Best Places to Kayak in Siskiyou

With hundreds of lakes, rivers and creeks – Siskiyou is an epic destination for a kayaking adventure! From laid-back to thrill-seeking experiences, California’s north has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to kayak in Siskiyou.

Klamath River

Local favorite Klamath River offers both easy and challenging rapids. Enjoy a family float down the river or make it a weekend adventure with your pals. You can rent a kayak while staying at Klamath River Resort Inn, which has a drop off shuttle service. There are also several guided rafting tours in the area.

Lake Siskiyou

It doesn’t get much better than Lake Siskiyou. Picturesque pine trees hover majestically above the shore, making a day of kayaking quite relaxing here. You’ll also get to enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Shasta from the lake. Life is good in Siskiyou.

Castle Lake

If you’re looking for a peaceful and more secluded spot for kayaking, head to the scenic Castle Lake. The smaller alpine lake offers one-of-a-kind sights of jagged granite mountains and majestic Mt. Shasta. Be sure to bring your camera along!

McCloud Reservoir

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous head to Middle and Upper McCloud Falls for some cliff jumping or extreme kayaking. You’ll also get to enjoy the beautiful waterfalls along the river during your kayaking adventure.

Otter Bar Lodge

Another local favorite is the Otter Bar Lodge Kayak School in Forks of Salmon. Take a class to learn whitewater kayaking skills or stay for one of their longer kayaking camps. As one of the nation’s premier schools, even Olympians like Jonny Moseley are up for the challenge at Otter Bar Lodge!

Upper Sacramento River

With more than 50 rapids, the Upper Sacramento River is a popular spot among locals and visitors alike. The river passes through the beautiful canyons of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest offering grand views of Mt. Shasta and Castle Crags. You can also take a guided tour with Trinity River Rafting.

Medicine Lake

Off the beaten path is Medicine Lake, often considered one of the most gorgeous lakes in California. What makes the long drive here worth it – you’re more than likely to have the entire lake to yourself when you kayak!

Stunning shorelines and peaceful, calm waters make Siskiyou an incredible destination for kayaking and other water adventures. Are you up for the challenge? Book your trip to California’s north for an epic summer escape.

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✨SURPRISE ENCORE SHOW!✨

Just when you thought the Yreka Summer Concert Series was over… we’ve got one more night of free music for you! 🎶

Join us for a special encore concert on Friday, 9/12 at Miner Street Park as we celebrate community, live music, and our chance to bring even more free concerts to Yreka in 2026-2028!

🗳️ We are in the running to receive a Levitt AMP Music Series Grant, which would allow us to expand the Yreka summer concert series over the next three years. We have advanced to the semifinals round, which is PUBLIC VOTING from Sept. 5-15. 

We'll share the voting link when it's live! For now, spread the word about this special encore concert and let's rally together - Yreka deserves it. 💛

#YrekaConcerts #LevittAMP #EncoreShow #VoteForYreka
🎶 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! 🎤🎶

#YrekaEvents #SiskiyouSummerNights #LiveMusicInThePark #DiscoverSiskiyou #SethCharlesBand
🌿 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 

#DiscoverSiskiyou #HedgeCreekFalls #DunsmuirCA #WaterfallWednesday #HiddenGems #NorCalNature #VisitSiskiyou
🎶 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

#YrekaSummerConcerts #RogueSuspects #LiveMusicYreka #SiskiyouVibes #discoversiskiyou #seesiskiyou #redding #mtshasta #yreka #southernoregon #medford #ashland #norcal
🚗✨ 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?

#SmallTownExpeditions #EtnaCalifornia #DiscoverSiskiyou #HiddenGems #RoadTripVibes #siskiyou #etna #siskiyoucounty #smalltowns #norcal #mountaintowns
🌲✨ 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.

#DiscoverSiskiyou #HappyCampCA #VisitCalifornia #NorCalHiddenGems #KlamathRiver #AdventureAwaits
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
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