If you enjoy capturing epic views with your camera, Siskiyou is a great place to wander. I love going on hiking adventures in the area to get unique photographs of the mountains, lakes, flowers, and more. Plus, being outside is an excellent stress reliever and a fantastic way to work up an appetite.
If you like meandering on trails, taking photos of gorgeous landscapes, and eating good food, Siskiyou has you covered. Use the list below as a starting point to explore the trails in the region.
1. Castle Dome Trail
Southern Oregon Magazine described the Crags as a “mini Yosemite,” and “one of California’s best kept secrets.” I agree! A great way to see the Crags is by hiking the Castle Dome Trail. The path is taxing, and the climb is worth the effort. When you reach the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with magical views the Crags and Mount Shasta.
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Read about the Castle Dome Trail here.
2. Mt. Eddy
Hiking to the top of Mt. Eddy is a trek, so start your walk early in the morning. On the trail, you’ll find excellent photo opportunities of the Trinity Alps, the Marble Mountain Wilderness, and Deadfall Lakes. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic scenes of Mount Shasta, Lake Siskiyou, and Black Butte.
Distance: 14 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Read about Mt. Eddy here.
3. Black Butte Trail
The Black Butte Trail was harder to hike than I expected because the second half of the trail is rocky and relatively steep. The rocky terrain was challenging, so I kept my pace slow and steady. I don’t regret hiking at a turtle’s pace, though. It allowed me to capture one-of-a-kind perspectives of Mount Shasta, the Eddy Mountain Range, Shasta Valley, and Mount McLoughlin with my camera.
Distance: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Read “Mt. Shasta’s ugly cousin” here.
4. Orr Lake Trail
The Orr Lake Trail is a great place to take a leisurely walk. You’ll find remarkable sights of Mount Shasta, green meadows, wildlife, and more. Also, if you love to fish, bring your fishing gear. There are excellent docks at the lake for fishing.
Distance: 3.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Read about Orr Lake and East Siskiyou here.
5. McCloud River Falls Trail
Like waterfalls and flat trails? Head to the McCloud River Falls Trail. The path will lead you to the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. The walk is quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. Also, this landmark is one of the most photographed features of Siskiyou.
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
For more waterfall adventures, read this post.
6. Lake Siskiyou Loop
The Lake Siskiyou Loop is flat, well maintained, and offers beautiful views of the lake and Mount Shasta. You can walk the whole loop or portions of the trail. Stop for a picnic, take in the sights, and snap photos of Mount Shasta, the Wagon Creek Bridge, and the Sacramento River inlet.
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
For additional hiking ideas at Lake Siskiyou, read more here.
7. Greenhorn Park Trails
Greenhorn Park is one of my favorite places to walk in Yreka because the trails range in length and difficulty. If you’re in the mood for a leisurely walk or a moderately challenging hike, both options are available at Greenhorn. For instance, you can walk around the Greenhorn Reservoir (which is flat and paved), or you can hit the Humbug Trail. Portions of the trail are steep, and you’ll discover glimpses of Yreka, and Mount Shasta to the south east.
Distance: 1 to 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
For more fun things to do in Yreka, read this post.
Happy hiking!
PRO-TIPS
Accommodations: Pair your hiking adventures with a stay in Yreka, CA at the Holiday Inn Express. Explore additional lodging options here.
Good Eats: Grocery Outlet is down the road from the Holiday Inn, and it’s a great place to purchase picnic supplies for your hiking adventures. Also, Raley’s Supermarket has a deli, and the Miner Street Meat Market makes delightful sandwiches.
Looking for more good eats in Yreka? Read this post.
Hiking Tips: Before hitting the trail, prepare for your day trip. Pack a picnic, water, a trail map, and get directions to the trailhead before you leave town. Also, the Mount Shasta Trail Association has excellent trail guides and resources on their website. More here.
And last but not least, look for wildflowers while you’re exploring local trails. The Salmon/Scott River Ranger District created a helpful brochure of common wildflowers in the Marble Mountains. Check it out here.
Keywords
Black Butte Trail, Castle Dome Trail, family fun, getoutside, Greenhorn Park Trails, hiking, Instagram friendly, Lake Siskiyou Loop, McCloud River Falls Trail, Mt. Eddy, Orr Lake Trail, Photography, siskiyou
