Taking a family vacation in Siskiyou is a wonderful way to reconnect with nature and each other. Siskiyou has an abundance of experiences that cater to all ages and are perfect for the active family. The charming small towns offer delightful local cuisine, paired with endless activities like hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and exploration of the natural world, make Siskiyou an ideal destination for families with diverse interests. With so much to do, Siskiyou ensures that every family member finds something to enjoy, creating lasting memories and endless fun for everyone.
GETTING HERE
Whether your family flies into one of our two closest airports, RDD in Redding or MFR in Medford, or you drive in your own vehicle, the views are sure to not disappoint once you get your first glimpse of Mount Shasta. Siskiyou is under 60 miles from both airports so you can hit the ground and start your vacation the same day. It is also super convenient to explore Siskiyou via Electric Vehicle too. We have a good number of EV charging stations around the county that will keep you on the move to your next adventure!
STAY
The Holiday Inn Express Yreka has an indoor pool, and free breakfast buffet, which is a great way to keep the kids full and entertained when not out exploring. Staying in Yreka is a great choice because you are close to amenities and right off of I-5, so getting on the road to your excursions is a breeze.
Cave Springs Resort in Dunsmuir has a variety of lodging options, from historic rustic cabins, retro airstream trailers, and a mid-century modern style hotel. Being so close to the fishing in the Sacramento River, hiking, and waterfalls makes Cave Springs an ideal hub for recreating in South Siskiyou, they have a kids play area and a pool on site too!
Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge, formerly Railroad Park, is another unique family-friendly lodging property in Dunsmuir. They have an RV park, and converted railroad Cabooses and Cabins that you can stay in. How fun? Also, there is a pool and hot tub on site, as well as a real railroad dining car restaurant. This location being close to so much recreation and adventure is a great place to set up as your base camp!
There are a number of family-friendly lodging options in Siskiyou. Check them out and book your next adventure here!
(images: Railroad Park Resort, Cave Springs Resort)
PLAY
The Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort is the first thing that comes to mind for summertime fun for families. Not only are there a variety of accommodations if you want to stay on property, but they also have an epic inflatable Splash Zone that is open roughly from Memorial thru Labor Day. Enjoy the beach area, paddle board and kayak rentals on Lake Siskiyou, bar and grill, ice cream and family movies every night at 8pm. This place has it all and is right by downtown Mount Shasta!
What an adventure lies ahead when you and your family explore caves and lava tubes at Lava Beds National Monument in East Siskiyou! This monument is nearby Tulelake, and there are more than 700 explorable caves, historic battlefields, and one of the largest panels of Native American petroglyphs in the United States. Definitely worth a visit for families who like natural history, geology, and exploring!
There seems to be unlimited hiking options in Siskiyou’s forests and open landscapes. Here are two that we think are great for families. The Vista Point Trail at Castle Crags State Park is a 4.7-mile, moderate hike, making it doable for most levels. The reward is in the name, the stunning scenery of the rugged granite peaks of Castle Crags, the lush flora and fauna and even a bit of wildlife if you are lucky! This is an enchanting state park that should not be missed. Another hike that is great for families is the McCloud River Falls Trail. This is one of the more popular destinations in Siskiyou, but that is for good reason. The 4-mile round trip trail passes three majestic waterfalls and winds through a canyon. There are places to picnic and even swim in the refreshing pools below the waterfalls. A great way to spend an afternoon in the outdoors that is just 5 miles east of McCloud.
Lastly, what can be more fun than staying up past bedtime and doing a bit of stargazing. Siskiyou is known for its extremely dark skies and ability to view planets, the milky way and more in the night skies overhead. Here are 5 Spots to View Siskiyou’s Starry Skies, as well as some Epic Astronomy Events not to miss when you and the fam are visiting the area. Pack along your chocolate, grahams and marshmallows for some campfire s’mores under the stars, just make sure to obey safe fire practices always!
(images: @etch_in_love, @elinaperkons, Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort)
EAT
Whether your family likes pizza, burgers, or something with an international flair, we have something for every palate. From a hearty breakfast to sweet treats, you won’t go hungry on a road trip or vacation in Siskiyou. Some of our favorite local spots are Yak’s on the 5 for their mouthwatering burgers and cinnamon rolls, Dotty’s in Etna for the old-fashioned milkshakes and chicken strips with fries, Bella Art Works in Yreka for the award-winning grilled cheeses and ice cream, and Alua’s Thrive Bar in Mt Shasta for their Acai bowls and smoothies! Check out more of our favorite places to eat and drink here! Every member of your family will find something they love in Siskiyou.
(images: Dotty’s, Bella Artworks)