Best attractions and places to see in Siskiyou County include a diverse range of natural features and historical sites in Northern California. The region is dominated by Mount Shasta, a prominent stratovolcano, and features extensive lava tubes, numerous waterfalls, and glacial lakes. Visitors can explore Gold Rush-era towns and cultural sites alongside these natural landmarks.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park
Tip by
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions in Siskiyou County.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Siskiyou County
Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada – 4,200 kilometres of wilderness
Bigfoot Trail — Exploring the remote Klamath Mountains
The tour of your life – music trails on the Pacific coast
Hiking in Siskiyou County
Running Trails in Siskiyou County
MTB Trails in Siskiyou County
Road Cycling Routes in Siskiyou County
They stop maintaining the trail at Little Castle Lake so we didn’t hike to Mt Bradley.
0
0
This lake is smaller than Castle Lake and its waters aren't as clear, but with Mount Shasta peeking in the background the views from here are much prettier, and they get even better if you continue walking a bit further.
1
0
This stunning glacial lake is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and even fishing. From here you can climb up to Heart Lake and enjoy some amazing views of Mount Shasta or take Castle Lake Trail all the way to Mount Bradley.
0
0
While this is the ultimate gateway to Mount Shasta's winter activities, it is also widely used in the summer since it serves as a starting point for five of the nine hiking trails on Mount Shasta. It provides access to Horse Camp, Hidden Valley, and Green Butte Ridge.
1
0
This trailhead is the closest and most popular location to start a climb on Mount Shasta. You can take a short stroll, too, but if you are ambitious enough to summit the mountain or hike above 10,000 feet, you will need to obtain a summit pass. Otherwise you will need a Wilderness permit to enter the Mount Shasta area.
4
0
Large lake east of the Trinity Alps, with excellent loop trail and surprisingly decent water levels so far.
1
0
Siskiyou County is rich in natural wonders. You can explore the majestic Mount Shasta, a prominent stratovolcano, or visit the extensive Lava Beds National Monument with its numerous lava tubes. Other highlights include picturesque waterfalls like Middle McCloud Falls, and stunning glacial lakes such as Lake Siskiyou and Castle Lake. Don't miss the towering granite spires of Castle Crags State Park or the unique Sacramento River Headwaters in Mount Shasta City Park.
Yes, Siskiyou County offers several historical and cultural sites. Historic Yreka, with its Gold Rush-era buildings in the West Miner Street Historic District, is a must-see. The Siskiyou County Museum in Yreka provides insights into the region's past. You can also visit the Tulelake Segregation Center, a significant WWII Japanese-American internment site, or Captain Jack's Stronghold within Lava Beds National Monument, a Modoc War site. The Sisson Museum & Hatchery in Mt. Shasta also offers exhibits on local history and culture.
Families will find plenty to do! Many lakes like Lake Siskiyou and Castle Lake are popular for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing. The easy access to Middle McCloud Falls makes it a great family outing. The Mount Shasta Fish Hatchery, the oldest trout hatchery west of the Mississippi, is open to the public for feeding fish. In winter, Bunny Flat Trailhead is a popular spot for sledding and snowshoeing.
Siskiyou County is home to several beautiful waterfalls. The McCloud River features three accessible waterfalls: Upper, Middle, and Lower McCloud Falls, with Middle McCloud Falls being particularly stunning. You can also visit Hedge Creek Falls in Dunsmuir, which offers a unique experience of walking behind the waterfall, or the scenic Faery Falls near Mount Shasta. For routes to these, check out the Waterfall hikes in Siskiyou County guide.
Beyond sightseeing, Siskiyou County offers extensive outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs on Mount Shasta. Lakes provide opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The region is also popular for road cycling, mountain biking, and bird watching in areas like Klamath National Forest. For detailed routes, explore the Hiking in Siskiyou County or Road Cycling Routes in Siskiyou County guides.
Yes, Mount Shasta is a prime destination for hiking and mountaineering. The Bunny Flat Trailhead serves as a primary starting point for many trails, including routes to Horse Camp, Hidden Valley, and Green Butte Ridge. For more challenging ascents, the Mt Shasta summit 🌋 (4321m) is a significant goal for experienced climbers. You can find specific routes like the Mount Shasta via Avalanche Gulch Route in the Hiking in Siskiyou County guide.
Absolutely. The Lava Beds National Monument is a major draw, featuring over 800 lava tubes, with more than 20 accessible for exploration. Notable caves include Skull Cave, Golden Dome, and Sunshine Cave. For a shorter cave experience, Pluto's Cave near the town of Weed also offers a lava tube to explore.
Siskiyou County boasts several beautiful lakes perfect for recreation. Lake Siskiyou is popular for swimming, kayaking, and offers excellent views of Mount Shasta, along with a loop trail. Castle Lake, a stunning glacial lake, is ideal for hiking, camping, and fishing, with trails leading to Heart Lake and Mount Bradley.
During winter, Siskiyou County transforms into a snowy playground. The Mt. Shasta Ski Park and Mt. Shasta Nordic Center offer downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snow tubing. Bunny Flat Trailhead is a popular spot for sledding and snowshoeing, providing access to winter trails on Mount Shasta.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and diverse outdoor opportunities. The majestic views of Mount Shasta, especially from Lake Siskiyou, are a highlight. The unique experience of walking behind Hedge Creek Falls and the impressive sight of Middle McCloud Falls are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the variety of trails, from family-friendly walks around lakes to challenging mountain climbs.
Siskiyou County offers attractions year-round. Summer and early fall are ideal for hiking, water activities on the lakes, and exploring waterfalls. Spring brings wildflowers and pleasant temperatures for outdoor adventures. Winter is perfect for snow sports at Mt. Shasta Ski Park and snowshoeing around Bunny Flat Trailhead.
Yes, there are several options for easy walks with scenic views. The trail around Lake Siskiyou offers excellent views of Mount Shasta. The path to Middle McCloud Falls is easily accessible and provides impressive waterfall views. You can also find short trails in Mount Shasta City Park, which is home to the Sacramento River Headwaters and offers pleasant walks with mountain vistas.
To immerse yourself in Gold Rush-era history, visit Historic Yreka. Its West Miner Street Historic District is a national historic district filled with well-preserved buildings and businesses from that period. The Siskiyou County Museum in Yreka also provides extensive exhibits on the region's gold mining past, along with other aspects of its history.
Yes, the quaint railroad town of Dunsmuir features the Dunsmuir Historic Commercial District. For a truly unique experience, consider staying at the Railroad Park Resort, which offers overnight accommodations in historic railcars. The Montague Railroad Depot Museum also showcases railroad artifacts and the history of Montague, appealing to railway enthusiasts.


Are you keen on exploring more awesome places nearby? Browse our guides:
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: