The days are getting shorter, the air a little crisper, and it’s time to break out the sweaters and indulge in pumpkin spice. And if autumn is your thing, the good news is you won’t have to travel all the way to New England to experience the best fall has to offer, from fall foliage and u-pick pumpkin patches to quaint downtowns. Just come cozy it up in Siskiyou! Here a just a few ideas to help you plan a fabulous fall weekend away from it all.
Head for the mountains
Cooler fall air can make a good hike more enjoyable– and Siskiyou trails are no exception. A stroll around Lake Siskiyou, McCloud Falls or the McCloud Reservoir is a perennial go-to. But if you’re up for a more challenging hike, make your way to the Kelsey Creek Trail to Maple Falls. The four-mile journey to the waterfall is lined with golden hues from big leaf maples and has become a local favorite.
Take an autumn bike ride
Enjoy the fall colors while cycling on flat, scenic country roads and mountain trails. The 24-mile loop through the picturesque Scott Valley is set against the stunning backdrop of the Marble Mountains, with sleepy ranch towns and quaint towns dotted with local business. Or, if you want to work your heart as much as your eyes, head to Yreka’s Greenhorn Park for some intense mountain biking, where you can explore 2 to 12 miles worth of trails with a stunning show of color.
Watch the salmon run
From approximately mid-October through mid-December, the salmon of the Klamath River make their annual return to the local river systems to spawn. Visit the location of the Shsata Heritage Trail connecting two river access points hrough anestral lands of the Shasta Indian Nation, K’utárawáx·u (prounounced ku-ta-ra-wa-hhu) (also known as Grizzly Hill) and K’účasčas (pronounced ku-chas-chas) (also known as Fall Creek) and delight in the naturally spawning fish, jumping to swim upstream. Each recreation site has river access, primitive restrooms, picnic tables and bike racks. The Shasta Heritage Trail between the two sites feature interpretative signage, linguistic markers and designated sacred viewpoints where visitors can engage with cultural traditions and. More info on recreation along the Klamath River can be found here.
World-class birdwatching
Of all the wetlands in the American West, none provide more feeding, nesting and resting habitat than the wetlands that make up the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, part of which is right here in Siskiyou. Visit the refuge this October and November and get a front row seat to one of nature’s greatest show! The visitor’s center is also worth a stop with tons of information on regional flora and fauna.
Go Stargazing
Looking up just about anywhere in rural Siskiyou and you’re in for a great view of the night sky, but Shafter Campgroundin East Siskiyou has long been considered a great public spot for some “Night Sky Camping.” This fall, two major meteor showers are still on the horizon: The Orionids, which is best visible though the month of October will light up the night sky with fast and bright meteors form Halley’s comet. Peak times are October 20-21st. The Leonids will peak from midnight to dawn on Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th. (2026 data)
Discover “golden” Siskiyou on a scenic drive
California may not usually be considered a great fall color destination, but the mixed blessing of cold winters and the abundance of Oak, Maple, Aspen and Dogwood trees makes Siskiyou’s fall foliage unforgettable. Highway 96 along the Klamath River is one of its best displays. Another favorite is the Aspen Grove in Little Shasta Meadows Botanical Area, where the beautiful white-barked Aspens turn into an arena of shimmering gold, orange and yellow. Take Yreka Ager road to Ager Road to York Road and follow it to what the locals call Willow Creek Mountain. It’s paved the whole way to the Grove – just make sure to go before the first snowfall.
Pick your pumpkin (and more)
Nothing says fall like a visit to a pumpkin patch or other farm to celebrate the harvest season. Siskiyou is home to family-friendly farm experiences and features a weekend farm tour event called Harvest and Bloom in early October. This full day of farm visits features a Dahlia Farm, Apple Orchard, Farm Stands, and of course pumpkins! If you didn’t make it for that event, we have you covered for the rest of the month with these:
Sunflower Pumpkin Patch (Gazelle) – wheelbarrows supplied for heavy harvesting and a hay maze for the kids. Open Fri, Sat and Sundays in October from 10-6pm. 3075 Scarface Rd, Gazelle, 530-598-7996
Pumpkin Wagon (Ft. Jones) – Visitors should bring cash as the Wagon is self-serve with an honor system of payment. The wagon is located a few miles out of Fort Jones on Eastside Road. A small farm-stand operates at the patch. 10125 Eastside Rd, Fort Jones
Cram Gulch Farm Stand (Gazelle) – Family owned farm stand selling fruit, veggies, eggs and Pumpkins. Check their page for upcoming dates and times! 15624 Cram Gulch Rd, Gazelle (707) 696-9928
