My Springtime Siskiyou Adventure List

After moving from Portland, OR to Siskiyou, I was eager to explore the county because I wanted to see the sights, go on outdoor adventures, and more. However, I didn’t know where to begin, so I started by writing adventure lists that included activities I loved doing like hiking, snowshoeing, and eating at local restaurants.

I also asked friends and family for Siskiyou themed travel tips. For example, my father-in-law loves the outdoors and was a huge help in suggesting destinations like our trip to Kangaroo Lake.

There’s still a lot I want to see and do in Siskiyou, so I thought it would be fun to share my spring themed adventure list with you.

I hope my list sparks a few Siskiyou themed trip ideas for you!

1. Go mountain biking on the Gateway Trail, experience gravel biking on The Great Shasta Rail Trail, and stay at the Shasta Starr Ranch Bed & Breakfast in Mt. Shasta. After biking all the miles, eat at Lily’s in Mt. Shasta and explore restaurant options in Dunsmuir. 

2. Have a fun foodie weekend in McCloud, CA! Enjoy tasty meals with friends at the Axe & Rose Public House, and the McCloud Meat Market & Tavern. Also, explore McCloud Falls and stay at the McCloud River Mercantile Hotel.

3. Go birding at the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge and stay at the Winema Lodge.

4. Photograph Klamath River views near Happy Camp, CA and stay at the Klamath River Resort Inn.

5. Spend a long weekend at the Mt. Shasta Resort. Go to the spa, walk around Lake Siskiyou, and eat tasty food with friends.

I might not be able to go on every adventure that I listed above, and that’s okay! Now that it’s written down, I can revisit the list in the future. Also, I’ve found that making lists of places I want to see helps me avoid what researcher Barry Schwartz calls “decision fatigue.” In short, narrowing down my options makes trip planning enjoyable.

In addition to making lists, I included tips below to help you plan your adventures in Siskiyou and beyond.

PRO-TIPS

Put it on the calendar: Every year, I set goals on my birthday, and this year, I’m being intentional about scheduling my time. I’m doing my best to calendar all my adventures because if they aren’t scheduled, they probably won’t happen. I’d encourage you to calendar future trips, too.

Budget it: Once you’ve decided on a date, start saving for your trip. For example, when I budget for trips, I include the following categories on my spreadsheet:

  • trip length
  • lodging
  • food
  • gas
  • activities

Also, be sure to factor in how many people will be traveling with you. The cost will be different for a solo trip versus having the whole family tag along.

Book Lodging: Once you’ve set aside the time and money, decide where to stay in Siskiyou and book a room.

Themed Trips: Usually my trips revolve around a theme (see my list above) like birding, mountain biking, or hiking. A theme helps me plan trips and narrow down the list of things to see in Siskiyou.

However, planning a trip hour by hour doesn’t leave room for wandering or changing plans at the last minute. We changed our trip itinerary too. Rather than mountain biking, we spent an afternoon at Stewart Springs.

Consider picking a theme for your trip to Siskiyou, and remember to be flexible and have fun!

Planning Resources & Inspiration: While planning your trip to Siskiyou, utilize Discover Siskiyou’s website. It has a plethora of information on lodging, food, inspiring ideas, specials and deals, and more. Explore the site here.

Have fun planning your Siskiyou adventures!

...
🌾 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.

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✨ 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. 🌠

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Labor Day Weekend = one last summer adventure. ☀️⛰️ From lakes to trails, Siskiyou’s the place to savor every mom#peaceofmind 

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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 🏔️🍁 

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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. 

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Happy Fourth of July! 🎆

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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!

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Sunday's full "snow moon" casting its silver glow over the Siskiyou mountains—nature's masterpiece in the sky. 🌕 

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