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!

🎶 Don't miss the final Yreka Summer Concert in the Park! 🎶

This Friday, August 1, wrap up the season with a sunset performance by the Seth Charles Band — known for their soulful blend of rock, blues, and Americana vibes. Bring your lawn chairs, pack a picnic (or grab local eats from a variety of vendors at the show), and enjoy one last evening of live music under the Siskiyou sky. 🌄🎸

📍 Miner Street Park, Yreka
🕕 Music starts at 6:30 PM
💃 Free & family-friendly!

Let’s end the summer series on a high note — we’ll see you there! 🎤🎶

#YrekaEvents #SiskiyouSummerNights #LiveMusicInThePark #DiscoverSiskiyou #SethCharlesBand
🌿 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
🎶 Southern Oregon’s legendary Rogue Suspects are bringing the groove to the Yreka Summer Concert Series this Friday, July 18! 🎸🌟

Join us at the park for a night of classic, high-energy jams you won’t want to miss. Bring your lawn chairs, your dancing shoes, and your summer vibes! ☀️🕺💃

🎤 Music starts at 6:30 PM
📍 Miner Street Park, Yreka
🎟️ Free & family-friendly!
🌮 Food + Beverage Trucks On-Site

#YrekaSummerConcerts #RogueSuspects #LiveMusicYreka #SiskiyouVibes #discoversiskiyou #seesiskiyou #redding #mtshasta #yreka #southernoregon #medford #ashland #norcal
🚗✨ Etna, CA: where charm meets adventure in the heart of the Siskiyous. From artisan butcher shops to mountain trails and locally brewed beers, this little town packs a big punch. 🌄🍻 

What's your favorite spot in Etna?

#SmallTownExpeditions #EtnaCalifornia #DiscoverSiskiyou #HiddenGems #RoadTripVibes #siskiyou #etna #siskiyoucounty #smalltowns #norcal #mountaintowns
🌲✨ Tucked away in the heart of the Klamath National Forest, Happy Camp is your gateway to wild beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. Whether you're casting a line in the Klamath River, hiking through ancient forests, or just soaking in the quiet, there's something peaceful—and powerful—about this special corner of West Siskiyou.

🚗 Take the scenic drive and discover why it's called Happy Camp.

#DiscoverSiskiyou #HappyCampCA #VisitCalifornia #NorCalHiddenGems #KlamathRiver #AdventureAwaits
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
Who are you sending this to 👀 #discoversiskiyou #seesiskiyou #waterfall #waterfallwednesday #norcal #california #visitcalifornia
🌟Yreka Golden City Days 2025🌟

Celebrating Yreka’s rich history, community, and small-town charm on historic Miner Street 🪕🍗🍻☀️🤠

From live music and mouthwatering barbecue to historic tours and a Father’s Day car show — this is where memories are made. 💛

 #GoldenCityDays #Yreka #SmallTownStrong #SiskiyouSummer #discoversiskiyou #siskiyou #norcal #smalltown
🌊 McCloud Upper Falls 💙
Quick stop, BIG views.
Easy trail, epic water flow, and that fresh mountain air 🌲⛰️

If you want to see Siskiyou's waterfalls at their peak, now is the time!

📸: @heidy_dianeth 

📍 McCloud, CA
💦 Part of the 3 McCloud River Falls
🌲 Perfect for a peaceful escape

#McCloudFalls #discoversiskiyou #NorCalHikes #WaterfallVibes #MtShasta #norcal  #HikingCalifornia