Cool Off with Water Sports in Siskiyou

With 12 rivers flowing, wild waterfalls tumbling, and hundreds of pristine lakes dotting the landscape, water is as much a part of our nature in Siskiyou as the towering trees and breathtaking views that surround us.

Water sports are one of the best ways to discover the beauty of Siskiyou, especially during the summer.

Paddle sports

Stunning shorelines and peaceful, calm waters make Siskiyou an incredible destination for kayaking, canoeing or paddle-boarding. There are countless spots to paddle, from larger lakes like Lake Siskiyou to smaller alpine lakes, including Castle Lake. To find true solitude and connect with nature, try paddling the trail loop at the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Swimming

Whether you want to wade in a cold stream or jump into a river, swimming in Siskiyou is cool, refreshing and fun. You can find adventure swimming in secret spots you may stumble upon, or you can keep it low-key and spend the day at Lake Siskiyou’s developed swimming beach.

Rafting

From family floats down the river to thrilling whitewater rafting excursions, Siskiyou’s rivers will keep everyone having fun. The Klamath River and the Upper Sacramento river are two of the best local spots to raft – both offering easy floats and more challenging rapids. There are several guided rafting tours offers in the area so be sure to check those out!

 Boating

Boating is a favorite pastime among locals and visitors alike, and a fun way to explore the waterways. If you want to see Siskiyou by power boat, your best option is to try Lake Shastina. Fishing boats are allowed on most lakes, but regulations vary between each lake and river, so be sure to plan before you get here.

Water skiing & Wakeboarding                           

As with boating, water skiing and wakeboarding are not permitted on all lakes, but Lake Shastina offers some of the best conditions you’ll find. The water is cool and smooth, and the uncrowded lake will be a welcome site for skiers and wakeboarders.

#DISCOVERSISKIYOU

🌾 Siskiyou's Scott Valley unfolds like a patchwork quilt of golden fields, winding rivers, and quiet mountain charm. Nestled between the Marble and Trinity Mountains, it’s one of Siskiyou’s best-kept secrets—peaceful, picturesque, and full of small-town heart. 💛

Whether you're flying high or driving slow, this picturesque valley is worth the detour.

📸: @beanemedia 

#DiscoverSiskiyou #ScottValleyViews #fortjones #HiddenGemsOfCalifornia  #SmallTownCharm #NorthernCaliforniaBeauty #naturefromabove
✨ The stars shine brighter in Siskiyou.

With low light pollution and wide-open skies, our region offers some of the best stargazing in California. Bring a blanket, look up, and lose yourself in the magic of the cosmos. 🌠

📸: @rockmaven56

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Labor Day Weekend = one last summer adventure. ☀️⛰️ From lakes to trails, Siskiyou’s the place to savor every mom#peaceofmind 

📸: @etch_in_love 

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Still soaking up summer? Us too. 😎 But trust us—fall in Siskiyou is worth planning ahead for. Golden trails, cozy nights, and mountain views are waiting. Link in bio for our top five spots to find fall color in Siskiyou 🏔️🍁 

📸: @kiwibandit 

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Trail to the sky. ⛰️✨ Hiking Castle Crags State Park means big views, fresh air, and feeling on top of the world. 

📸: @morgan_swartz

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🌿 Tucked just off the highway in Dunsmuir lies a little slice of magic — Hedge Creek Falls! This easy walk leads to a waterfall you can literally walk behind, with mist on your face and views of Mt. Shasta peeking through the trees. A perfect quick stop that feels like a secret. 💦✨

📸: @backroadsculture 

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Happy Fourth of July! 🎆

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking under the stars, kayaking on crystal-clear lakes, or enjoying a local festival—Siskiyou is the perfect place to make holiday memories.

🎇 Please remember to recreate responsibly - do not light your own fireworks, and pack out all of your trash! Tag us in your weekend fun using #DiscoverSiskiyou and stay safe out there! 🗻🌲💥

📸: @livelikeitsthewknd

#discoversiskiyou #seesiskiiyou #visitcalifornia #norcal #california #adventure #pnw #chasingwaterfalls #granolagirls #mtshasta
Chasing light, finding peace. 🌄✨

Mt. Shasta glowing in the golden hour—nature really showing off.

📸: @happylustig 

#MtShasta #SunsetVibes #NatureHeals #WanderMore #discoversiskiyou #seesiskiyou #california #norcal
We dare you to drive over Forest Mountain into Scott Valley without stopping to snap a photo 🌲🏔️✨ 

📸: @tcoelhophotography 

#discoversiskiyou #seeiskiyou #scottvalley #mountainviews #pnw #roadtrip
Siskiyou has some of the darkest skies on the West Coast, making it the ultimate location for stargazing ✨🪐 🌙 Check out our suggestions for the best spots around to view the cosmos at the link in our bio!

📸: @roadtripreadymedia 

#discoversiskiyou #seesiskiyou #norcal #visitcalifornia #norcal #darkskies #stargazing #nightsky #milkyway #astrophotography
Sunday's full "snow moon" casting its silver glow over the Siskiyou mountains—nature's masterpiece in the sky. 🌕 

📸: @optimal_focus

#FullMoon #snowmoon #siskiyou #discoversiskiyou #california #norcal #pnw #naturephotos
Snow is coming! Be ready for it - purchase your @mtshastanordic  season pass today! Get yours online at mtshastanordic.org

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