Things to Do in Siskiyou County

BySherry Arkfeld
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If you’re looking for things to do in Siskiyou County, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend ideas or a visitor planning a trip, this guide offers a big-picture look at what makes this corner of Northern California so special.

With small-town charm, stunning nature, and a wide variety of outdoor and seasonal activities, there’s something here for just about everyone.

Things to Do In Siskiyou County

This overview is a great place to start. Throughout the post, you’ll find links to more detailed guides as they’re published.

Outdoor Adventures

Siskiyou County is a dream for nature lovers. From scenic trails to crystal-clear lakes, the outdoor options here are nearly endless.

Hiking

You’ll find hikes for all levels, from easy walks to serious mountain treks. Some local favorites include Mount Shasta, Castle Lake Trail, and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail that pass through the area.

Lakes & Rivers

Lake Siskiyou is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing on the beach. The Klamath and Sacramento Rivers offer fishing and rafting opportunities, and there are smaller lakes and creeks throughout the region.

A woman wearing sunglasses, a patterned sleeveless top, black skirt, and white cap smiles while standing on a small wooden footbridge in a lush forest. Sunlight filters through the green canopy, casting dappled light on the path and stream below.
Mt. Shasta City Park

Waterfalls

Don’t miss Hedge Creek Falls with its short, family-friendly trail, the three-tiered McCloud Falls, or Faery Falls near Mt. Shasta.

Camping & Stargazing

The dark skies here are ideal for stargazing. There are developed campgrounds as well as more rustic spots, many with epic views.

Small Towns to Explore

Siskiyou County is made up of small towns that have their own personality and charm.

Yreka

My hometown. Yreka is the county seat and has a historic downtown, a great local museum, and plenty of small shops and eateries.

Mt. Shasta

Mt. Shasta is probably the most well-known town in the area, drawing outdoor enthusiasts and spiritual travelers alike. You’ll find cafes, bookshops, crystal stores, and easy access to trailheads. And skiing and snowboarding, of course.

Dunsmuir

Dunsmuir is a quaint railroad town nestled along the Upper Sacramento River. It’s a good spot for fishing, exploring, or catching a quiet meal.

Weed

A small town with big views of Mount Shasta. Explore local shops or grab a photo with the famous “Welcome to Weed” sign. It’s also a convenient spot for food and fuel if you’re heading up or down I-5.

A black arched sign with pine tree silhouettes and a snowy mountain graphic reads "WEED," welcoming visitors to the town. Below the arch, a quiet street and gas station are visible, with Mount Shasta’s snow-covered peak rising in the background under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Etna & Scott Valley

These quieter towns are perfect for a scenic drive or low-key getaway. Expect rolling hills, old buildings, and local charm. You’ll find surprisingly great restaurants in Scott Valley. Denny Bar Company is a distillery with great spirits and food.

Seasonal Highlights

Siskiyou County looks and feels different depending on the time of year, and each season brings its own set of things to do.

Winter

Go skiing or snowboarding at Mt. Shasta Ski Park, take a snowshoeing trip, or just enjoy the snowy views. Carry tire chains! Some areas get a lot of snow.

Spring

Waterfalls are at their most powerful, wildflowers start to bloom, and the trails begin to open up. Be warned that spring in Siskiyou County is like a fight between winter and summer. You never know what kind of weather you’ll get.

Summer

This is fair and festival season. It’s also the best time for swimming, boating, and camping. Summers are nice and hot with cool evenings. It’s perfect for finding a remote swimming hole.

Fall

The changing leaves are beautiful, especially on scenic drives through the mountains. You’ll also find seasonal events like apple picking and harvest markets.

Events & Festivals

Community events are a big part of what makes Siskiyou County special.

  • Siskiyou Golden Fair (Yreka): A summer tradition with rides, exhibits, food, and fun for all ages.
  • 4th of July in Mt. Shasta: Includes a parade, street fair, and one of the best fireworks shows around.
  • Local Markets: Farmers markets pop up in several towns from spring through fall.
  • Local Festivals: You’ll find festivals celebrating everything from blackberries and dogwood trees to mushrooms and the gold rush.

Family-Friendly Activities

There’s no shortage of things to do with kids in Siskiyou County.

  • Playgrounds and parks are scattered throughout the area.
  • Lake Siskiyou has a beach area that’s great for swimming.
  • Visit local museums, like the Siskiyou County Museum in Yreka.
  • Look out for seasonal activities like pumpkin patches and street fairs.
The Siskiyou County Museum building sits behind a large black and gold sign that reads “Siskiyou County Museum,” with a log and stone landscaping feature in front. The museum is housed in a light gray, two-story structure with a brown shingled awning and surrounded by lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
Museum in Yreka

Dog-Friendly Fun

I’m always looking for fun things to do with my dog, Shelby, and thankfully, Siskiyou County has plenty to offer.

  • Many trails and outdoor spots are dog-friendly.
  • Lake Siskiyou and Castle Lake are good swimming options for dogs.
  • Many restaurants and cafes have dog-friendly patios.
  • I’ll be sharing more dog-specific guides soon.

Unique & Off-the-Beaten-Path

If you like getting off the tourist trail, Siskiyou has a few hidden gems.

  • Panther Meadows: A beautiful, sacred site on Mount Shasta.
  • Lava Beds National Monument: Technically in neighboring Modoc County, but close enough for a day trip. And well worth the drive.
  • Old mining and ghost towns: You’ll find remnants of the Gold Rush era throughout the county.
Looking out from the inside of a rugged lava tube, jagged volcanic rocks form the floor and walls, with a natural opening at the top revealing a bright, overcast sky. Bits of green and orange lichen cling to the dark, weathered stone, highlighting the cave's raw, natural texture.
Lava Beds National Monument

Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Siskiyou County

Siskiyou County is full of beauty, history, and small-town charm. This list is just the beginning. I’m always exploring and adding new discoveries to the site, so check back often or follow me on Facebook for updates.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, there’s always something to do in Siskiyou.

An old wooden mining structure and a large water wheel sit among tall pine trees in a forest clearing, part of a historic exhibit at Greenhorn Park. The rustic equipment is fenced off and surrounded by dirt paths and patches of grass, evoking a glimpse into Gold Rush-era industry.
Greenhorn Park in Yreka
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!