1998 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, this Sacramento River watershed information and educational center and walk-in museum, was established after the devastating chemical spill into the river in 1991. Stop in to experience the interpretive and hands-on exhibits, and to pick up a schedule of upcoming programs and events. Upper Sacramento River Exchange Center, is at 5819 Sacramento Avenue., 530-235-2012, www.riverexchange.org.
Stay the night in a fire lookout high over the Sacramento River Canyon. A fantastic local adventure is to rent the Girard Ridge Lookout near Dunsmuir for overnight stays...information can be found at the Forest Service web site.
Castle Crags State Park - Castle Crags, located 6 miles south of Dunsmuir, features soaring spires of ancient granite reaching an elevation of 6000 ft. The Castle Crags State Park includes camping and picnic areas, and a two-mile stretch of the Upper Sacramento River, which is a catch and release fishing area. A number of hiking trails ranging from a gentle interpretive walk to a strenuous hike through the Crags are available. A ten-mile segment of the Pacific Crest Trail runs through the park. Castle Crags is one of the best-kept secrets of rock climbing. It contains a seemingly endless series of granite towers, spires, and walls. Among the notable climbs are The Cosmic Wall, The Good Book, Six-Toe Crack and the West Ridge of Castle Dome. See the Castle Dome and Indian Springs trail featured in our Hike of the Month!
McCloud . . .The historic lumber mill town of McCloud, founded in the late 1800's, is one of northern California's newest resort destinations. Nestled on the southern slopes of majestic Mt. Shasta, this picturesque community offers everything from luxury accommodations and fine dining, to camping and picnicking. Visitors will find year-round fun close by. McCloud is the closest full-service community to Mt. Shasta Ski Park which offers excellent downhill and cross country skiing during the winter. McCloud is the southern entrance to the Modoc Scenic Byway through the volcanic landscape of the Medicine Lake Highlands. Stop at the McCloud Ranger Station, part of the Shasta Trinity National Forest. for maps and information. The McCloud River is a world famous fly fishing destination, and many people come to McCloud just to enjoy the famous Shasta Sunset Dinner Train. Whether your interest is fishing, wildlife watching, hiking, golfing, water sports, snow sports or taking relaxing scenic drives, McCloud has it all. The McCloud Chamber of Commerce offers abundant information for visitors.
Dance Country - one of the oldest square and round dance venues in California, features two air-conditioned halls with beautifully finished hardwood floors. Week-long workshops are offered throughout the summer with festive open dances on the weekends.
The Registered Historic District - McCloud was a company owned mill town from the late 1800's til 1965. Buildings in the downtown area, including the Mercantile Building, the McCloud Hotel, several beautiful churches and old mill office buildings, are in use today as businesses and B&B's. Although many of the homes have been renovated, the flavor of a company mill town still remains, with smaller, essentially identical houses closer to the mill property and larger, more luxurious managers' homes on the forested slopes.
Heritage Junction Museum - Displays feature memorabilia from McCloud's company mill town past. See a Corliss engine used at the McCloud Steam Log Mill in 1903, as well as period logging equipment, household items and records from the turn of the century.
McCloud River Railroad - This railroad company has always been an integral part of the history of McCloud. In the past the train was an essential link between the town's mills and markets waiting for finished lumber. Today, the Railroad serves the resort town of McCloud by offering summer open-air excursions and the luxurious Shasta Sunset Dinner Train, a 4-hour gourmet dining experience served in restored turn of the century dining cars. Rail experiences offer visitors amazing views of Mount Shasta, Mount Lassen, and alpine forests and meadows. Shasta Sunset Dinner Train, and the McCloud Excursion Train.
Picturesque McCloud Lake, south of McCloud on Squaw Creek Rd. is one of only three lakes in the area open to water skiing. This excellent fishing lake has steep banks, making boat fishing your best option.
Squaw Creek Trail - This newly completed trail, located 12 miles south of McCloud, follows beautiful Squaw Creek through five miles of wooded areas and meadows rich with wildflowers. The trail is primarily level with gentle climbs. Maps are available at the Ranger Station in McCloud, and online from the Mt. Shasta Trail Association website.
McCloud Falls - Three spectacular falls are within miles of each other on the McCloud River. Upper and Lower Falls are accessible by car. A 3/4 mile scenic hiking trail from Lower to Middle Falls begins along the river near the Lower Falls parking area. To reach the falls, drive to the Fowlers Campground turnoff on Hwy 89 which is seven miles east of McCloud and follow the signs. We suggest that you drive to Upper Falls, then to Lower Falls, and save your hike to Middle Falls for last. Most people find it by far the most picturesque, though this issue is hotly debated among locals. Take your swimming suit, your camera, a picnic and plenty of drinking water. You will want to stay all day.
Weed . . .The City of Weed is situated in the center of one of Siskiyou County's prime recreational areas. Visitors making Weed their vacation headquarters can travel 1-1/2 hours northeast to the Lower Klamath and Tulelake Wildlife Refuges, and Lava Beds National Monument. To the north is the beautiful Shasta Valley, fast becoming a destination for balloonists and soaring enthusiasts. Mount Shasta and the Sacramento River are located minutes to the south, along Interstate 5. Weed's excellent accommodations and restaurants, as well as its central location, make it a pleasant vacation destination. The Weed Chamber of Commerce offers abundant information for visitors.
College of the Siskiyous, a public community college, is noted for excellent educational programs, comprehensive support services and personalized instruction. The campus is located west of the Weed Interstate 5 central exit on College Avenue. College of the Siskiyous, 800 College Ave.; (530) 938-4461.
Bear Trail - Hikers and runners love this scenic trail, which meanders for three miles through the wooded area south of College of the Siskiyous. The trail begins at the southeast corner of the campus and ends along College Avenue at the northwest corner. See The Bear Trail featured on our Hikes and Walks pages.
Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum focuses on the early lumber industry and historical roots of the town. Exhibits, logging and milling equipment, and old photos tell the story of the town. The winds, which typically blow in the area allowed the town's founder, Abner Weed, to quickly dry his freshly milled timber, and get it to market in record time. The museum is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm. Historic Lumber Town Museum, 303 Gilman Ave., 530-938-3868. Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum.
Black Butte Trail - Black Butte, once known as Muir Peak, is a plug dome volcano located north of Mt. Shasta City, east of the freeway. It was formed in four separate eruptions and as you climb, you will see evidence of these eruptions. The hike to the summit takes about 2-1/2 hours. If you are one of the many who are fit enough for a short mountain hike, but not up to the challenge of a climb to the summit of Mount Shasta, Black Butte is for you. Take plenty of water. The drive to the trailhead is complicated, so stop by the Mt. Shasta Visitors' Bureau and pick up a map.
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