Many eyes will be on Northern California and specifically Redding this summer for the Iron Man 70.3 Triathlon. For those making the trip, we invite you to kick off the next chapter of your journey in Siskiyou, Northern California’s wild, wonder‑filled escape. Just a short scenic drive from Redding, Siskiyou welcomes you to unwind beneath the towering peak of Mount Shasta, chase waterfalls, sip local spirits and craft beer, and explore charming mountain towns full of character. Here are 5 compelling reasons you need to see Siskiyou this summer:
Also be sure to check out our pre-race training guide and see why Siskiyou is the perfect place to get yourself race-ready!
1. Unmatched Natural Beauty (With Fewer Crowds)
After the energy of the Ironman, Siskiyou offers mountains, waterfalls, forests, and wild rivers—all without the crowds of major national parks.
- Explore Castle Crags, Mount Shasta, or venture East to the caves of Lava Beds National Monument. The geology, history and epic landscapes will take your breath away!
- Visit tranquil lakes like Lake Siskiyou or Castle Lake and get a re-set of mind, body, and soul. Enjoy an active day on the water or just kick back and soak in the beauty of the summer season.
- Experience real dark skies and do some nighttime stargazing into the cosmos above.
- Go chasing waterfalls like McCloud Falls, Faery Falls, or Whitney Falls and see for yourself, the healing power of water in California’s North. We have over a dozen waterfalls and over 200 lakes on our public lands!
2. World-Class Outdoor Adventure
For spectators and athletes seeking action beyond the triathlon, Siskiyou is an outdoor playground:
- Hiking & backpacking on the Pacific Crest Trail and the miles of trails in wilderness areas like the Trinity Alps, Marble Mountains, Russian Wilderness Areas.
- Kayaking, rafting, and fly fishing on the Klamath & Sacramento Rivers. Book a guided tour to adventure our wild and scenic rivers and let our local pros handle the rest!
- Mountain biking and volcanic landscapes to explore. It’s a dream spot for adventure junkies and accessible for beginners and pros alike.
3. Local Flavor: Food, Beer & plenty of Spirit
Siskiyou’s food scene celebrates Northern California’s agricultural richness but with a more relaxed, authentic vibe.
- Craft breweries, Distilleries, and Tap houses in Mt. Shasta, Dunsmuir, Yreka, and Etna. Our food scene is unique and laid back!
- Outdoor dining under the mountains is relaxed and uncrowded. Whether you’re enjoying a brewery patio, historic‑brick dining room, or lunch in a small mountain town, dining in Siskiyou is intentionally unhurried and always scenic.
- Local coffee spots, local cafe’s, and food trucks will keep you fueled up for adventure
- Farmer’s Markets almost every day of the week in summer featuring one-of-a-kind local producers and friendly faces
4. Unique Cultural & Small-Town Experiences
Visitors can enjoy the region’s quirky, charming communities:
- Mt. Shasta, known for its outdoor culture, spiritual community, shops and outdoor access. The namesake of the regions iconic volcanic peak!
- Yreka, with Gold Rush history. Explore shops, museums, and see why the county seat is the gateway to all things Siskiyou.
- Dunsmuir, a picturesque railroad town at the South end of the county. It’s a side of California many international visitors never get to see.
- McCloud, peruse the historic architecture on your way to waterfall hikes and mountain adventures.
- Weed, Golf, Bowling, Caves! Grab a T-Shirt and tell all your friends that you were here!
- Scott Valley, step back in time to this idyllic and slower-paced rural valley, where country living and outdoor recreation exist in perfect harmony.
- East Siskiyou, explore the least populated and most wild region of Siskiyou. Rich in wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and historical sites, this region is a beauty to see and a national treasure.
5. Easy Access from Redding and the West Coast
Siskiyou is a beautiful, straightforward trip from Redding and other major hubs:
- Drive time from Redding to Mt Shasta ~1 hour
- Drive time from the Bay Area: ~4–5 hours
- Daily Direct flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Medford (MFR) and Redding (RDD)
- Drive time from Sacramento: ~3 hours (closest larger airport)
- Daily Direct flights to Medford (MFR) and Redding (RDD) from Los Angeles (LAX)
- Daily non-stop flights from Seattle (SEA) to Medford (MFR) only 45 min in the air!
What are you waiting for? Extend your trip to explore Siskiyou, one of Northern California’s most stunning and underrated regions.
