Visit the Lakes of Siskiyou

Medicine Lake

Medicine Lake in East Siskiyou is a great spot for anyone who loves the outdoors. It’s tucked away in an old volcano’s caldera, giving you some amazing views and a peaceful vibe. You can camp, boat, fish, and swim in the clear, cold waters. There’s even a designated swimming area next to the picnic spot. The region is now part of the newly designated Sáttítla Highlands National Monument, which aims to protect these lands and honor their significance to the local tribes. Whether you want to learn more about the area’s cultural history, chill by the water, or hit the trails, Medicine Lake has got you covered.

Tule Lake

Tule Lake is an intermittent lake in East Siskiyou, and a wonderful destination for nature lovers and history buffs. The Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for birdwatching and photography, especially during migration seasons. Nearby, Lava Beds National Monument offers fascinating lava tube caves and volcanic history. For a poignant historical experience, visit the Tule Lake War Relocation Center, which provides insight into the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Additionally, a hike up Schonchin Butte rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the landscape.

Juanita Lake

Juanita Lake, also in East Siskiyou, offers a unique combination of recreation opportunities. The campground has 23 campsites and one 50-person group camp, a great spot for a reunion or group retreat! The 55-acre lake is regularly stocked with trout and has a bass and catfish population. There is a 1.5-mile paved, barrier free trail that circles the lake, making it suitable for biking, wheelchairs, and strollers and there are also two fishing jetties for easy access to the lake.

Lake Siskiyou

With close proximity to I-5, Lake Siskiyou is probably the most easily accessible lake in all of Siskiyou. The lake has something for everyone with its beautiful clear waters and scenic views of Mt Shasta and its snowy peaks. At just 3 miles from downtown Mount Shasta, the closeness makes this the premier spot for recreation in the area. People come to enjoy swimming, non-power boating, kayaking, camping, paddle boarding, and fishing here to name a few. The Mt Shasta Resort and Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort are situated along the banks of the lake and provide serene lodging, close proximity to recreation, and the Lake Siskiyou Trail Loop, a 7-mile paved trail that can be enjoyed on foot or bicycle nearly 365 days a year.

Kangaroo Lake

Nestled in the Scott Mountains of Klamath National Forest, this remote 21-acre lake sits at over 6,000 feet elevation, offering cooler summer temps and great fishing. The lake, which is 110 feet deep, is a summer haven for trout, with rainbows and brook trout frequently stocked in May and June. You can enjoy camping at one of the 18 campsites, and there’s plenty to do, like hiking, backpacking, nature viewing, swimming, and boating. This is a wheelchair/ stroller accessible lake with paved paths that lead you right to the water’s edge and fishing pier. Be prepared to carry your raft or canoe.

Castle Lake 

Castle Lake is a glacial lake located in the Trinity Mountains in South Siskiyou. It is west of Mount Shasta City and Mount Shasta peak. Nearly all of the lake’s 47 acres are within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Fishing, camping, and hiking are popular activities at or near the lake. Trails lead from Castle Lake to Castle Crags State Park, including trails to Little Castle Lake and Heart Lake. This is also a popular spot for ice fishing in the winter months. When the snow melts, typically at the end of June, visitors can either walk or drive right up to the shoreline. Six no-fee campsites are nearby at Castle Lake Campground, perfect for a night of stargazing.

Heart Lake

The 2.4-mile roundtrip hike from Castle Lake to Heart Lake is not to be missed. The trail provides insane views of Mount Shasta, Black Butte, and Castle Crags. This lake is worth the effort when visiting Castle Lake and has some of the top views in all of Siskiyou.

Lake Shastina 

This 1,850-acre lake northeast of Weed offers stunning views of Mt Shasta and the Shasta Valley. The reservoir is stocked with catchable rainbow trout from late winter into spring and also has pretty good seasonal fisheries for bass, catfish and possibly some panfish. You can enjoy hiking on the easy, 1.2-mile loop trail around the lake, which is also dog-friendly. The lake’s dynamic wind patterns make it an exciting destination for windsurfers of all skill levels. The best times for windsurfing are typically in the late spring and summer months when the winds are more consistent. Additionally, Lake Shastina Golf Resort nearby has lodging, a restaurant, and 27 holes of golf in a stunning setting.

Greenhorn Reservoir

This reservoir, right in the heart of Yreka, is part of Greenhorn Park, which offers a variety of recreational options. You can enjoy fishing from the shore or by boat, as the reservoir is well-stocked. There are numerous trails for hiking and biking that weave through the surrounding hills, providing scenic views and a chance to explore the area’s natural beauty. The park also features picnic areas, a disc golf course, play structure, and even remnants of old gold mining machinery, adding a historical touch to your visit.

McCloud Reservoir

The McCloud Reservoir is a popular lake, 10 miles south of McCloud that is the divider between the upper and lower McCloud River. Folks coming for fishing do it mostly by boat via the one public boat ramp, and there is a healthy population of rainbow, brook and brown trout. Power boats are allowed so in the summer, water skiing, jet skiing in addition to kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are common here. For folks who prefer land-based activities, there are lots of opportunities for hiking, camping, and photography.