Siskiyou Through the Seasons

Siskiyou is a place where every season brings its own kind of magic. Whether you’re chasing wildflowers in spring, dancing at summer festivals, leaf-peeping in the fall, or carving fresh powder in winter, there’s always something to discover. Here’s your seasonal guide to making the most of Siskiyou all year long.

Spring: Wildflowers, Waterfalls & Fresh Starts

As the snow melts and the rivers swell, spring in Siskiyou is a time of renewal. Hike to McCloud Falls or Hedge Creek Falls, where the water is at its most powerful. Currents can be cold and dangerous for swimming so make sure to only enjoy the falls from the shore. Wildflowers are blooming across the meadows of Shasta Valley Wildlife Area, and birdwatchers flock to Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge out East. Keep your eyes peeled along your road trip as many pastures are dotted with mamas and baby cows munching on the fresh spring grasses. Spring also kicks off event season with the McCloud Mushroom Festival, the Siskiyou Scenic Bike Tour and the start of the Farmers’ Market Season in May. Father’s Day is also a big event weekend with Yreka Golden City Days, and the Father’s Day Car Show in Yreka and Railroad Days in Dunsmuir. This time of the year signals new beginnings and is full of new life at every turn!

Summer: Festivals, Lakes & Long Days

Summer is when Siskiyou truly comes alive. A favorite pastime is to cool off in some water, as we have 272 lakes! Bring the kiddos to the Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort‘s Splash Zone at Lake Siskiyou, kayak on Castle Lake, or hike our sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The region buzzes with events like the Lumberjack Fiesta Days in McCloud, the Old Timers Rodeo in Etna, and the cities of Mt. Shasta and Yreka both host free outdoor Summer Concert Series’. Don’t miss the River & Rail Brewfest in Dunsmuir or the Siskiyou Golden Fair in Yreka. The summer is the perfect season for a long day on the river or lake and then spending the late summer evening soaking up local flavor and community spirit at an outdoor festival.

Fall: Colors, Harvest & Cozy Vibes

Autumn in Siskiyou is a photographer’s dream. The trees around Mount Shasta, Scott Valley, and the Klamath National Forest explode in shades of gold and crimson foliage. It’s also harvest season, and a quintessential time to visit local farms and outdoor markets for fresh produce, cider, and handmade goods. Fall is also ideal for hiking, with cooler temps and fewer crowds. Keep an eye out for seasonal events like Siskiyou Beef N Brew and of course, the Montague Hot Air Balloon Fair. This is the perfect time of year to curl up with a cozy beverage and enjoy the mountain’s golden hour glow on a crisp fall evening.

Winter: Snow Sports & Mountain Magic

When the snow falls, Siskiyou transforms into a winter wonderland. Hit the slopes at Mt. Shasta Ski Park, and nearby Nordic Center. Many folks enjoy sledding at places like Snowman’s Hill, snowshoeing around Castle Lake, or enjoying a peaceful winter hike near Medicine Lake. Ther are numerous snowmobiling opportunities and even an ice rink! This is the season to cozy up in a cabin in McCloud or Mount Shasta, and explore local shops and cafés decked out for the holidays. Winter events like the Shasta Ascension Backcountry Race at the ski park and festive markets like Yreka’s Night of Lights and Mount Shasta’s Winter Magic make this season just as lively as the rest.

 

No matter when you visit, Siskiyou offers a rich blend of natural beauty, local culture, and unforgettable experiences. So, pack your bags, pick your season, and come discover the rhythm of life in California’s North! 

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#DISCOVERSISKIYOU

🌾 Siskiyou's Scott Valley unfolds like a patchwork quilt of golden fields, winding rivers, and quiet mountain charm. Nestled between the Marble and Trinity Mountains, it’s one of Siskiyou’s best-kept secrets—peaceful, picturesque, and full of small-town heart. 💛

Whether you're flying high or driving slow, this picturesque valley is worth the detour.

📸: @beanemedia 

#DiscoverSiskiyou #ScottValleyViews #fortjones #HiddenGemsOfCalifornia  #SmallTownCharm #NorthernCaliforniaBeauty #naturefromabove
✨ The stars shine brighter in Siskiyou.

With low light pollution and wide-open skies, our region offers some of the best stargazing in California. Bring a blanket, look up, and lose yourself in the magic of the cosmos. 🌠

📸: @rockmaven56

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Labor Day Weekend = one last summer adventure. ☀️⛰️ From lakes to trails, Siskiyou’s the place to savor every mom#peaceofmind 

📸: @etch_in_love 

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Still soaking up summer? Us too. 😎 But trust us—fall in Siskiyou is worth planning ahead for. Golden trails, cozy nights, and mountain views are waiting. Link in bio for our top five spots to find fall color in Siskiyou 🏔️🍁 

📸: @kiwibandit 

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Trail to the sky. ⛰️✨ Hiking Castle Crags State Park means big views, fresh air, and feeling on top of the world. 

📸: @morgan_swartz

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🌿 Tucked just off the highway in Dunsmuir lies a little slice of magic — Hedge Creek Falls! This easy walk leads to a waterfall you can literally walk behind, with mist on your face and views of Mt. Shasta peeking through the trees. A perfect quick stop that feels like a secret. 💦✨

📸: @backroadsculture 

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Happy Fourth of July! 🎆

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking under the stars, kayaking on crystal-clear lakes, or enjoying a local festival—Siskiyou is the perfect place to make holiday memories.

🎇 Please remember to recreate responsibly - do not light your own fireworks, and pack out all of your trash! Tag us in your weekend fun using #DiscoverSiskiyou and stay safe out there! 🗻🌲💥

📸: @livelikeitsthewknd

#discoversiskiyou #seesiskiiyou #visitcalifornia #norcal #california #adventure #pnw #chasingwaterfalls #granolagirls #mtshasta
Chasing light, finding peace. 🌄✨

Mt. Shasta glowing in the golden hour—nature really showing off.

📸: @happylustig 

#MtShasta #SunsetVibes #NatureHeals #WanderMore #discoversiskiyou #seesiskiyou #california #norcal
We dare you to drive over Forest Mountain into Scott Valley without stopping to snap a photo 🌲🏔️✨ 

📸: @tcoelhophotography 

#discoversiskiyou #seeiskiyou #scottvalley #mountainviews #pnw #roadtrip
Siskiyou has some of the darkest skies on the West Coast, making it the ultimate location for stargazing ✨🪐 🌙 Check out our suggestions for the best spots around to view the cosmos at the link in our bio!

📸: @roadtripreadymedia 

#discoversiskiyou #seesiskiyou #norcal #visitcalifornia #norcal #darkskies #stargazing #nightsky #milkyway #astrophotography
Sunday's full "snow moon" casting its silver glow over the Siskiyou mountains—nature's masterpiece in the sky. 🌕 

📸: @optimal_focus

#FullMoon #snowmoon #siskiyou #discoversiskiyou #california #norcal #pnw #naturephotos
Snow is coming! Be ready for it - purchase your @mtshastanordic  season pass today! Get yours online at mtshastanordic.org

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