Welcome to Siskiyou, where the spirit of the Old West is alive and well! The region offers a unique glimpse into the cowboy way of life. The vast, open landscapes are dotted with sprawling ranches and farms, where cattle graze and crops flourish under the watchful eyes of dedicated ranchers. We invite you to immerse yourself in the vibrant, authentic cowboy lifestyle. Come and discover the heart of the West in Siskiyou through our round-up of country-themed experiences!
First things first. Get yourself outfitted with a custom felt hat at Dunsmuir’s Gold Stitch Store, a vintage retail store and home to felt hat maker New West Hats. Also pick up some western wear at one of Siskiyou’s local shops or thrift stores. We recommend checking out the selection of Pendelton apparel at Miner Street Mercantile or try on some Wranglers, Carhartt and other western wear at Tractor Supply or G&G Hardware, both in Yreka.
Now that you are properly outfitted, we recommend attending one of Siskiyou’s annual fairs or rodeos. Competitive livestock shows and the exciting thrill of cowboys and cowgirls bull riding and roping in the summer evenings is like none other. This true taste of Western entertainment can be enjoyed at the Siskiyou Golden Fair, which is celebrating 100 years in 2025. Scott Valley hosts two Etna Rodeos, in May and July and the Jefferson State Stampede kicks off in August. Lastly the Tulelake Butte Valley Fair in early September is another opportunity to get a quintessential country experience.
What cowboy experience is complete without a ride on the back of a horse? VS Equine offers trail riding excursions and guided horseback tours through Siskiyou. They have the option of short one- or two-hour trail rides, or you can embark on a destination ride to somewhere like Lake Siskiyou, the Sisson Callahan Trail, or the McCloud River Trail. Even beginners can experience the thrill of riding horseback through the scenic trails and unparalleled views of the region. These experiences are by reservation only, so plan ahead for your equestrian adventure.
Siskiyou is also home to some majestic Wild Horses. Staying at the Blue Heron RV Park and Klamath Ranch Resort in Hornbrook is regularly visited by herd of wild horses that roam freely and graze at the park. These beautiful free-roaming animals are wild so if you venture out to see them, please be respectful and observe from a safe distance. Also, don’t ever touch or feed a wild animal.
Step back in time and explore the roots of Siskiyou firsthand at the Siskiyou County Museum. The region has a rich and colorful history that dates back to the Wild West of the 1850s. Explore the Gold Rush Era, mining towns, historic buildings, and other displays at the outdoor and indoor exhibits. There are also a number of murals and public art displays dotted around the county that give glimpses to Siskiyou’s history and western identity. This blog goes a bit deeper into the art scene in Siskiyou.
Some more boots-on-the-ground experiences of visiting a real farm or ranch are a must when getting the full experience. We suggest a visit to Alpaca on the Rocks, who raise alpacas, mini horses, donkeys, mule, piggies, and Icelandic sheep and offer ranch tours on weekends. Walk through California’s largest peony farm in Callahan at California Peony Company in late May- early June or fill up on U-Pick Dahlia events at Pastures of Grace in Gazelle in the late August bloom. You can visit Hunter Orchards and their Pumpkin Patch or the Fort Jones Pumpkin Wagon on Eastside Road in October. These are just a few of the opportunities for agricultural tourism that are continually growing in our region.
After all this fun and excitement, lets fill that belly! Kick back and dine on a tender steak or juicy burger at Five Mary’s Burgerhouse in Fort Jones. The walls are decked out with cattle brands and a wide array of taxidermy, and the back yard patio is the perfect place to enjoy some live music on a warm Friday night. This spot is known for their locally raised beef, lamb and pork and the farm is just 5 miles down the road from the restaurant. There are a number of local providers that raise, grow and sell their farm products locally, Siskiyou Farm Co is a roundup of local Siskiyou food items with links on where to source.
Black Bart’s Grill is another watering hole and restaurant with a unique western flair. Located on Yreka’s historic Miner Street, the gold rush-era building and interior decor is just like stepping back in time to the 1860s. They serve up stick-to your- ribs meals, local beers and wines and do pop-up pre-fixe menus on most Friday and Saturday evenings. Check their Facebook page for the latest happenings at Black Bart’s.
Siskiyou is steeped in tradition and cowboy culture. We hope you leave with timeless photos, a heart full of memories, and a real sense of Siskiyou’s rural western lifestyle.
(images with permission: VS Equine, Alpaca on the Rocks, Black Barts Grill)