Best Spots for Birdwatching in Siskiyou

Birdwatching, or birding, is second nature in Siskiyou. Take a look around and you’ll see the feathered friends of the north wherever you turn. The majestic mountains and towering trees make Siskiyou a prime destination for birdwatching in California’s north. Grab some binoculars, a field guide and discover some of Siskiyou’s most fascinating wildlife in these areas.

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

Discover eagles, raptors, swans, ducks, geese, and dozens of other species at the Lower Klamath Wildlife Refuge. It was established as the Nation’s first waterfowl refuge by President Roosevelt in 1908. The National Historic Landmark gets up to 1.8 million birds during peak waterfowl season, which represent 15 to 45 percent of total birds wintering in California. This comes as no surprise because the refuge is more than 50,000 acres of shallow marshes, open water, grassy uplands, and cropland. You could even say it’s a bird’s dream home.

During winter, expect to see hundreds of bald eagles and thousands of tundra swans, among other birds. In the springtime, between 20,000 and 100,000 shorebirds use the refuge wetlands during the migration period. You’ll also get to enjoy the beautiful backdrop of Mt. Shasta to the southwest as you become a birdwatching expert.

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Birding can be a fun hobby, especially at one of the richest havens for wildlife, the Tule Lake Basin. Enjoy watching a wide variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, big game, small mammals, and aquatic life here. This volcanic wonderland is home to nearly 500 species of wildlife. The Basin is an important stopover for the Pacific Flyway with four national wildlife refuges and thousands of acres of private farmlands. From November through April, hundreds of bald eagles arrive in the Basin. In the springtime, North America’s largest concentration of snow geese migrate to the area. You’re bound to see some of nature’s finest species at Tule Lake.

Butte Valley National Grassland

Birdwatching at Butte Valley is a breeze. The National Grassland is more than 18,000 acres of sagebrush, wheatgrass, and many other arid grasses and flowers. One of the best or maybe most challenging things about birding is trying to identify each species of birds, and here you’ll stay busy doing just that. The Grassland is home to the Swainson’s hawk, golden eagle, bald eagle, merlin, and sandhill crane. Winter residents include the red-tailed hawk, ferruginous hawk, rough-legged hawk, northern harrier, American kestrel, and prairie falcon. Nocturnal species you may get a chance to see at dawn or dusk include great horned owls, short-eared owls, and long-eared owls. Overall, Butte Valley is a great spot to see some of nature’s best wildlife.

These are just a few places you can go birdwatching in Siskiyou. Just remember to take your time and let nature work its magic. For more tips listen to the birding in Siskiyou podcast.

Keywords

birding, birdwatching, discover siskiyou, siskiyou

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🎶 Don't miss the final Yreka Summer Concert in the Park! 🎶

This Friday, August 1, wrap up the season with a sunset performance by the Seth Charles Band — known for their soulful blend of rock, blues, and Americana vibes. Bring your lawn chairs, pack a picnic (or grab local eats from a variety of vendors at the show), and enjoy one last evening of live music under the Siskiyou sky. 🌄🎸

📍 Miner Street Park, Yreka
🕕 Music starts at 6:30 PM
💃 Free & family-friendly!

Let’s end the summer series on a high note — we’ll see you there! 🎤🎶

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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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🎶 Southern Oregon’s legendary Rogue Suspects are bringing the groove to the Yreka Summer Concert Series this Friday, July 18! 🎸🌟

Join us at the park for a night of classic, high-energy jams you won’t want to miss. Bring your lawn chairs, your dancing shoes, and your summer vibes! ☀️🕺💃

🎤 Music starts at 6:30 PM
📍 Miner Street Park, Yreka
🎟️ Free & family-friendly!
🌮 Food + Beverage Trucks On-Site

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🚗✨ Etna, CA: where charm meets adventure in the heart of the Siskiyous. From artisan butcher shops to mountain trails and locally brewed beers, this little town packs a big punch. 🌄🍻 

What's your favorite spot in Etna?

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🌲✨ Tucked away in the heart of the Klamath National Forest, Happy Camp is your gateway to wild beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. Whether you're casting a line in the Klamath River, hiking through ancient forests, or just soaking in the quiet, there's something peaceful—and powerful—about this special corner of West Siskiyou.

🚗 Take the scenic drive and discover why it's called Happy Camp.

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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

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Who are you sending this to 👀 #discoversiskiyou #seesiskiyou #waterfall #waterfallwednesday #norcal #california #visitcalifornia
🌟Yreka Golden City Days 2025🌟

Celebrating Yreka’s rich history, community, and small-town charm on historic Miner Street 🪕🍗🍻☀️🤠

From live music and mouthwatering barbecue to historic tours and a Father’s Day car show — this is where memories are made. 💛

 #GoldenCityDays #Yreka #SmallTownStrong #SiskiyouSummer #discoversiskiyou #siskiyou #norcal #smalltown
🌊 McCloud Upper Falls 💙
Quick stop, BIG views.
Easy trail, epic water flow, and that fresh mountain air 🌲⛰️

If you want to see Siskiyou's waterfalls at their peak, now is the time!

📸: @heidy_dianeth 

📍 McCloud, CA
💦 Part of the 3 McCloud River Falls
🌲 Perfect for a peaceful escape

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