Roadtrip Idea: Siskiyou’s Natural Wonders

With nearly 445,00 acres of federally recognized wilderness, Siskiyou is the perfect place to experience the visual magnificence of nature. Many natural wonders exist, but this road trip itinerary will take you past six iconic “only-in-Siskiyou” hotspots.

Start in Mt. Shasta

Start with Mt. Shasta, the crown jewel of California’s North and the second highest peak in California. The mountain is visible on all sides, drawing everyone to it who sees it. The drive up the Everitt Memorial Highway is a great way to see Shasta.

For the next Siskiyou wonder, head to the nearby Castle Crags whose 6000-ft tall granite spires are the stuff of legend. Twenty-eight miles of trails of varying levels can be explored in the Castle Crags State Park or from the adjacent Castle Crags Wilderness.

Next stop: scenic McCloud Falls. A three-sectioned waterfall, explore all three falls from the trail or car. From there, head up to Medicine Lake. A beautiful lake in its own right, its also the exposed caldera of the largest shield volcano by volume in the Cascade Range.

Medicine Lake is also adjacent to another wonder: the unparalleled Lava Beds National Monument. The Monument holds hundreds of explorable caves, stargazing, historic sites and Petroglyph Point, one of the largest panels of Native American petroglyphs in the United States. (The Lava Beds National Monument is also neighbors with the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges!).

Once you’ve had your fill in the wonder of east Siskiyou, head west to either Hornbrook or Happy Camp. There you’ll find exciting recreation and access to Siskiyou’s 6th wonder: the Klamath River. The Klamath is the second largest river in California with some of the longest free-flowing stretches of river and whitewater in the state. It’s also the only river in the world granted personhood by the Yurok tribe.

For more detailed information on all of these wonders and more, visit here.

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#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.

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✨ 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 🏔️🍁 

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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

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Chasing light, finding peace. 🌄✨

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

📸: @happylustig 

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We dare you to drive over Forest Mountain into Scott Valley without stopping to snap a photo 🌲🏔️✨ 

📸: @tcoelhophotography 

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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 

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Sunday's full "snow moon" casting its silver glow over the Siskiyou mountains—nature's masterpiece in the sky. 🌕 

📸: @optimal_focus

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Snow is coming! Be ready for it - purchase your @mtshastanordic  season pass today! Get yours online at mtshastanordic.org

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