Imagine gliding across the serene waters of Lake Siskiyou on a paddleboard, surrounded by the breathtaking views of Mount Shasta. Then, hop on your bike and explore the scenic trails that wind through lush forests and along sparkling rivers. Whether you’re navigating the white waters of the Klamath River or tackling a challenging mountain bike trail, the natural beauty of Siskiyou and epic adventures make every moment enjoyable and memorable. Dip your paddles and hit the trail as you connect with nature and experience the great outdoors in California’s True North!
Discover Scenic Cycling Adventures
Freedom and Adventure are two words that come to mind when thinking of bike riding in Siskiyou, and nothing is more quintessential than a chill ride around Lake Siskiyou. The loop trail offers stunning views of Mount Shasta and is perfect for a relaxed ride. At just shy of 7 miles, and relatively flat, this should be a breeze on a bike and give you a great view of many of Siskiyou’s landmark features. For a more challenging ride, take the route from McCloud to Mt. Shasta. This ride includes some rough roads and gravel, but the downhill into Mt. Shasta is exhilarating. Another option would be to spend your afternoon exploring the mountain bike trails at Yreka’s Greenhorn Park. This area is great for mountain biking and offers a variety of trails for different skill levels. The full trail is a 4.7-mile loop that has about 10 other interconnected trails offering hours of riding amongst the oak and pine trees. Lastly, we can’t mention cycling without giving a shout out to Shasta Gravity Adventures. This local outfitter provides bike rentals, shuttles, guided rides, and sightseeing tours on two wheels. They even have a shiny new fleet of E-bikes for rent, so you can cruise around Siskiyou in ultimate comfort!
For more cycling routes, events and resources for riders, check out BIKE Siskiyou. This is our comprehensive resource for bike trip planning in Siskiyou that will appeal to cyclists of all levels and take much of the guesswork out of planning your next epic cycling adventure!
(Images courtesy of Shasta Gravity Adventures and Art of Survival Century Bike Ride)
Conquer the Rapids on the Mighty Klamath
White water rafting is an exhilarating adventure that combines the thrill of navigating through turbulent rapids with the beauty of nature. As you paddle through the rushing waters, you feel a surge of adrenaline and excitement, making each moment unforgettable. With the recent dam removal on the Upper Klamath River opening up new uncharted sections, folks will be eager to experience the thrills of this wild and scenic river! Tributary Whitewater Rafting offers a three-day, two-night trip on the Lower Klamath River as well as an action packed one-day trip on the Upper Klamath. A multi-day rafting adventure is the experience of a lifetime, and no other rivers in California can offer the same immersive experience. In addition to the exhilarating rush of the white water, the wildlife viewing from the boats, camping on the banks of the river, and excursions to hike places like Ukonom Falls are experiences that are sure to stick with you forever. Some other rafting companies that service the region are Living Waters Recreation, River Dancers, and Adventure Whitewater, each offering various guided trips and classes. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and the refreshing spray of the river, white water rafting in Siskiyou offers a unique and invigorating way to connect with the great outdoors.
More on water sports in Siskiyou can be found here: Rafting on Siskiyou’s “New” Klamath and Cool Off with Water Sports in Siskiyou
(Images courtesy of Tributary Whitewater and River Dancers)
Boat and Float at a Leisurely Pace
Non-motor boating and paddle boarding are fantastic ways to have a laid back and enjoyable time on the water. Siskiyou has a number of lakes to spend an easy afternoon. A day on the water somewhere like Lake Siskiyou allows you to explore the lake while enjoying the tranquility of nature and epic views. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even a small boat to explore the lake at your own pace from the Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort. Kangaroo Lake, an alpine mountain lake and campground in the Klamath National Forest, is accessible by car most of the year. Only non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake, making it a peaceful spot for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding, and there is an accessible path from the parking right down to the fishing platform, making this a great spot for towing a wagon or cooler. If you’re up for a short drive, Juanita Lake is another excellent spot for boating. It’s one of the largest reservoirs in California and offers plenty of space for all kinds of water activities. Lastly, Medicine Lake offers a public launch site and is a quieter spot for boating and fishing. The lakes in Siskiyou offer many diverse ecosystems, elevations and sizes to give you an array of options. From serene alpine lakes to warm water reservoirs, they all have one thing in common, they offer epic recreation without a ton of people and are part of the rich natural landscape that is so unique to Siskiyou.
Check out more adventures on the water: Visit the Lakes of Siskiyou and Best Places to Kayak in Siskiyou