Biking socials in Scott Valley – join in May 28th

The folks out in Scott Valley care about fitness – they’ve got organized bike rides as well as organized running events. Coming up on May 28th you can join in the 2nd Annual Bike to the Iris Patch (a road ride) to view over 350 varieties of iris and get familiar with a bit of the Scott Valley

July 9-Quartz Valley Loop- Free Social Bike Ride- 20.5 road miles. Meet at 8:15 a.m. at Scott Valley Bikes & Sporting Goods 11223 Hwy. 3 in Fort Jones, CA. Helmets required. Call (530)468-5672 for info.

July 23 – Shackleford Falls Free Social Bike Ride- Knobby  Tires Required. 24 miles. Meet at 8:15 a.m. at Scott Valley Bikes & Sporting Goods 11223 Hwy. 3 in Fort Jones, CA. Helmets required. Call (530)468-5672 for info. Scott Valley- Free Social Bike Rides August 13 and 20. Knobby tires required. Meet at 8:15 a.m. at Scott Valley Bikes & Sporting Goods 11223 Hwy. 3 in Fort Jones, CA. Helmets required. Call (530)468-5672 for info.

All rides are led by Russel Willis of Scott Valley Bikes.  The Scott Valley is a wonderful place for cycling with quiet roads and beautiful scenery. To learn more about the Valley, visit the Scott Valley Chamber of Commerce website.

Test your sense of adventure

Today we tested our sense of adventure, when my husband and I went looking for a lake that doesn’t have a trail to it. The drive out on the east side of Mt. Shasta was beautiful and the views of the mountain from the east side were something that we just don’t normally see (living in Mt. Shasta City). After a previous experience when he took me out on an off-trail hike that he underestimated, I went prepared. We had plenty of food, warm clothing, and even a map! The compass on his smart phone helped us navigate through a mix of forest and clear cuts. Up on a ridge line we oriented ourselves and checked the land marks on the topo map against what we could see, and found the lake! It was a great experience: to go into an uncertain situation and make it to our goal (an to find the truck again on the way out!). We did a lot of hiking straight up hill and we weren’t sure we were on the right track until we were almost to the lake, but it was a great feeling to see it its green waters.

Now, you may not want to go off trail, or hike through ground torn up by log skidders, but you can stretch your sense of adventure in so many ways. For some people, hiking a trail to a mountain lake is a whole new experience. Some folks are new to swimming in lakes or rivers. Whatever may feel like adventure to you, you should go for it! This time of year is Siskiyou County is the time for flexing your sense of adventure: the weather is great, there isn’t any snow in the mountains yet, and the sense of getting your fill before winter comes is very motivating. So think about what might stretch your limits just a bit and pick something new.

Here you can find lists of recreation and adventures to choose from:

Mt. Shasta Chamber’s recreation list

McCloud Chamber of Commerce

Dunsmuir’s Outdoor Adventures

Weed Chamber of Commerce

Yreka Chamber of Commerce

Butte Valley Chamber of Commerce (eastern Siskiyou County)

Scott Valley Chamber of Commerce (western Siskiyou County)

Happy Camp Chamber of Commerce (Klamath River region)

Fort Jones celebrating 150 years of history Sept 3-5th

historic photo from the Fort Jones Museum

The Scott Valley sits in western Siskiyou  County where agriculture defines the lay of the land. It a great place for a Sunday drive or a bike ride where you can cruise down roads that carry you past fields of alfalfa, cattle pastures and the sense of calm that pervades farm country. One of the towns in the Scott Valley will be celebrating 150 years this weekend, Sept 3rd-5th. Fort Jones, which sits on the beginning of the Scott River Road, has plenty fun planned for its Sesquicentennial Celebration.

The folks of Fort Jones are happy to celebrate the history of their town, which in its early years carried the various names of Scottsburg, Scottsville, Ottitiewa, and Wheellock before finally being voted on in 1860 to officially name it Fort Jones, after the U.S. Army fort that once stood nearby. While you’re into town, look for the Sesquicentennial pamphlet to read more about the fort and the town’s history. You should also visit the Fort Jones Museum, where you can see displays that tell stories of the Native American tribes indegineous to the Valley along with stories of the white settlers.

The celebration event kicks off Friday with the Scott Valley Bank Summer Concert Series at the Fort Jones baseball park on Highway 3, beginning at 6:30pm, with Americana/Country band, One Horse Shy. Saturday kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 7am, followed by the start of a 15-mile footrace at 8am (see the Museum website for an entry form). Then its off to check out the mule pack demonstration at Scott Valley Physical Therapy at 9am. At 10 am the vendor and craft booths open, kids activities begin and the Mountain Men’s Camp opens at the ballpark. Head back into town for the parade on Main Street at noon. The afternoon includes a horseshoe competition, a blacksmith demo on Main Street, old time fiddlers and a jam session and the all day car show that will include antique and modern vehicles along with horse drawn carriages. The evening wraps up with dinner at 6pm provided by the Catholic Church Ladies and a street dance from 8-11pm.

Sunday offers more of the same, starting with another breakfast at 7am. An organized mountain bike ride begins at 8am, so bring your bike along. The street vendors open at 10am again and 1.5 fun walk/run starts at 10am as well. The Homecoming Luncheon begins at 11:30, and the Horn Street stage will host fiddlers at noon followed by a gospel jam session at 1pm.

If you’re planning on visiting, you can learn more at the event at the Museum’s website, or call the Museum at 530.468.5568. You can find lodging information on the VisitSiskiyou.org website: you’ll find more options in Etna than in Fort Jones, ranging from B&Bs to RV camping. When it comes to where to dine, you can always ask a local, but you probably won’t want to miss the Etna Brewery Pub in Etna and an ice cream sundae at Scott Valley Drug, also in Etna.

You are here: The Mythical State of Jefferson

State of Jefferson flag

You may see the XX flag, or hear mention of the State of Jefferson. While you’re visiting far Northern California you may notice that the public radio station is Jefferson Public Radio. Why is Jefferson so popular, you may wonder. Well, it’s not homage to a past president, but to an idea and movement that lives on today in the hearts and minds of her residents: in 1941 a handful of counties in far Northern California and Southern Oregon attempted to become the 51st state – Jefferson. While the secession movement died with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the identity of the region as Jefferson has lived on. While you’re visiting Siskiyou County you are in the heart of Jefferson, where the county seat (Yreka) was designated as the state capitol during the secession movement.

Mt. Shasta and the Shasta Valley

Today you can experience the (now mythical) State of Jefferson by touring its vast geographic area and talking with its people. You will see bumper stickers proclaiming residency of the State of Jefferson, the occasional flag and t-shirts for sale in gift shops. Yreka, Fort Jones and Montague are likely spots for finding your own t-shirt or bumper sticker. The State of Jefferson Scenic Byway winds through the region, from Yreka to the coast. Visit Siskiyou’s scenic drive page provides some info about the Byway and other shorter drives in the area. You can read about it in the new magazine Jefferson Backroads, which shares history, coming events and advertisements from local businesses.

Mostly, the State of Jefferson is something to be searched for as you explore the rugged land and small towns that make up the region, a sense to be discovered as you stretch your own independence and self reliance. It’s a mythology you can build on as you create your own experiences here, whether you drive down backroads or head for the hills.

Bellydancers coming to Fort Jones May 9th – get your tickets quick

The 2nd Annual Big Bellydance Show: A World of Dance is set for May 9th at the Fort Jones Community Center, with professional West Coast bellydancers bringing a whirlwind of color, movement and grace. Dancers from Ayesha’s Oasis Dance Company of Medford and Ashland’s Circus Tribal will entertain the crowd, with special performances by Saqra of Portland, Or., and Verbatim from Sacramento (back by popular demand). The show is so exciting that last year it sold out, and as of May 2nd only 35 tickets remain for this year’s show.

Saqra, a powerful dance artist and internationally renowned master instructor, will be teaching a workshop from 2-4pm that day. If you’d like to try your hand (um, belly?) at dancing, call Deborah at 468.2424 for more info and tickets for the performace as well. Tickets for the show are $10 in advance and $15 at the door (if any remain).

While you’re out in the Valley, stop by Casa Ramos Mexican Resaurant or Dave’s Place (for pizza or a burger) in Fort Jones or head over to Etna for dinner. Etna options include Bob’s Ranch House, Corrigan’s, the Etna Brewery Pub and Etna Deli (drive around or ask around, these are small towns so you’ll find what you’re looking for). Have a great time out in this beautiful valley at this really fun event!

Mytical State of Jefferson makes a comeback

Here in Northern California we are living in the mythical State of Jefferson – a dream of Southern Oregon and Northern California residents from years gone by that just won’t let go. The heyday for Jefferson was back in November of 1941 when the secession movement gained popularity and attention from major newspapers. Locals were blocking old Highway 99 to distribute info about the effort to become the 49th state and even went so far as to elect a governor of the State of Jefferson. Everything came to a halt with the attack on Pearl Harbor and the movement never regained the momentum and fever of 1941. You can read a full account of the story at the State of Jefferson website.

The idea of the State of Jefferson lives on with residents, and when traveling Siskiyou County you’ll  see the Double X seal. In Yreka, Scott Valley and Happy Camp keep an eye of for Jefferson t-shirts, hats and license plate frames for sale.

While the State of Jefferson lives on in the hearts and minds of its constituents, it does surface in the mainstream world. Siskiyoutopia recently reported on an article in the San Francisco Chronicle that is getting a lot of attention. You can read the story at SF Gate, and then head over to the State of Jefferson blog to keep up on the chatter.

For those of you not interested in the politics of the story, you can get to know the State of Jefferson as visitors. Take a look at the story “California’s State of Jefferson: Part Myth, Part Reality” that ran in RV Journal’s fall 2004 issue.

Mt. Shasta Guide to Fun is available!

Mt. Shasta Guide to Fun, by local guide Robin Kohn, is now available at local book stores. Tonight, Tuesday, August 12th, Robin will be at Village Books in Mt. Shasta for a book signing at 7pm. The Guide is a great resource for folks coming to the Mt. Shasta area who are looking to get to know the unique spots this region has to offer. As a guide for Shasta Vortex Adventures, Robin has taken people skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, back packing, rock climbing, and on bus tours all over the Mt. Shasta area.

In the Guide to Fun you’ll find descriptions of hiking, cross country skiing, climbing,  and ski mountaineering on Mount Shasta, as well as bits of historical information. Robin has included notes about the Old Ski Bowl, how Panther Meadows got its name, and recognition of John Everett, the Shasta National Forest Supervisor that Everett Memorial Highway was named for.

The Guide extends beyond Mount Shasta to include the McCloud River waterfalls, Burstarse Falls, Stewart Mineral Springs Resort, and a significant section about the Lava Beds, Medicine Lake and the Tulelake area. Robin also gives ink to recreational opportunities in and around Yreka and the Scott Valley. To top it all off, the book includes a list of resources that includes area guides, outdoor retailers, Chambers of Commerce and Parks to assist visitors.

You can purchase the Mt. Shasta Guide to Fun at Village Books and other area stores (more are being added every week). Village Books is also selling the book from its website, and Robin will be selling from her website soon. Robin is also available to guide various adventures in the North State; contact her via her website.

Old Time Rodeo July 26th in Etna

Plan a visit to the Scott Valley for the 32nd Scott Valley Old Time Rodeo on Saturday, July 26th at the rodeo arena just north of Etna on Island Road. The Pleasure Park hosts a pro rodeo earlier in the season, and this later rodeo is a chance for locals to strut their stuff. The little ones get the festivities started at 4pm with Mutton Bustin’ for kids 7 and under and Kid’s Calf Riding for ages 8 to 12, followed by the junior events of Steer Riding and Steer Dobbing – that’s where they chase down a steer on horseback and dab paint on it with a long stick.

The rodeo kicks off with a Grand Entry of Siskiyou cowboys and cowgirls at 5:30 p.m. – you’ve got to see this entrance. The the rodeo gets underway with with Bareback Bronc, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Bull Riding, Girls Barrel Race, Girls Breakaway Roping, and Pole Bending filling up the evening.

The popular team events of CowHide Race and Saddle Cow Riding will also be featured, with the finale of the evening, Bareback Rescue Race.

The infamous Dance-in-the-Dirt follows the rodeo at the concession stands until midnight.

A variety of food is available to purchase at concession stands. You might think about bringing some kind of shade umbrella or maybe even your own lawn chairs.

Admission is $8 for ages seven and older; children six and under are free; senior citizens at $5.

For more information, call Liz Bowen at 530-467-3515.

the 61st Annual Scott Valley Pleasure Park  Rodeo was held on Sunday, May 4, 2008 in Etna.  Pictured below is Siskiyou County Champion Cowboy, Daniel Ferreira, from Fort Jones.   He won the Steer Wrestling.   The weather was perfect — not too hot and not too cold.  Photo taken by Janet Vreeman.

Nicole Luiz, a 5th generation rancher in Fort Jones, won the Scott Valley Pleasure Park Rodeo Queen contest in April 2008.  Nicole reigned over the 61st Annual Pleasure Park Rodeo in Etna on May 4th and will be on-hand for the 32nd Old Time Rodeo on July 26th. 

Scott Valley music

We went out to Callahan in the Scott Valley on Wednesday to see SV resident David Waymire who builds custom guitars. David grew up in the Valley and has been playing music since his school days (not that long ago in his case). He’s been building guitars for about a year and a half under the label Old Etna Guitars, creating his own designs, like the Bolivar Baby Jumbo. He prides himself on shaping the neck specifically to the hand of his client, and he’s heard back that his guitars are very comfortable to play. He’s using some exotic woods, like rosewood and ebony on the sides and backs, with Cali woods: western red cedar and redwood, for the top panel. It takes him 2-3 weeks to build a guitar. He’s currently experimenting with organic finishes, so the process will get quicker as he gets those products dialed in.

David’s in a band called The Sundown Poachers with another local boy – Johnny Callahan, who plays one of his guitars. The band plays regularly at the Etna Brewery (530.467.5277) – home of the Old Grind porter and Etna Rootbeer – on Thursday nights during the summer and at the Callahan Emporium. The band is also playing gigs in the Mt. Shasta area, with some unplanned appearances lately at the Billy Goat Tavern.

The Scott Valley is big on music, with plenty of its citizens playing together and some reaching beyond their local setting into the greater music world. In the summer they come together to celebrate with the Scott Valley Bluegrass Festival in July. This year’s event, from July 19-20, will include Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain, The Anderson Family Band, Alhambra Valley Band and the Piney Creek Weasels. It all kicks off in downtown Etna on Friday night with the “Jammin’ on Main” event from 6-9pm where anyone who brings an instrument can play. Some of the bands join in, so you can play with musicians you’ll be watching on stage the next day. It’s a low-key, family-friendly festival set under the old oak trees of the City Park, and well worth the visit. Plus, it’s a great excuse to visit the Scott Valley, a real through back to rural living.

To learn more about visiting the Scott Valley, use our website at www.visitsiskiyou.org.