Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows how quickly they become a part of the family. That’s why not taking them on vacation isn’t even considered by one out of three owners, according to a Forbes Advisor study.
April is Dog Appreciation Month, so show your furry friends how much you love them by taking them along on a trip to Siskiyou, the northernmost part of California where adventure and natural beauty are the norm.
Fortunately, many of Siskiyou’s lodging options, restaurants, breweries and attractions are dog-friendly. We’ve provided a few locations where you can stay with your pooch, in addition to nearby amenities that will welcome them as well. Keep in mind that there may be some restrictions and fees required, so check the establishment prior to making reservations.
McCLOUD HOTEL
Situated at the base of majestic Mt. Shasta, the McCloud Hotel was built more than a century ago but offers modern-day amenities sure to please everyone, including the family pet. Dog treats are available at the front desk, and dog beds for any size canine can be provided as well.
A park across the street from the hotel is a beautiful place to walk your dog, or stroll amongst the shops in Historic Downtown McCloud, a nationally registered historic district with 17 buildings designated as landmarks. Leashed dogs are allowed on Gray Butte Trail, one of the only dog-friendly hiking trails at Mt. Shasta. When you’re ready to eat, head to the dog-friendly Axe and Rose Public House, a casual dining restaurant adjacent to the hotel.
RAILROAD PARK RESORT
Stay in one of the Railroad Park Resort’s caboose lodging units, complete with modern amenities, or rest your head in a vintage cabin, perfect for families or large groups. There are also 23 RV sites and 24 tent campsites throughout the property. Best of all, dogs are welcome, and there’s even a dog park area where your puppy can run off leash.
While staying at the resort, make sure to try your hand at fishing in the Sacramento River, bike around the historic town of Dunsmuir (where the resort is located) or head 2 miles away to hike the lower Castle Crags section of the Pacific Crest Trail. The Dog Trail in the Castle Crags Wilderness Area offers spectacular views of the Castle Crags and other peaks, and as you might have guessed, dogs are welcome.
CAVE SPRINGS
Situated along the Sacramento River and only 10 minutes from Mt. Shasta, Cave Springs is a mid-century modern resort located in Dunsmuir. Stylish hotel rooms are the perfect place to relax, or book one of the premier modern cabins, which offer inspiring views of the river and the mountain. If you desire a historic feel, reserve a 100-year-old rustic cabin with what was “state-of-the-art” in 1923, such as a private bathroom with a shower or clawfoot tub, and a kitchen with an old-fashioned gas stove. Dogs are allowed in select hotel rooms and modern cabins, as well as all rustic cabins and Airstreams, which are available to be booked.
While there, make sure to spend some time at the Dunsmuir Botanical Garden, which is adjacent to the resort. The 10-acre wooded area features a variety of native species, perennial plants and walking trails, ideal for hiking and viewing the natural beauty. Dogs are welcome.
HI-LO MOTEL, CAFÉ & RV PARK
All of the 41 rooms, four apartments and RV Park of the Hi-Lo Motel in Weed are dog-friendly (and cat-friendly, by the way). The family-owned-and-operated site features a café that serves homemade comfort food.
Among the sights to see in Weed are the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden, a 136-acre art installation and war memorial located in the Klamath National Forest. Just northeast of Weed is Lake Shastina, where you can hike, fish, swim, camp and more while taking in a beautiful panoramic view of Mt. Shasta. The 1.2-mile loop hike around the lake is dog-friendly. The 4.9-mile Black Butte Trail, the largest of Mt. Shasta’s satellite volcanic peaks, welcomes canines as well.
WINEMA HISTORIC LODGE
Popular with hunters, bird-watchers and explorers, Winema Historic Lodge in Tulelake offers large-sized lodge rooms and motel rooms, and dogs are welcome. Perfect for families or large groups, Winema features RV parking with hook-ups, as well as on-site dining options.
Tulelake is home to the unique Lava Beds National Monument, which features more than 800 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battle fields and more. Dogs are allowed in developed areas, but not on trails, or in caves or buildings.
President Theodore Roosevelt established the first in a series of national wildlife refuges to conserve wetlands, resulting in the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge in Tulelake. Start your adventure at the new visitor center for a look at exhibits, displays and more. Dogs are permitted at the refuge.
One of the darkest times in U.S. history is memorialized at the Tule Lake National Monument. The monument includes the Tule Lake Segregation Center, a large facility where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II, and Camp Tulelake, originally a Civilian Conservation Corps camp that was converted to an additional detention facility for Japanese Americans. Dogs are allowed, although not in buildings, including the visitor center.
HUNGRY AND THIRSTY
If you’re looking for a place to eat and drink that’s open to dogs as well, visit Pipeline Craft Taps & Kitchen in Mt. Shasta. Dogs are allowed in the outside seating area, so bring your furry friend and enjoy scrumptious goodies such as Duck Fat Fries, Savage Salad and a What the Puck sandwich. You can wash it down with a craft or bottled beer, of which the choices are plentiful, all while you enjoy Northern California’s beautiful weather.
Also in Mt. Shasta is the popular Yaks Shack, a bakery and café with outdoor seating only, so, of course, your dog is more than welcome. From coffee and pastries to barbecue and beer, Yaks is the place for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or just stop in for a snack and a breather as you visit the town, enjoying the beautiful mountain, activities and sensational sights.
Grab your best friend and plan an epic visit to Siskiyou today.