A Siskiyou Summer Escape

Siskiyou in summertime is perfect for travelers seeking mountain views, cool alpine lakes, good food, and deep relaxation. This lineup focuses on local flavors, practical planning, and memorable experiences to make the most of your vacation time in California’s North!

Where to Stay

Hotels, Resorts, and Vacation Rentals in Siskiyou make the best home bases in the summer. Pick a lodging that is centrally located, so you can be close to town, lakes, waterfalls, and trails. Here are our top picks!
  • Shasta Vista Inn & Suites (Weed) – Easy access to local attractions, outdoor adventures, and dining options, this comfortable lodging also has incredible views of Mt Shasta!
  • Jubilee Railroad Resort (Dunsmuir) – RV, Cabin, and Rail car options for lodging. This railroad themed resort has everything you need right on property including a pool and restaurant!
  • Mossbrae Hotel (Dunsmuir) – Stay in a historic and centrally located hotel right in downtown Dunsmuir. Enjoy the charm of the past and the comforts of posh boutique lodging.
  • Mount Shasta Resort (Mt Shasta)— Lakeside cabins with forest views; perfect for morning coffee outdoors among the trees.
  • Shasta Inn (Mt Shasta)— A cozy boutique stay near downtown Mount Shasta.
  • McCloud Mercantile Hotel (McCloud) — Historic charm with large rooms, great for couples or families looking to stay close to the falls.
  • Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort (Mt Shasta) — Cabins and glamping for travelers wanting peaceful lake mornings and close proximity to the lake.

Pro tip: August is peak season—make sure to book early!

Where to Eat

Siskiyou’s dining scene is casual and combines local favorites with mountain flavors. Whether you are grabbing a picnic to enjoy lakeside, or want to enjoy full- service outdoor dining, we have got the best local bites rounded up here:

Mount Shasta

  • Drizzle – Creative burgers, breakfast burritos, monster salads, bowls and other goodies. Make sure to get a milkshake!
  • Pipeline Craft Taps & Kitchen — Relaxed post‑adventure food with mountain‑town vibes. Great draft beers, burgers, and shareable eats with outdoor seating too!
  • Mt Shasta Craft House– Craft Cocktails and fresh fare, enjoy a streetside patio table right along the main drag.
  • Garden Tap – Open seasonally, this outdoor pizza and pint spot is located in Native Grounds nursery, surround yourself with lush greenery and enjoy the warm al fresco dining experience.

Dunsmuir

  • Cafe Maddalena – Italian flavors, artisanal and seasonal. This local favorite is both indulgent and inviting.
  • Cornerstone Cafe  – Fuel up with a hearty breakfast or brunch here before a day exploring the outdoors.
  • Dunsmuir Brewery Works – Hand Crafted brews, and elevated pub eats in a delightful outdoor setting.
  • Yak’s on the 5 – Famous burgers, cinnamon rolls and a vibrant atmosphere. A must stop right along “The 5”

Weed

  • Hi-Lo Cafe Classic Diner Vibes! What says summer more than old-school burgers, fries and shakes?
  • El Zaguan – Local’s favorite and quick stop taco truck. Perfect for some food on the go on an adventure packed day!

McCloud

  • Bogey’s Cafe – Enjoy breakfast or lunch served outdoors with a view of the McCloud golf course.
  • Floyd’s Frosty – Friendly service with outdoor seating. Enjoy the famous chocolate and vanilla swirl soft serve!

Yreka/ Montague

  • Bella Art Works Creative Cafe’ – Ice cream, fresh salads, and Award-winning grilled cheeses right in the heart of downtown. Grab a milkshake, banana split, Boba or Italian soda to cool off on a hot summer day!
  • MoMo’s Burgers – Dine in or Take Out some hometown favorites like a Blackberry Shake, onion rings and a Miner Cheeseburger in Yreka.
  • Casa Ramos – Margaritas, yes please! This classic Mexican family-owned restaurant is known for their hearty portions and authentic recipes.
  • Mai Yaj Asian Bistro – Hands down the best Asian food around. This family restaurant in the heart of Montague offers authentic south Asian flavors and creative specials.

Scott Valley

  • Five Mary’s Burgerhouse – Enjoy a ranch raised burger and frosty pint on the grassy outdoor patio in the heart of Fort Jones. They host local live music on the patio stage on summer evenings.
  • Etna Brewing Company – Outdoor dining and beer tasting here is a must on a summer day. Also, a great place to catch some live music!
  • Callahan Emporium – A must-stop spot on your way through Callahan. This tavern has a history and serves up frosty beers, mouthwatering burgers, sandwiches and more. A perfect last stop on your way into the wilderness for some summer fun!

Pro Tip – Check business hours beforehand, it is common for some restaurants to be closed on a Monday in these parts!

Summer Events

Here is a list of some of our favorite summer events. From Memorial Day – Labor Day, Siskiyou comes alive with music, rodeos, festivals, and fairs.

Yreka Golden City Days (Yreka) – Father’s Day Weekend

Yreka Summer Concerts in the Park (Yreka) – Fridays, June and July

Siskiyou Golden Fair (Yreka) – June 24-28

Trail’s End Music Festival (Etna) – June 19-20

Shasta Mountain Art, Wine and Brew Festival (Mt Shasta) – June 27

Mt Shasta 4th of July Celebration (Mt Shasta) – July

Carnivale (Weed) – July 9-12,Bel Air Park

Motor the Mountain Car Show (McCloud) – August 12-16, Hoo Hoo Park

Rollin in Weed Car Show (Weed) – August 22, Bel Air Park

Jefferson State Stampede (Montague) – August 22-23, Montague Rodeo Grounds

Mt Shasta Blackberry Festival (Mt Shasta) – Labor Day Weekend, Shastice Park

Mt Shasta Concert Series (Mt Shasta) – Sundays, Shastice park 6:30PM

Pro Tip – Make sure to check out the Events Calendar  for a complete list of events in Siskiyou when you visit.

Where to Play

Siskiyou is all about outdoor adventure! Pack your days here with epic views, fun in the sun, and make a splash in some fresh mountain water. Here are some of our best outdoor locations for maximum summer vibes.

Lake Siskiyou– Whether you prefer paddle boarding, kayaks, boat rentals, or splashing around, we have something for you at the lake. In the Summer months, Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort installs a splash zone for hours of summer fun!

Castle Crags State Park – Rewarding hikes on the Castle Dome Trail can be both challenging and epic. The Ridge Trail is shorter but just as scenic!

McCloud Falls – A favorite of summer visitors, these three waterfalls are connected by an accessible trail system. Popular for picnics and swimming in the lower falls, a must see when summering in South Siskiyou.

Golf – Hit the links at one of our 18 holes courses: Lake Shastina, Mt Shasta Resort. Or 9 holes at McCloud Golf Course, Weed Golf Club, Indian Camp Golf Course in Tulelake.

Castle and Heart Lake – Near to Mt Shasta city, these alpine lakes are accessible and rewarding. Spend an afternoon hanging by the shore of Castle or make the 3-mile trek up to Heart Lake for breathtaking views.

Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens – Fishing, picnicking, and plenty of shade for a calm and cool summer afternoon.

Mt Shasta City Park – Mountain springs, short walks and perfect for a friendly game of catch or a pleasant picnic in the park!

Pro Tip – Start Early! Mornings are cool and calm, avoid the crowds and heat by getting out there in the AM hours.

#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

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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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