Exploring Siskiyou’s Geologic Wonders

Siskiyou County isn’t just a scenic escape. It’s a living, breathing geologic masterpiece. Shaped by fire and time, this region is home to some of the most fascinating volcanic landscapes in the American West. From the towering majesty of Mount Shasta to the surreal lava tubes of Lava Beds National Monument and the bubbling caldera of Medicine Lake, Siskiyou invites you to explore a world where geology and beauty collide.

Mount Shasta: The Sleeping Giant

Rising over 14,000 feet, Mount Shasta is the crown jewel of Siskiyou and one of the most iconic stratovolcanoes in North America. The second highest peak in California, it last erupted over 200 years ago with a potentially active current status, seeing eruptions every 600 years on average. The trails along the slopes are a magnet for climbers, hikers, and spiritual seekers alike. Trails like Panther Meadows and Gray Butte offer stunning views and a chance to walk among ancient lava flows and alpine wildflowers. Whether you’re summiting or simply admiring it from afar, Mount Shasta’s presence is both humbling and awe-inspiring.

MUST SEE

Pluto’ Cave: A lava tube, formed approximately 190,000 years ago during a basaltic lava eruption from a vent about 8 miles northeast of its current location.

Black Butte: A dacite dome formed ~9,500 years ago west of the main peak and can be seen passing by I-5. Explore via the Black Butte trail.

Lava Beds National Monument: Beneath the Surface

Located in rural East Siskiyou lies a completely different volcanic experience, Lava Beds National Monument. This rugged and desolate landscape is home to over 800 lava tubes, which are caves formed by flowing lava thousands of years ago. Visitors can explore a variety of these caves, from easy walks like Mushpot Cave to more adventurous crawls like Catacombs Cave. Above ground, the terrain is dotted with cinder cones, spatter cones, and fields of jagged basalt, offering a glimpse into the violent volcanic past that shaped the region.

MUST SEE

Skull Cave: A dramatic lava tube with a massive entrance and a unique ice floor that persists even in summer. Formed by ancient lava flows, it’s a prime example of lava tube geology and also features small stalactites and stalagmites.

Captain Jack’s Stronghold: A natural fortress of lava rock used during the Modoc War, featuring deep lava trenches and small caves. Challenge yourself and learn some historical context!

Medicine Lake Volcano: Geologic Wonderland

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Shasta, Medicine Lake Volcano is actually the largest volcano by volume in the entire Cascade Range. Unlike Mount Shasta’s dramatic peak, Medicine Lake is a broad shield volcano, known for its gentle slopes and hidden geothermal features. The area is a haven for campers, anglers, and geology buffs. The lake itself, nestled in the caldera, is perfect for kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking in the serenity.

MUST SEE

Glass Mountain: A striking obsidian flow that looks like it belongs on another planet. Explore the glass-like volcanic rock, but beware that this rock can be sharp and should never be removed as souvenirs.

Medicine Lake: A recreation paradise where visitors enjoy camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. There are five campgrounds in the area, including Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock, Headquarters, and Schonchin Spring.

Plan Your Geologic Getaway

Whether you’re a geology enthusiast or just someone who loves epic landscapes, Siskiyou’s volcanic wonders offer a journey through time and terrain. Bring your hiking boots, your curiosity, and your camera because the views are as unforgettable as the stories written in stone.

#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

#DiscoverSiskiyou #StargazeSiskiyou #AstroPhotography #NatureAfterDark #stargazing #california #LookUp
Labor Day Weekend = one last summer adventure. ☀️⛰️ From lakes to trails, Siskiyou’s the place to savor every mom#peaceofmind 

📸: @etch_in_love 

#discoversiskiyou #seesiskiyou #mtshasta #lakesiskiyou #MountainLife #california #labordayweekend #peace
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 

#DiscoverSiskiyou #VisitCalifornia #ExploreCalifornia #NorCalAdventures #NorthernCalifornia #CaliforniaFall #FallGetaway #AdventureAwaits #HiddenCalifornia #SiskiyouCounty #FallInCalifornia #MountainEscape #WanderNorCal #AutumnAdventures
Trail to the sky. ⛰️✨ Hiking Castle Crags State Park means big views, fresh air, and feeling on top of the world. 

📸: @morgan_swartz

#DiscoverSiskiyou #CastleCrags #ExploreCalifornia #VisitNorCal #AdventureAwaits #GetOutside #SiskiyouCounty #HiddenCalifornia #NorCalHikes #ForestEscape #CaliforniaMountains #TrailViews #WildCalifornia
🌿 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 

#DiscoverSiskiyou #HedgeCreekFalls #DunsmuirCA #WaterfallWednesday #HiddenGems #NorCalNature #VisitSiskiyou
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

#discoversiskiyou #northerncalifornia #seesiskiyou #concert #visitcalifornia #visitca #siskiyou #siskiyoucounty #mtshasta #snowshoe #crosscountry #skiseason