Dorris on Highway 97

Dorris and Highway 97

Dorris was established after the Southern Pacific Railroad was routed through the northern part of Butte Valley. The city was named after Presley Dorris of the D Ranch. Today, Highway 97 runs through the center of Dorris; in 2002, it was designated a Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway–All American Road. If you drive south on Highway 97, Dorris is the first place you reach in California. This gives you two distinct points of reference when choosing a destination: the town’s railroad history and its location on a designated route.

Local History in Butte Valley

The Butte Valley Museum presents the history of the Tulelake Basin and the homesteads in Butte Valley. The Butte Valley Museum & Historical Society has brought together some of the historic buildings that have been preserved and displays them on the museum grounds at the southern edge of Dorris. This brings together two scales of local history: the regional development of the basin and valley, and preserved buildings at a specific location in Dorris. If you include historical topics in your trip planning, this combination offers insight into the history of the town and its region.

Valley Views and a Trail on the Museum Grounds

From the valley near Dorris, you can enjoy a view of Mount Shasta. The Butte Valley Museum grounds also feature a 1.75-mile walking trail with views of the valley and Mount Shasta. The trail combines a clearly specified distance with views of the landscape. When planning your trip, you can include it as a separate activity alongside the museum’s historic buildings and exhibits. The view from the valley near Dorris and the views along the trail offer two different perspectives of Mount Shasta.

Protected Area and Trails in the Region

The nearby Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge adds another regional highlight. It is located in rural northeastern California and southern Oregon, and was established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt as the nation’s first waterfowl refuge. Hikers, paddlers, and vehicles are permitted on the refuge’s trails. When choosing an outing, both the refuge’s history and the types of users permitted there are relevant. If these trails are important to your plans, check the refuge’s current visitor information.

Grassland, Birdwatching, and a Cycling Route

Butte Valley National Grassland lies between Macdoel and Dorris along U.S. Route 97. Birdwatching is possible in the surrounding region; species found there include Swainson’s hawk, golden eagle, bald eagle, merlin, and sandhill crane. Its location between the two towns and along the route helps place the grassland in the region; the listed species add specific birdwatching interests to its natural setting.

The Eagle Rock–Butte Valley gravel cycling route begins in Dorris. Its starting point is therefore directly associated with the town, while birdwatching is associated with the grassland’s surrounding region. If you are choosing between cycling and nature watching, these different location references can be helpful guides.

Dorris Flag Pole and the Fourth of July

The Dorris Flag Pole is 200 feet tall. The flag measures 30 feet high and 60 feet long. A community flag-raising and barbecue are held at the pole every year on July 4. The pole is a distinct landmark; the celebration connects the site with a recurring date. If July 4 is relevant to your trip, check the current event details.

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

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