Siskiyou is one of those rare places where you don’t need a big budget to have a big adventure. This region is packed with towering mountains, waterfalls, charming small towns, and wide‑open landscapes which can all be explored for little to no cost if you know a few smart travel hacks. Whether you’re road‑tripping on a tight budget, planning a low‑key weekend getaway, or just looking to stretch your dollars further, there are countless ways to experience Siskiyou’s beauty without overspending. In this guide, you’ll discover practical tips and insider tricks to help you see the best of Siskiyou while keeping your trip affordable.
Sleep on the Cheap
Siskiyou has a variety of lodging in affordable price points. Cabins, camping, RV parks, budget hotels and everything in between, we have a competitive market that keeps prices low and perks high! Here are some of our tips for scoring big on lodging savings:
- Book mid-week and in off-seasons (Spring and Fall) for the best deals and to avoid crowds
- Look for discounts for multi-night stays
- Explore our Deals and Specials page for the latest in lodging offers!
- Use points rewards programs at national chains like Best Western or Holiday Inn
Low Cost but Max Fun
There are endless ways to enjoy yourself in Siskiyou that don’t require your wallet. Check out some local events, many have a free or nearly free entrance fees:
- Yreka Summer Concerts in the Park and Mt Shasta Summer Concert Series
- Golden City Days (Yreka)
- Car Shows: Yreka Elks Lodge Father’s Day Car Show, Motor The Mountain (McCloud), Thunder on the Mountain (Mt Shasta)
- Farmer’s Markets: Etna, Yreka, Mt Shasta, Weed, Happy Camp, Dunsmuir
- Pride in the Park (Yreka)
- Juneteenth (Weed)
- Dunsmuir Second Saturdays
- Montague Hot Air Balloon Fair
Of course, nature is the free main attraction in Siskiyou. Here are some of our favorite activities that cost nearly nada!
- Hiking scenic trails like Castle Lake, Lake Siskiyou Loop or anywhere in the Shasta Trinity and Klamath National Forests
- Swimming in Lake Siskiyou and McCloud Reservoir or any of our rivers!
- Visiting waterfalls like Hedge Creek and McCloud Falls which are iconic and totally free
- Scenic Drives to Highway 89, Everitt Memorial, or Hwy 3 through Scott Valley to check out the epic views and landscapes
- Also, museums are often free or donation based and we have a bunch of them that focus on industry, history, and culture of the area.
Budget Bites
Many hotels offer breakfast included in your stay which will greatly save you bucks! Check out these options:
- Holiday Inn Express (Yreka)
- Best Western Miners Inn (Yreka)
- Comfort Inn (Yreka) and Comfort Inn Mount Shasta Area (Weed)
- Super 8 Motel by Wyndham (Yreka)
- Klamath Motor Lodge (Yreka)
- Swiss Holiday Lodge (Mt Shasta)
- Alpine Lodge (Mt Shasta)
Other ways to save on eating would be to check out happy hours, daily specials, and our local food trucks. Grabbing food to-go keeps you exploring and is often much more affordable than a sit-down restaurant. Siskiyou has a number of casual low-cost eateries with Diner Bites, Street Eats, and Drive-in Delights that are sure to fill you up and not break your bank!
