Discover Siskiyou: Trails, Volcanic Landscapes, and History

A stay in Siskiyou can bring together nature, outdoor activities, and local history. Places to start include the hiking trails of Castle Crags State Park, the volcanic formations of Lava Beds National Monument, bird migration at Tule Lake, and museums in several towns. You can shape your trip around the subjects that interest you most.

Trails, Water, and Winter Sports

Castle Crags State Park is in Shasta and Siskiyou counties, six miles south of Dunsmuir, and has 28 miles of hiking trails. The Pacific Crest Trail also runs through the park. At Etna Summit, the same long-distance trail crosses County Road 1C01 at an elevation of 5,960 feet and continues north from there into the Marble Mountain Wilderness. This places two specific points along the trail in Siskiyou: its route through the state park and the crossing at Etna Summit.

At Castle Crags State Park, the Sacramento River offers several access points for fishing and hiking. A riverside path at Yreka Creek Greenway is open to walkers and cyclists. The Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens have walking paths through the park where you can view native and introduced plants. Current conditions in the gardens may vary.

There are also a range of winter activities: Mt. Shasta Nordic offers a 2.5-kilometer snowshoe trail and snowshoe rentals. Mt. Shasta Ski Park has two terrain parks called Revolution and Silvertip. The Mount Shasta Ice Rink is an outdoor, NHL-regulation-size rink, 85 feet wide and 200 feet long. It is the only outdoor ice rink of this size in California; its seasonal operating schedule may vary. Check the current schedule before your trip.

Volcanic Landscapes and Wildlife

Lava Beds National Monument is characterized by a rugged volcanic landscape. It was formed over the past half-million years by eruptions from the Medicine Lake shield volcano; a variety of volcanic formations shape the area. Visitors can explore lava tubes there. Before entering the caves, visit the visitor center first. The Symbol Bridge Trail leads to striking pictographs at the bridge.

The annual bird migration is an important feature of Tule Lake: during spring and fall migration, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge serves as a major stopover for migrating waterfowl. Shasta Valley Wildlife Area covers about 4,700 acres, including Great Basin-type juniper woodlands, riparian forests, seasonal wetlands, and agricultural land. Trout Lake and Bass Lake offer fishing for rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Because fishing regulations can change, check the current rules before fishing.

Museums, Homes, and Regional Experiences

Siskiyou County Museum has a 2.5-acre outdoor museum featuring machinery, early transportation vehicles, and historic and reconstructed buildings. Fort Jones Museum displays artifacts relating to the lives of the region’s Indigenous groups, as well as trappers, miners, pioneers, and soldiers. Its exhibits include Shasta baskets and historical documents. In Yreka, the Historic Homes Walking Tour includes more than 70 houses built before the turn of the century.

McCloud Heritage Junction Museum is open to visitors daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Memorial Day weekend; outside the season, visits are available by appointment. It’s best to confirm the hours before your trip. Etna Farmers Market is seasonal: local farmers and producers offer fresh, organically grown produce as well as handmade products.

Getting to Tule Lake

To drive to Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge from California, take Interstate 5 to Weed, then head northeast on Highway 97. Check road conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: McCloud, Mount Shasta, Dorris, Yreka, Happy Camp, Weed, Dunsmuir, Amador County

For the broader travel overview: California.