Siskiyou is for Lovers: a romantic winter getaway

When winter rolls in and the mountains don their snowy crowns, Siskiyou becomes a magical retreat for couples seeking romance, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. Nestled in Northern California near the Oregon border, this hidden gem offers the perfect blend of outdoor thrills and cozy relaxation for you and your sweetheart. Here is a three-day winter itinerary offering a mix of snowy adventures, relaxing fireside vibes, and local flavors to rekindle and reconnect with your special someone!

Day 1: Mount Shasta Welcome & Snow Adventures

Start your getaway by arriving in the Mount Shasta area and settling into cozy accommodations. Be sure to look for one with a fireplace for that romantic winter vibe. A round up of the coziest lodges and cabins is here. We also have plenty of full- service hotels, resorts, and boutique lodging options to meet your style and preferred level of pampering.

Pick up some snowshoe rentals at The Fifth Season in town and grab coffee and pastries at a local café like Seven Suns, Theory, or Alua’s Thive Bar before heading out to Bunny Flat with your partner. This scenic spot on the south side of Mount Shasta offers breathtaking views that elevate any romantic getaway.

Afterward, enjoy a warm lunch for two in town somewhere like Pipeline Craft Taps for some fresh entrees and local drafts, or Sparky’s Landing, home of excellent pizzas and creative cocktails. If your day allows, venture to Castle Lake for an afternoon of more snowshoeing along the lakeshore. This is a short drive, only 10 miles from town. Wrap up the day with a romantic candle-lit dinner in Mount Shasta at Baldovinos or Lily’s Restaurant and, if the skies are clear, spend the evening stargazing under the mountain’s silhouette with your sweetie in your arms.

Day 2: Ski Day & Cozy Evening for two

Dedicate your second day of this weekend to the slopes at Mt. Shasta Ski Park. Whether you and partner are experts at carving fresh powder or taking a beginner lesson, the park offers terrain for all skill levels, and this is the ultimate bonding experience. Check out our beginner’s ski guide here! After a morning of skiing or snowboarding, enjoy a casual lunch at the base area lodge or call “last run” and venture to downtown historic McCloud. Spend the afternoon exploring the McCloud Mercantile Shops and strolling around the historic buildings hand in hand.

If daylight hasn’t run out yet, take a quick drive with your boo to visit the McCloud River’s trio of waterfalls—Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls—for stunning winter views and some couple’s photo ops. As evening falls, savor a intimate dinner at the Dining Car Restaurant at Jubilee Railroad Resort, then wind down with board games or just snuggle together for a truly cozy night.

Day 3: Waterfalls, Hikes & Historic Towns

On your final day, take a scenic drive to Dunsmuir and start with a short hike to Hedge Creek Falls which is a picturesque waterfall that’s easy to access even in winter. For outdoorsy couples, the Vista Point Trail in Castle Crags State Park offers dramatic granite towers and sweeping views that feel both intimate and awe‑inspiring. It’s a picture‑perfect place for couples who enjoy hiking together. Follow up your adventure with some famous sticky buns at Yak’s on the 5, or head to the charming downtown for a bite at Cornerstone Cafe or Bee Kind Berkery Cafe.

Peruse the shops like KeepShop, located in the Mossbrae Hotel, Gold Stitch Hat Shop and Vintage, and other local storefronts as you explore the historic railtown. After soaking in the beauty of these hidden gems, return to Mount Shasta for one last dinner and reflect on your snowy adventures before heading home.

Detour: Love Takes the Scenic Route

Here are some winter adventures that will take you and your love to other regions of Siskiyou.

East

Make your way along 97 towards Lava Beds National Monument, Medicine Lake and the more sparsely populated areas of East Siskiyou. Book a thrilling snowmobiling adventure at Deer Mountain with Fun Factory.  Or grab a coffee and yummy snack at First and Last Espresso in Dorris before exploring Tulelake and the rich history and geology of the eastern area. Getting here is a great time to reconnect behind the wheel and enjoy your time together.

North

Take a detour through Weed and northbound to historic Montague and visit May Yaj Asian Bistro on your way to Yreka. Perhaps a stop at Pluto’s Cave along the way. Once in Yreka, peruse galleries, shops and the Siskiyou Museum in historic downtown Yreka and Miner Street or take a stroll through Greenhorn Park and around the reservoir. This is a great location for some wildlife viewing, a handheld stroll with just you and your boo!

West

Head over the Forest Mountain summit from Yreka towards idyllic Scott Valley. Pass through Fort Jones and Greenview on your way to visit Denny Bar Co, in Etna for some house distilled spirits and homespun bistro fare together. If you are in the mood for a pub crawl, make sure to check out the Callahan Emporium. Drive the valley loop over multiple bridges that cross the Scott River or venture up to Etna Summit for snowcapped views of the majestic Marble Mountains. The peaceful rural beauty of this area is great for a playful and low‑key romantic outing.

 

BONUS: Date ideas!

Make sure to check out our online events calendar for some date night ideas. Whether you go to a crafting workshop, some friendly pub games, or check out some live music locally, there are plenty of activities built for two in Siskiyou!

#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 

#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

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