Guide to the Towns and Cities in Siskiyou County

BySherry Arkfeld
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Siskiyou County is tucked into the far north of California, right along the Oregon border. It’s a place of tall mountains, deep forests, and small towns that each have something special to offer.

I was raised in Yreka, and after moving away for a while, I’ve found myself back here exploring it all over again.

Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about what’s up here, this guide gives a quick look at the towns and cities in Siskiyou County and what makes each one worth checking out.

Towns and Cities in Siskiyou County

Depending on your frame of reference, these places can all be considered small towns. However, I use the word “cities” as well because that’s what some of them call themselves.

Yreka

Sculpture of a gold prospector crouching with a pan beside a pack mule, both made of rusted metal, set on large rocks under an arch that reads “YREKA” in bold letters. The scene is in a sunny downtown area with trees, traffic signs, and mountains in the distance.

Yreka is the county seat and one of the bigger towns in the area. It has a Gold Rush past that you can still see in the historic downtown district, where some of the buildings date back to the 1800s.

Stop by the Siskiyou County Museum for a look at local history or enjoy a walk through Greenhorn Park.

Every August, the Siskiyou Golden Fair brings the whole community together for rides, animals, and funnel cake. (Note that in 2026 the fair will be moving to July.)

This is the town I grew up in, and I still love wandering through the shops and watching the sunset over the hills.

Mt. Shasta

Street view of downtown Mount Shasta featuring two adjacent buildings—one cream-colored with green accents labeled “City of Mt. Shasta,” and another painted blue housing a “Law Office” and a shop called “Stage Quest.” A bench sits outside the city building, and a sandwich board sign with posters is displayed on the sidewalk.
Photo © Ulf Nammert | Dreamstime.com

Named after the majestic mountain that towers over it, Mt. Shasta is known for its outdoor recreation and spiritual vibes.

People come here to hike, ski, snowboard, or just enjoy the view. There’s a charming downtown with bookstores, cafes, and metaphysical shops.

Mt. Shasta also draws visitors looking for healing and retreat centers. Whether you’re into nature, adventure, or a bit of mysticism, Mt. Shasta has a little of everything.

Weed

Decorative metal archway with a forest and mountain design and the word “WEED” in the center, standing over a street with a view of snow-capped Mount Shasta in the background. The sky is bright blue with scattered fluffy clouds, and nearby buildings and trees line the street below.

Yes, that really is the name of the town. Weed has a quirky personality and incredible views of Mt. Shasta. It’s a fun place to stop, with local shops, a brewery, and an artsy vibe.

Weed is also home to the College of the Siskiyous and a handful of local events that bring the community together. It’s small, but there’s a lot of character packed into this little town.

Dunsmuir

Amtrak station sign for Dunsmuir, CA in the foreground, with train tracks and an industrial area behind it, including construction barrels, storage tanks, and a large container marked “Southern Pacific Lines” and “Dunsmuir, California.” A dense forest of tall evergreen trees covers the hillside in the background.
Photo © Davidrh | Dreamstime.com

Dunsmuir is a historic railroad town nestled along the Sacramento River.

If you like fishing, this is the place to be. Fly fishers come from all over to cast a line here. It’s also a great base for waterfall hikes, like Mossbrae Falls and Hedge Creek Falls.

The city park is right along the banks of the Sacramento River and great for an easy hike in nature.

The downtown area has a cozy feel with a few good restaurants, coffee spots, and galleries. It’s also the only town in the county with an Amtrak stop.

Etna

Corner view of a red brick building with a large painted sign reading “DENN” on the side, part of a larger sign for Denn Distillery. A covered patio with people sitting at tables extends from the building, and a street sign for “Diggles St” and a stop sign are at the corner. In the background, another red building labeled “MUSEUM” features a white bell tower and American flag, with tree-covered hills and blue sky beyond.
Photo © Jdpphoto12 | Dreamstime.com

Etna sits in the heart of the Scott Valley, surrounded by mountains and farmland. This is small-town living at its best.

It has a local brewery, seasonal festivals, and one of the best spots to stay if you’re heading into the Marble Mountain Wilderness. The pace is slow, the scenery is beautiful, and the people are friendly.

Fort Jones

Sunny downtown street in Fort Jones, California, featuring a row of rustic storefronts including the prominent “Five Marys” restaurant and steakhouse with stone and wood paneling. Signs advertise cocktails, beer, and a live performance, while adjacent buildings have vintage-style signage and shingled awnings, all set against a clear blue sky and distant hills.

Just down the road from Etna, Fort Jones has a strong ranching and farming tradition. It’s another quiet town in the Scott Valley where you can enjoy scenic drives, wide-open spaces, and a more laid-back lifestyle.

There are a few historic buildings to check out, and the town hosts some local events throughout the year.

Montague

A group of colorful hot air balloons floats above a rural landscape in Montague, California, with open fields, scattered homes, and rolling hills in the background. The clear blue sky and low sunlight create a vivid, peaceful atmosphere as the balloons drift over the countryside.
Photo © Vivian Mcaleavey | Dreamstime.com

Montague is known for its rodeo, small airport, and country feel. It’s close to some great bird-watching areas and scenic drives, especially during spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Every September, the town hosts the Montague Balloon Fair, where colorful hot air balloons fill the sky in one of the county’s most unique and photogenic events.

It’s not a big tourist spot, but it’s a good place to see another side of Siskiyou County.

McCloud

A quiet small-town street in McCloud, California, is lined with autumn-colored trees and quaint houses, leading toward a distant view of Mount Shasta capped in snow. The early morning or late afternoon sunlight casts a golden hue over the town, with long shadows stretching across the road.
© Marnie Patchett | Dreamstime.com

McCloud has serious charm. This former mill town has been revitalized into a mountain getaway, complete with historic hotels, antique shops, and cozy cafes.

The McCloud River runs nearby, with three stunning waterfalls just a short drive from town. It’s a great place to stay if you want peace and quiet without being too far from adventure.

Tulelake

Peaceful view of Tulelake with calm water reflecting a partly cloudy sky, edged by dry grasses in the foreground and a rugged hillside on the right. Distant mountains line the horizon under soft, diffused sunlight, creating a serene and expansive natural landscape.
© Robert Brown | Dreamstime.com

Way out in the northeast corner of the county, Tulelake is known for its agriculture and wildlife. It’s home to the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is a must-visit if you like birdwatching or photography.

There’s also a deep and sometimes difficult history here, including a World War II internment camp site.

Lava Beds National Monument is close by and full of volcanic caves and history. You can explore many of the caves, and it’s worth the drive.

Dorris

Rustic stone mural in Dorris, California, featuring a raised metal and wood relief of a small rural town with trees, houses, a water tower, and an American flag, set against the backdrop of a large snow-capped mountain. The word “DORRIS” is displayed in bold wooden letters above the scene.

Dorris is right on the Oregon border. It’s a tiny town with a giant flagpole — the tallest west of the Mississippi. Hey, a small town needs something to distinguish itself!

It’s quiet and off the beaten path, but nearby you’ll find the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, another great stop for nature lovers.

Wrap-Up: Siskiyou County Towns & Cities

Every town in Siskiyou County has its own story. Some are full of history, some are perfect for outdoor adventures, and some are just right for relaxing and getting away from it all.

If you’re planning a trip, try to visit more than one. They’re all close enough for day trips, and each one offers a different piece of what makes this area special.

Want help planning your visit? Check out my other posts for detailed guides, or grab my free Siskiyou Travel Bucket List to start mapping out your adventure.

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Sherry Arkfeld

I'm Sherry Arkfeld, a travel blogger and copywriter. I'm technically a digital nomad, however, I've been back in Yreka, California for over a year now. Since I'm here looking for things to do, I might as well write about it!