Things To Do in Siskiyou County
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22 Things to Do in Springtime Siskiyou County
The treasures are in the journey, not only the destination.
Siskiyou County...Mount Shasta country...California's treasure at the top of the state. It's a land of incredible scenic beauty, friendly small towns, activities and adventures for everyone! Here we offer our Springtime list of Things to Do while visiting Siskiyou County in the beautiful months of April, May and into June.
Our list of activities is presented in no particular order, and the numbers are not intended to imply a rating. Our intent is to serve as a guide and an introduction, to inspire you to try something new, something you've never dared before, something you've been too busy to notice, something you've always dreamed of.
The treasures are in the journey, not only the destination. Take time to enjoy the adventures that await at every side road. Bon voyage and welcome to Siskiyou County in the spring.
1. Visit our Blog: Siskiyou County Notebook for the latest news and reports of countywide attractions and activities. Find the best spring hikes, the latest events, comments and suggestions from other visitors (and please add your own, too!). www.visitsiskiyou.org/blog
2. Climb a Mountain Test your physical abilities and determination by climbing the second highest volcano in the United States - Mount Shasta. This is a serious hike to the summit at 14,162 feet elevation. Late spring is the favored time to climb. Unless you are already an experienced mountineer, we recommend that you arrange for a guide or mountaineering instruction in safe backcountry skills...see our Mountaineering page for details.
3. Shoot the Rapids Discover the treasures of spring rafting! The Upper Sacramento, Salmon and Scott rivers are hotbeds for rafting enthusiasts with a need for an adrenaline rush, while the mighty Klamath offers float trips for beginners and families. Check our rafting page for information about guide services.
4. Feed the Fish Tour Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery, the oldest operating hatchery west of the Mississippi. Large, open ponds hold rainbow and brown trout raised to stock mountain fishing streams, rivers and lakes. Feed trout from the handy fish food dispensers (kids LOVE this!). In early spring after the tiny eggs have hatched, see over three million fry being cared for in special tanks until they are large enough to be moved outside to the ponds.
5. Gaze at a Million Dollars Fancy finding a gold nugget? Stop by the Siskiyou County Courthouse in Yreka to view the largest display of gold south of Alaska. The interpretive display is arranged according to the site from which the gold was taken, and includes old photos, descriptions and recollections of the miners. On display are the many forms of gold found in the area, including huge nuggets, flour gold and gold dust.
6. Spot a Rare Bird View nature's treasures during the spring bird migration at the Klamath and the Tulelake Wildlife Refuges. Over 200 bird species and 50 mammal species have been identified in eastern Siskiyou County. And don't miss the Butte Valley Wildlife Area.
7. Discover the Tree of Heaven Tree of Heaven Campground and Nature Trail is located a few miles from the Interstate 5 freeway down Highway 96 along the Klamath River. Tree of Heaven, a beautiful deciduous tree, was imported by the Chinese immigrants who farmed this flatland and sold vegetables to area miners. The tree was to remind them of their homeland. The campground's Nature Trail wanders through natural river vegetation, with interpretive signs along the path describing the history and sights, and is featured in our Hikes & Walks section. Watch for golden eagle.
8. Catch and Release a Wild Trout Enjoy excellent fishing on the Upper Sacramento, McCloud, Klamath and Scott rivers. Check our fishing page for information about guide services.
9. Relax in Hot Mineral Waters Stewart Mineral Springs resort is under the pine trees next to Parks Creek in the mountains west of Weed and Edgewood, an easy and beautiful drive from Yreka or Mt. Shasta. Mineral baths and large sauna, as well as a Native American Sweat Lodge, will soothe your body and your spirit. Call 1-800-322-9223.
10. Salute the Flag The Tallest US Flagpole west of the Mississippi is located in the town of Dorris. The Dorris Lion's Club organized a huge volunteer effort to finance and build this tremendous monument. The pole, measuring 36" wide at its base, and 5.6" at the top is buried in 22 ft. of concrete, to be able to withstand winds up to 100 miles an hour. The flag that flies from this towering pole measures 30ft. by 60ft. When you drive Hwy 97, you will see the pole well before you get to Dorris. Be sure to visit the little memorial park and look up, and up, and up at this enormous flag, pole, and accomplishment for a small town!
11. Pedal Past the Petals Enjoy a rambling bike ride past the budding flowers and emerald pastures of Scott Valley. Take a lunch break at any of the small historic communities dotting the valley. Check our cycling page for information about local rides and bike resources. Check our wildflower tours page for other wildflower viewing locations.
12. Walk Under a Waterfall Lovely little Hedge Creek Falls in Dunsmuir spills over the lip of the ancient lava flow, splashing through space to a pool below. Hike the short (but steep) trail down into this forested glen, and you will see how gentle waters, over time, have cut a groove in the solid rock, and learn about the power hidden in a tiny creek. Parking and access to Hedge Creek Falls is at the north Dunsmuir I-5 interchange. The trail begins to the right of a picturesque gazebo.
13. Take to the Greens...with 81 holes of golf on 6 fantastic courses. From 18-hole championship resorts to unique 9-hole country courses, including one of the oldest courses in northern California (McCloud Golf Course), you will feast your eyes on the beautiful mountain, forest and lake settings between shots. Check our golfing page for information about Siskiyou County's fine courses.
14. Empower Yourself with Crystals The little town of Mt. Shasta is known for metaphysical philosophies and transformations. Mount Shasta is considered one of the Seven Sacred Mountains of the World, drawing thousands of spiritual tourists yearly on sacred journeys, pilgrimages, vision quests, healing retreats. Explore the magical powers of crystals and much more in the shops, practitioners and healing centes of the community.
15. Learn to Kayak If you've ever wondered how to roll upside down in whitewater rapids...and roll upright again safely...a lesson from a certified kayak instructor can teach you correct paddle strokes, correct rolling techniques, and basic safety, while having a great time on the river. Siskiyou County offers several kayak schools, including the luxurious Otter Bar Lodge on the Cal Salmon, instruction from Osprey Outdoors Kayak School and Kayak School from River Dancers.
16. Tour a Brewery The Etna Brewery in, well, Etna (where else?) produces four great, all-natural brews for distribution and sale throughout California and Oregon. These four beers, along with an occasional seasonal brew, are handcrafted using only quality malts, hops, yeast, and pure brewing water. Open House and tours are available. Call 530-467-5277 for current schedules.
The Mt. Shasta Brewing Company in Weed produces microbrew ales and lagers, including the great Shastafarian Porter. Take a Virtual Tour at their webiste, or call 530-938-2394 for visiting schedules.
17. Step Over the Sacramento River Mt. Shasta City Park is the site for the headwaters of California's powerful Sacramento River. Even in the driest years, clear, icy water rushes from the hillside feeding a picturesque pond area. Walk along the creek and follow footpaths that meander across small bridges, through hedges of horsetail fern and fragrant willow. The 26 acre public park is located on the north end of the city of Mt. Shasta. The barbecues, picnic tables and playgrounds make it a wonderful spot for a family outing. Free public restrooms and large, grassy lawns welcome the traveler.
18. Take a Train Ride The Shasta Sunset Dinner Train offers special events trains featuring music and theatre happen throughout the season, and regular dining trips in turn-of-the century restored rail cars.
Ceck the website for the Blue Goose Excursion train, and be there on opening day...a certain treat for visitors to the area!
19. Stop and Smell the Flowers Stop to smell the flowers blooming in the Botanical Gardens at the Dunsmuir City Park. Check for early arrivals in the hummingbird and butterfly gardens.
20. Go Caving...in the miles of volcanic lava tubes at the Lava Beds National Monument. The Monument has at least 20 caves open for exploring at any time. See cinder cones, shield volcanoes, spatter cones and other volcanic features while at the Monument. Stop by the visitor center for information, loaner lights and bump hats.
21. Meet a Master Saddlemaker Dorris is the home of Butte Valley Saddle Company and internationally recognized saddlemaker Conrad Koppenhafer. Visitors from all over the world stop by the Butte Valley Saddle Company to view the superb artistry of Conrad Kopenhafer's saddles. 304 South
Main St., P O Box 389 in Dorris, CA 96023, 530-397-3711.
22. Hike to Castle Dome Castle Crags State Park, at the southern edge of Siskiyou County, is the setting for a spectacular 4+ hour hike from early spring thru autumn. Warm, south-facing slopes make this area a favorite for springtime hikes! The steep trail is well worth the climb into the massive, granite spires of this incredible area....see our Castle Dome Hikes page for details.
Print this page and bring it along when you visit!
For a freeVisitors' Guide to the Mount Shasta Region click here and email your address. And please do not hesitate to phone or email us with your questions. We are here to serve you!
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