Spending the 4th of July in Siskiyou – California’s northernmost region – is a good getaway idea. Spending the week of July 4 in Siskiyou, however, is a great getaway idea!
There’s so much to do throughout the beautiful Siskiyou region, you’ll need at least several days – if not a week or more – to explore this special place and all its beauty. Start planning some vacation time in California’s North, where you can celebrate Independence Day and so much more.
MOUNT SHASTA
Located midway between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, the city of Mount Shasta sits at the foot of Mount Shasta, the beautiful mountain that is also the second-highest volcano in the continental U.S.
With an incredible view as its backdrop, the Mount Shasta Chamber of Commerce will present a 4th of July celebration from July 3-6. After the street fair and live music on July 3, the Mount Shasta Fun Run and Walk kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on July 4, with events ranging from a 2-mile youth race to a 5-mile race that’s expected to draw approximately 1,000 runners. The races start at the corner of Castle and N. Mt. Shasta Blvd. in Downtown Mount Shasta.
The ”Shining Stars” 4th of July Parade will begin its march along Mount Shasta Blvd. at noon, preceded by an Artisan Market and Street Fair at 10 a.m. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display at dusk. The street fair will continue on July 5-6, along with a variety of live music the whole family will enjoy.
Lake Siskiyou in Mount Shasta offers plenty of activities, starting with swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating, camping and walking along the 6.5-mile Lake Siskiyou Trail Loop around the lake, as well a prime spot to enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Shasta. Don’t leave without having some fun at Splash Zone, located at Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort. The group of four inflatable floating “islands” feature slides, trampolines and high jump-off points for maximum enjoyment. Boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and more are available to rent.
Many hikers and bikers who have visited the Siskiyou region quickly realize there may be no better place to go on an adventure, a prime reason being the alpine meadows and spectacular views. The 5.7-mile Clear Creek Trail leads to an excellent spot to see Mud Creek Falls, considered one of the most lovely falls in the area. Another journey can be taken along the 2-mile Heart Lake Trail, which leads to Castle Lake and Heart Lake and, if weather permits, a vision of the mountain reflected in the lake. For a truly relaxing time, head to Mount Shasta City Park, where you’ll find picnic areas, a playground and a nature trail the whole family will enjoy.
Mount Shasta is home to excellent restaurants and bars, such as Pipeline Craft Taps and Kitchen, which specializes in comfort food. Yaks on the 5 (which also has a location in Dunsmuir) features in incredible assortment of gourmet burgers to choose from, or start your day early with a breakfast sandwich or bakery item.
You’ll find a wonderful variety of fruits, vegetables and more at the Mount Shasta Farmers Market on Monday, June 30th and every Monday from 3:30-6 p.m. on E. Castle Street in downtown Mount Shasta.
MONTAGUE
The city of Montague has planned an action-packed holiday, as the Montague 4th of July Freedom Festival will be held July 3 through 6th Featuring a massice civic fireworks display, carnival, local vendors, food and drink and more, will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 4
Have fun at the carnival, held all three days, cheer the participants during rodeo events and dance to the music at concerts, held at various times during the festival. The Freedom Festival Car Show will ride into town from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, July 6 at Hoag Park in Montague.
SCOTT VALLEY
For active families, Kidder Creek Camp in Scott Valley will host the 2025 “Dirty Dash” this Fourth of July weekend. Bring the whole family and dash through an outdoor obstacle course and mud race. Choose between a 1.5K for kids up to age 12 or 5K race for teens and adults. Come out and have a blast while supporting Kidder Creek— you won’t want to miss it! Register at www.kiddercreek.org
WHILE YOU’RE IN THE AREA …
There’s plenty to do and many places to visit throughout the Siskiyou region. Show your support for local businesses at area farmers’ markets, where you’ll find the freshest fruits, vegetables and other items. The farmers’ market in Weed is held each Wednesday from 3:30-6 p.m. through Oct. 25 at Bel Air Park. The certified farmers’ market in Yreka In Miner Street park on Friday’s from 4-6:30pm. through October. You can find the flavors of Etna each Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon through Sept. at the Etna Farmers’ Market, which takes places on N. Highway 3.
California is home to a number of beautiful waterfalls, and Siskiyou has several that are worth the walk. The trail to Hedge Creek Falls is less than a mile long, making this a must-see on your list of activities. A park off the Dunsmuir Ave. exit on Interstate 5 in Dunsmuir heads toward Mount Shasta and the 30- to 35-foot falls drop. But that’s just the beginning of your adventure, as the trail’s route leads to passage behind the waterfall. Continuing along Hedge Creek, the trail will take you to an observation deck high over where the creek and the Sacramento River meet. From the deck is a jaw-dropping view of Mount Shasta.
Not to be outdone, McCloud Falls in McCloud is home to three waterfalls, and thanks to the 4-mile round-trip McCloud River Falls Trail, you can get up close to each one of them. The well-maintained trail, which is considered easy to moderate, offers several spots where you can go for a swim, and a section of the trail is paved for wheelchairs.
Siskiyou offers an incredible number of adventures to go on, whether you do so by car, bike, boat or foot. Each town in the region has its own charm, so make sure to reserve enough time in one or more of the many lodging choices so that you can see it all.
