Things to Do in McCloud

Nestled at the base of Mt. Shasta is the small, charming town of McCloud, a South Siskiyou stop that is bursting with historic appeal and outdoor adventure. Although McCloud is small, road-trippers from all over will find plenty to do. Just fifteen minutes off of I-5, this picturesque town welcomes visitors with open arms, offering a wide range of activities and attractions to explore. The next time youโ€™re driving through Siskiyou, plan to stop here in McCloud and check out all the town has to offer.


Downtown McCloud, CA Siskiyou

Hit the Town

Although it is small, McCloud packs a big punch. Thereโ€™s plenty to explore in this hidden gem of the Mt. Shasta area, from locally owned shops to restaurants offering the best of Siskiyouโ€™s cuisine.

Historic Downtown McCloud

When the weatherโ€™s nice, a stroll through Downtown McCloud is the perfect way to spend your afternoon. This downtown is a registered historical district, and includes seventeen different buildings designated as landmarks themselves. As you stroll, youโ€™ll find unique gifts, apparel, outdoor gear, fine wines, antiques and homemade treats, all offered to you by friendly shopkeepers who love to learn about visitors.

Heritage Junction Museum

Learn a little more about this historic region with a stop at the Heritage Junction Museum. Incorporated in 1983, this museum aims to collect and preserve the important pieces of McCloudโ€™s history that might have been otherwise lost. Discover fascinating facts about McCloudโ€™s role as a company town as Northern California grew in size, as well as the impact that the townโ€™s railroad had on McCloudโ€™s early development.

Sage Restaurant

Whatโ€™s a vacation without a little bit of a splurge? Head to Sage Restaurant for a fine dining experience you wonโ€™t soon forget. Their imaginative, rotating menu focuses on highlighting the best of whatโ€™s in season, and in Siskiyou, that could mean anything from eco-sustainable fish to herbs and vegetables grown right there in Sageโ€™s own garden. Enjoy a candlelit dinner for two or head over with a group of your closest friends โ€” no matter who you enjoy it with, a meal at Sage is the perfect end to a day in McCloud.

Natural Bliss like Nowhere Else

Whether youโ€™re in the mood for hiking, biking, kayaking, sledding or swimming, youโ€™ll find it all a short distance from wherever you are staying in McCloud.

McCloud River Waterfalls Trail & McCloud Falls (Lower, Middle, Upper)

Take a short, beginner-friendly hike to see one of McCloudโ€™s most iconic natural vistas, the McCloud Falls. Boasting three stunning waterfalls, this trail takes you above breathtaking works of natural art that youโ€™ll only find here in Siskiyou. If youโ€™re daring and the weatherโ€™s nice, you can even jump into the surrounding water by the Lower Falls โ€” though we advise you to exercise extreme caution when jumping from high surfaces.

The Great Shasta Rail Trail

In all, the Great Shasta Rail Trail is 80 miles of scenic trail. From McCloud, you can access one end of the trail and follow it as far as youโ€™d like. Whether youโ€™re hiking or biking, youโ€™ll find local flora, animals and stunning views. Dogs are also welcome on the trails, as long as they are leashed.

McCloud Reservoir

Once the weather turns warm, the best way to beat the heat is with a visit to the McCloud Reservoir, where you can swim, kayak, fish and explore to your heartโ€™s content. This is a great spot for families, in particular โ€” kids will love a chance to splash around in the shallows as parents unwind on the sandy banks.

Forest

South Gate Meadows Trail

For more experienced hikers, the South Gate trail takes you right up the side of Mt. Shasta, and is one of the only maintained trails on the mountain itself. While this is a more difficult hike, itโ€™s worth the extra effort โ€” youโ€™ll follow multiple spring-fed creeks as you make your way up the mountain, and your reward is absolutely breathtaking views of both the mountain and of the valley below you.

Skiing on Mt. Shasta

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A Quick Drive Away

Due to its proximity to Mt. Shasta, McCloud is also a great place to stay if youโ€™re looking for that quiet, small-town experience, while still wanting to make the most out of your Siskiyou stay. Particularly in the snowier months, youโ€™ll find plenty to do a stoneโ€™s throw from McCloud. Enjoy sledding at Snowmanโ€™s Hill, for instance, or spend your stay zipping down the mountain at Mt. Shasta Ski Park or the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center.

Stay in Style

Whether youโ€™re staying for a weekend trip or settling in for longer to really explore the region, McCloud has plenty of cozy places to rest after a tiring day of adventuring.

Shasta View Lodge

Located at the base of Mt Shasta with a view of Californiaโ€™s most stunning mountain,ย Shasta View Lodge offers a perfect year-round stay while exploring the area. The 9 renovated cabins with vaulted ceilings, cedar beams, mountain modern finishes and locally reclaimed hardwood floors, sleep between 2-12 guests in each cabin. The entire lodge can be exclusively rented by groups sleeping between 12-40 overnight guests. The outdoor courtyard is the perfect space to sip your coffee while watching the sunrise over Mt Shasta or while experiencing our night sky โ€“ full of stars.

McCloud Mercantile Hotel

For those looking to immerse themselves in McCloud’s history, a stay at the McCloud Mercantile Hotel is a must. This historic hotel dates back to the early 1900s and, since being purchase by the Mathis family, has been lovingly restored to its former glory, infused with a few new touches such as high-speed internet. With its charming rooms, period dรฉcor and friendly staff, this hotel is the perfect spot to enjoy your McCloud getaway. While youโ€™re staying here, a stop to the Mercantile itself will ensure that you have all the snacks, beverages and souvenirs you could want. Make sure to hit the Sugar Pine Candy Company in the Mercantile to satisfy your sweet tooth โ€” itโ€™s one of Siskiyouโ€™s oldest retro candy shoppes, and kids and adults alike will be thrilled at the wide selection of sweets available. You also wonโ€™t have to go far off of the property for an excellent meal, as the McCloud Meat Market & Tavern is always serving up fresh dishes made with local ingredients, sure to satisfy any appetite.

McCloud River Inn Bed & Breakfast

This charming B&B is another great place to fully embrace the history of the area while enjoying unparalleled service and relaxation. Housed within a stunningly restored Victorian home, the McCloud River Inn B&B offers visitors a wide variety of thoughtful amenities, such as complimentary coffee and breakfast each morning, onsite massages, fresh flowers in your room and more. Their onsite bakery is also a must-stop at any point in the day โ€” there is truly nothing like a freshly baked croissant to turn a good afternoon into a great one.

McCloud RV Resort

If you prefer to get a little more up close and personal with the natural wonders surrounding McCloud, drive an RV right up to the McCloud RV Resort and park right at the base of the spectacular Mount Shasta. If you donโ€™t have an RV of your own, no problem โ€” instead, opt for a fully furnished cabin, or pitch your own tent in the grass. The park includes everything you need for a comfortable stay in the outdoors, including access to restrooms, showers, laundry, gift and camp store and free Wi-Fi.

Epic Escapes

Convinced? Start planning your trip to McCloud today and find out just what exciting adventures might be waiting for you in this historic small town. Donโ€™t forget to sign up for Discover Siskiyouโ€™s newsletter so you never miss an epic update!

๐ŸŽถ Southern Oregonโ€™s legendary Rogue Suspects are bringing the groove to the Yreka Summer Concert Series this Friday, July 18! ๐ŸŽธ๐ŸŒŸ

Join us at the park for a night of classic, high-energy jams you wonโ€™t want to miss. Bring your lawn chairs, your dancing shoes, and your summer vibes! โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ•บ๐Ÿ’ƒ

๐ŸŽค Music starts at 6:30 PM
๐Ÿ“ Miner Street Park, Yreka
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Free & family-friendly!
๐ŸŒฎ Food + Beverage Trucks On-Site

#YrekaSummerConcerts #RogueSuspects #LiveMusicYreka #SiskiyouVibes #discoversiskiyou #seesiskiyou #redding #mtshasta #yreka #southernoregon #medford #ashland #norcal
๐Ÿš—โœจ 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. ๐ŸŒ„๐Ÿป 

What's your favorite spot in Etna?

#SmallTownExpeditions #EtnaCalifornia #DiscoverSiskiyou #HiddenGems #RoadTripVibes #siskiyou #etna #siskiyoucounty #smalltowns #norcal #mountaintowns
๐ŸŒฒโœจ 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 peacefulโ€”and powerfulโ€”about this special corner of West Siskiyou.

๐Ÿš— Take the scenic drive and discover why it's called Happy Camp.

#DiscoverSiskiyou #HappyCampCA #VisitCalifornia #NorCalHiddenGems #KlamathRiver #AdventureAwaits
Happy Fourth of July! ๐ŸŽ†

Whether youโ€™re chasing waterfalls, hiking under the stars, kayaking on crystal-clear lakes, or enjoying a local festivalโ€”Siskiyou is the perfect place to make holiday memories.

๐ŸŽ‡ 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! ๐Ÿ—ป๐ŸŒฒ๐Ÿ’ฅ

๐Ÿ“ธ: @livelikeitsthewknd

#discoversiskiyou #seesiskiiyou #visitcalifornia #norcal #california #adventure #pnw #chasingwaterfalls #granolagirls #mtshasta
Who are you sending this to ๐Ÿ‘€ #discoversiskiyou #seesiskiyou #waterfall #waterfallwednesday #norcal #california #visitcalifornia
๐ŸŒŸYreka Golden City Days 2025๐ŸŒŸ

Celebrating Yrekaโ€™s rich history, community, and small-town charm on historic Miner Street ๐Ÿช•๐Ÿ—๐Ÿปโ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿค 

From live music and mouthwatering barbecue to historic tours and a Fatherโ€™s Day car show โ€” this is where memories are made. ๐Ÿ’›

 #GoldenCityDays #Yreka #SmallTownStrong #SiskiyouSummer #discoversiskiyou #siskiyou #norcal #smalltown
๐ŸŒŠ McCloud Upper Falls ๐Ÿ’™
Quick stop, BIG views.
Easy trail, epic water flow, and that fresh mountain air ๐ŸŒฒโ›ฐ๏ธ

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

๐Ÿ“ธ: @heidy_dianeth 

๐Ÿ“ McCloud, CA
๐Ÿ’ฆ Part of the 3 McCloud River Falls
๐ŸŒฒ Perfect for a peaceful escape

#McCloudFalls #discoversiskiyou #NorCalHikes #WaterfallVibes #MtShasta #norcal  #HikingCalifornia
Hedge Creek Falls in Dunsmuir = pure magic! ๐Ÿ’ง๐Ÿ’™

This hidden gem is a short, easy hike with a big reward โ€” a stunning waterfall you can actually walk behind! ๐ŸŒฒ๐ŸŒŠ

๐Ÿ“ธ: @may_hz7 

๐Ÿ“ Location: Just off I-5 near Dunsmuir
๐Ÿฅพ Trail: Super easy, family-friendly

#siskiyou #siskiyoucounty #norcal #discoversiskiyou #HedgeCreekFalls  #WaterfallWanderlust #NorCalNature #HiddenGems
๐ŸŒฒโœจ Accessible adventures await in Siskiyou! From wheelchair-friendly trails to scenic drives with epic views, there's something for everyone to explore. Nature should be for all โ€” and in Siskiyou, it truly is. โ™ฟโค๏ธ

Click the link in our bio for accessible Siskiyou adventures.

๐Ÿ“ธ: @wheelchairtraveling 

#AccessibleAdventures #DiscoverSiskiyou #NatureForAll #WanderWithoutLimits
Chasing light, finding peace. ๐ŸŒ„โœจ

Mt. Shasta glowing in the golden hourโ€”nature really showing off.

๐Ÿ“ธ: @happylustig 

#MtShasta #SunsetVibes #NatureHeals #WanderMore #discoversiskiyou #seesiskiyou #california #norcal