Inviting outdoor spaces are what Siskiyou is known for. Here’s a town-by-town round-up of public parks that are great for locals and travelers looking for green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic spots. And you don’t have to travel very far, as they are all in and around town!
Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta City Park is a peaceful forested park best known as the source of the Sacramento River, where clear, icy spring water flows from the earth. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and a spiritual atmosphere that draws visitors seeking reflection and connection with nature. It’s a favorite local spot for families, photographers, and those intrigued by the mountain’s mystical lore.
Shastice Park is a spacious recreational hub located at the base of Mount Shasta, offering panoramic views of the peak. It features a skatepark, playground, disc golf course, sports courts, and in winter, an outdoor ice rink which makes it a year-round favorite for families and active visitors. This park is also home to the Mount Shasta Summer Concert Series, Blackberry Festival, Thunder on the Mountain Car Show, and more annual events.
Dunsmuir
Dunsmuir City Park, a lush, shaded park, featuring the Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens, nestled along the Sacramento River. With picnic areas, walking trails, and a riverside amphitheater for summer concerts, it’s a peaceful spot that blends natural beauty with community charm. Spend an afternoon taking in the floral and fauna or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverbank.
Tauhindauli Park & Trail is a scenic riverside park that celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of the area, including its Native American roots. The park features peaceful walking trails along the Sacramento River, picnic spots, and interpretive signage highlighting the land’s ecological and historical significance. This park is an accessible location with its paved trails and is also dog friendly!
Weed
Bel Air Park in Weed offers open green spaces, picnic areas, playground, horseshoe and bocce pits, making it a popular spot for families with kiddos. The park provides a relaxed setting for outdoor play and events, with well-maintained lawns and shaded seating areas. Annual events such as the Carnivale and Steampunk Festival happen here. This park is also next to the weed community pool, making it a great place to spend a summer afternoon!
Carrick Park is a neighborhood park featuring a basketball court, playground, and walking paths. It’s a welcoming community space where kids can play and neighbors can gather for casual outdoor recreation. there is a natural creek running through the park making it a nice place to dip your feet or just sit and enjoy nature.
The Living Memorial Sculpture Garden, located on Hwy 97 is an outdoor art display dedicated to veterans. This 136-acre installation and war memorial is open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset. They host events on Memorial Day to honor all veterans lost in combat.
McCloud
Hoo Hoo Park is a charming, shady park in downtown McCloud, known for its large trees, playground, and picnic areas. It’s a favorite spot for families and visitors to relax, enjoy community events, and soak in the small-town atmosphere. Events held here include the Lumberjack Fiesta and the Motor the Mountain Car Show call this park home.
McCloud Reservoir Campground & Day Use Area is a peaceful spot for picnicking, fishing, and enjoying the lake surrounded by forested hills.
McCloud River Falls Trail Area needs mentioning too. While technically a recreation area, it offers easy access to three beautiful waterfalls and swimming spots along the river, perfect for hiking and nature lovers visiting the area. A must-visit when in South Siskiyou.
Yreka
Miner Street Park is a centrally located small downtown green space perfect for quick breaks, community gatherings, and events. It connects to the Yreka Creek Greenway, a natural corridor historically used by Native tribes like the Shasta for travel, water, and gathering native plants. This park is home to the Yreka Farmer’s Market, Summer Concerts in the Park, Yreka Elk’s Lodge Father’s Day Car Show and is home to ballfields, tennis courts, kids play structures, and a skate park.
Greenhorn Park spans forested hills and a reservoir on land traditionally used by the Shasta people for seasonal hunting and gathering. Today, it offers hiking trails and interpretive signage that connects visitors with the region’s natural and cultural history. The area known as Upper Greenhorn Park is home to native plant habitats and shaded creekside trails. It provides a peaceful space to reflect on the original landscapes significant to Indigenous communities. This is also where the Disc Golf Course is located.
Fort Jones
Walker Field Park is a community-focused recreational area featuring ball fields, a playground, and picnic shelters. Home to the annual Fort Jones Lions Club Fall Festival and Car Show, it’s a popular spot for local sports, family gatherings, and outdoor events in Fort Jones.
Fort Jones Little League Park is another sports area that hosts baseball and softball activities, including Little League games. Adjacent to the Fort Jones Elementary School, this location has a covered pavilion and plenty of shaded green spaces perfect for a picnic or just hanging with a good book.
Etna
Etna City Park is home to a playground, shaded picnic areas, creekside location. This location is the go-to summer camp site for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail and home to the Hallie Daggett Cabin; the first female look-out for the US Forest Service.
Scott Valley Skate Park will be a vibrant, community-built skatepark located near downtown Etna. This will be an open space for kids and families to enjoy in the heart of Scott Valley. This project is ongoing, so check here for the current park status and how to contribute to the project.
Happy Camp
Happy Camp River Park is the main public park with walking paths, open fields, and playgrounds, ideal for casual strolls and outdoor play. Home to the Bigfoot Jamboree on Labor Day weekend, this area comes alive with various events celebrating the town’s unofficial mascot!
Gail Zink Memorial Park, next to the elementary school has barbecues, picnic tables and is home to the Happy Camp Seasonal Farmers Market, which offers locally made products, Certified Organic Produce, Homemade Breads, Sweets, Treats, Dinner, and so much more!
Tulelake
Tulelake Unit WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument is a historic landmark and part of the National Park System. The visitor’s center is located at the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairgrounds which is also used as public green space and draws people annually to the Tulelake – Butte Valley Fair after Labor Day each summer.
Dorris
Dorris City Hall Park is home to the famous 200-foot-tall Dorris flagpole that files a 30×60 foot American flag, and feature a Centennial Wall, picnic tables, and restrooms for travelers. The park is also home to a bald eagle sculpture crafted by Yreka sculptor, Ralph Starritt who has sculptures on display in Yreka and dotted elsewhere around Siskiyou. How many have you seen?
