All Siskiyou County Lodging
RV and Camping in Siskiyou County
Lodging in North Eastern Siskiyou County
Northeast County Attractions
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Attractions in Northeastern Siskiyou County
A diverse
landscape, featuring a profusion of wildlife, clean air, dramatic vistas and sunshine.
The Valleys and Volcanoes region presents visitors with a diverse
landscape, featuring a profusion of wildlife, clean air and sunshine.
The gateway city of Weed leads visitors off the Interstate to the broad
plains of Butte and Shasta Valleys and the towns of Dorris, Montague and
Tulelake with Mount Shasta shimmering in the distance. This region is
ripe with history, both in the friendly communities and in rural areas.
Explore pre-history in the carvings at Petroglyph Point, Native American
history at Captain Jack's Stronghold, and recent history at the Newell
Internment Camp site and the Prisoner of War camp site. This region also
claims the nation's first waterfowl refuge in the Tule Lake National
Wildlife Refuge, set aside by President Theodore Roosevelt. The refuge,
along with the Lower Klamath Wildlife Refuge, hosts millions of birds
moving along the Pacific Flyway. National and state wildlife refuges
offer visitors the chance for hands-on learning experiences and the
chance to view wildlife in its natural setting. The friendly people of
the rural communities of the Valleys and Volcanoes region share their
family-oriented activities and relaxed country atmosphere to help create
memory-making experiences for visitors.
Living Memorial Sculpture Garden, in Shasta Valley is created by Vietnam veteran and sculpture artist, Dennis Smith. The garden was edicated as a war memorial, but the huge metal sculptures evoke a powerful sense of striving for peace. Sculpture groupings with names such as The Refugees, The Why Group and Coming Home are arranged within walking distance of each other, with the stark landscape and lovely distant view of Mount Shasta as a backdrop. The Living Memorial Labryinth offers five meditative pathways planned after the sacred labrynth at Chartres Cathedral in France. To reach the Sculpture Garden drive 13 miles northeast of Weed on Hwy 97. Entrance is on the left side of the highway, one mile past Road A12.
Pluto Caves - Another of Shasta Valley's attractions was created during Mount Shasta's many eruptions, when lava oozed slowly over the landscape filling gullies and narrow valleys. The exposed outer surfaces cooled quickly and hardened, while the center continued to flow, leaving hollow lava tubes. Pluto Caves, located three miles west of Hwy 97 on Road A-12, 12 miles north of Weed, is an excellent, easily accessible example. Watch for silver letters spelling PLUTO CAVE, attached to a telephone pole marking the turnoff. Drive 2/10 mile to the dirt parking area, then follow the rock edged walkway to the Caves. Wear sturdy shoes and carry flashlights with extra batteries.
Stewart Mineral Springs - This unique 100 year old resort is located above Shasta Valley in the foothills of the Eddy Mountains, at the end of Stewart Springs Rd. off Hwy 99 north of Weed (take the Interstate 5 Edgewood exit). Visitors can enjoy private mineral baths, a sauna and a beautiful sunny deck overlooking Parks Creek. The resort is an ideal place for retreats and seminars.
Stewart Mineral Springs 4617 Stewart Springs Rd., 530-938-2222.
Dorris . . .
Dorris is the home of internationally recognized saddlemaker, Conrad Kopenhafer. Among Kopenhafer's most famous patrons is former President, Ronald Reagan. Visitors from all over the world stop by the Butte Valley Saddle Company to view the superb artistry of Conrad Kopenhafer's saddles.
The Tallest Flagpole in the United States is located in the town of Dorris. The Dorris Lion's Club organized a huge volunteer effort to finance and build this tremendous monument. The pole, measuring 36" wide at its base, and 5.6" at the top is buried in 22 ft. of concrete, to be able to withstand winds up to 100 miles an hour. The flag that flies from this towering pole measures 30ft. by 60ft. When you drive Hwy 97, you will see the pole well before you get to Dorris. Be sure to visit the little memorial park and look up, and up, and up at this enormous flag, pole, and accomplishment for a small town!
Butte Valley Wildlife Area is locate about 5 miles west of the town of Macdoel. Historically, more than 6 million waterfowl and large concentrations of other waterbirds migrated through the Klamath Basin, Butte Valley, and the adjacent valleys. Those numbers have decreased sharply as wetland areas diminished. With good wetlands management, peak numbers of migrating waterfowl currently are reaching more than 3 million.
The Butte Valley Wildlife Area and Meiss Lake offer many different habitats including forest, grassland, wetland, lake and cropland which results in a wide diversity of plant and animal life. Over 200 bird species and 50 mammal species have been identified on BVWA. Visitors wishing to drive a loop through Butte Valley, including BVWA should take Meiss Lake Rd. from Macdoel to the BVWA tour route. Continue on Sam's Neck, which leads back to Hwy 97 on the north side of BVWA.
Juanita Lake, located off Hwy 97 between Macdoel and Dorris in Butte Valley, is a great fishing and birding area which is handicap accessible. There is a paved path around the lake, with benches along the way, handicap restrooms, picnic tables that are lowered, and fishing piers for easy wheelchair access. The lake is stocked with sport-sized trout. Wildlife watching opportunities are excellent. Winters are often cold enough to make this a great ice fishing lake.
Lower Klamath and Tulelake National Wildlife Refuges - With over 263 species of birds using the refuges, visitors can expect a show at almost any time of the year. Fall is dynamic, with three-quarters of the waterfowl migrating along the Pacific Flyway visiting the refuges. By late December the remaining waterfowl attract thousands of raptors, including the largest concentration of wintering bald eagle in the lower 48 states. By early spring shorebirds begin filtering back to the refuge and will remain there to nest. During spring and summer, young broods of ducks and geese can be seen. Be sure to stop by the Tulelake Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on Hill Rd. to pick up a driving tour map and bird list. Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center 800-344-9453.
Tulelake . . .
Tulelake is the horseradish growing capital of the world with 1/3 of the world's crop grown here. It is also gateway to the Lava Beds National Monument and the National Wildlife Refuges. People from far beyond the region come annually for the Butte Valley Fair held in the fall.
Tulelake Horseradish Company - Horseradish products including old-fashioned and creamed horseradish, mustard, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and jelly have been made in Tulelake and shipped all over the country since 1959. Read more about Tulelake horseradish at the California Heartland website, and buy the great Tulelake Horseradish products online at tule-lake.com
Lava Beds National Monument is a beautiful volcanic landscape which showcases nearly all volcanic features. Visitors will see cinder cones, shield volcanos, pahoehoe (smooth ropey) and a'a (rough and clinker-like lava), spatter cones, chimneys and lava tubes. More than 300 lava tubes have been counted within the monument, and a number of them have mapped trails and ladders for easy access. Mushpot Cave, near the visitor center, is lighted. Here also are all the important battlefields of the Modoc Indian Wars. The Monument is dedicated to providing good old-fashioned direct, friendly contact with a staff of rangers for interpretation and information. You won't find a fancy visitor center. There is a year-round 40 unit campground for tents, pick-up campers, and small trailers. There are no hook-ups. RV parks are close by near Tulelake. Lava Beds National Monument, (530) 667-2282.
Drive the Volcanic Legacy All American Road through Siskiyou Couty. This is one of our nation's newest All American Roads, leading from Crater Lake in Oregon, through our area and heading to Lassen Peak to the south. Lots of information can be found at the www.volcaniclegacybyway.org web site.
A great adventure in the Medicine Lake area is to rent the Little Mount Hoffman Lookout for overnight stays...information can be found at the Forest Service web site.
Captain Jack's Stronghold - Along the shores of Tule Lake, ancient lava flows formed a rugged, uneven terrain which became known as Captain Jack's Stronghold. The area is cut with deep lava trenches and dotted with small habitable caves, creating a natural fortification and a seemingly endless variety of places where one could move unnoticed. In early January 1873, over 300 troops and volunteers were organized to drive approximately 50 Modoc men and their women and children from the Stronghold. For 6 months the Indians held off an army force which grew in number to 1000 troops. The total band of 160 Modocs surrendered on June 1, 1873.
Petroglyph Point, near the Wildlife Refuges and Lava Beds is a formation that was created when a cinder cone erupted from the floor of ancient Tule Lake to form an island. Early people paddled out in boats to carve pictures into the soft rock. Waves undercut the base of the cliff where the petroglyphs are carved. Cracks and crannies in the cliff face create natural nesting sites for barn owls, cliff swallows, hawks, prairie falcons and many other birds who find an abundant supply of food nearby.
Medicine Lake Highlands is the largest identified volcano (in total area) within California. The large Hawaiian shield-type volcano's gently sloping profile, stretching nearly 15 miles from east to west and 25 miles north and south, blends so well into the surrounding terrain it is easy to forget that you are driving on the slopes and into the caldera of a massive volcano. As you drive through the Highlands you will see mountains of glass, pumice deposits, cinder cones and collapsed lava tubes. Pick up a copy of "The Medicine Lake Highlands Self-guided Roadside Geology Tour" at a Forest Service office or a visitor center, to help you spot all the volcanic wonders.
Medicine Lake fills a portion of the massive caldera of this giant shield-type volcano. The lake has no known outlets, yet the water remains crisp and clear. The lake offers a variety of recreational opportunities including boating, swimming, waterskiing, fishing camping and picnicking. At 6700' elevation, the season is short and nights are usually very cool.
Glass Mountain - This glass flow has been designated a Special Interest Area for its unique geological feature, glassy dacite and rhyolitic obsidian which flowed from the same vent without mixing. Take care not to handle or walk on the obsidian. Remember, this is what Native Americans used to make arrowheads! It is extremely sharp and can be slippery to walk on. Little Glass Mountain is also an obsidian flow with pumice in evidence. Be sure to park in the parking lot at Little Glass Mountain, as it is easy to get stuck in the pumice.
Little Mount Hoffman Lookout - For a small fee you can experience the life of a fire lookout. From a height of 7,309', Little Mt. Hoffman offers spectacular views of Mount Shasta and the other volcanos in the Cascade chain. Contact the McCloud Ranger District (530)964-2184 for information and reservations to stay overnight at the historic fire lookout cabin atop the mountain.
Montague . . .
Historically an important town on the main line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, Montague was at one time the largest city in the county. It is currently a center of activity for the ranching communities of the Shasta Valley. The main street still retains its historic flavor. Restaurants and shops provide an opportunity to mingle with the locals and learn more about the area's history and sightseeing opportunities.
Dunlap Antique Stove Museum is more than a museum. It is the workshop of antique stove restorer, Bud Dunlap. Bud has carefully labeled the restored stoves with historical information of the era in which the stove was originally made, so touring the museum is a mini history lesson. The oldest stove was built in 1846, and shows the fine workmanship that was used to build each individually crafted piece. Dunlap Antique Stove Museum, 200 N. 11th St., Montague.
Iron Gate Reservoir and Copco Lake are two prime recreational lakes created by the damming of the Klamath River. Pacific Power manages and maintains the boat ramps, picnic areas and campgrounds around the lakes, allowing them to be used free of charge. Iron Gate is a great waterskiing lake and according to Bass Club president Mark Hill, "The fishing is fantastic at both Irongate and Copco."
Iron Gate Salmon and Steelhead Hatchery, located on the Klamath River just below the Iron Gate Dam, spawns chinook and coho salmon and steelhead trout. The fish are released in the spring and fall and travel to the ocean. Then in the fall, 3- to 5-year-old fish make the 190 mile trip back to the hatchery to spawn. Visitors can see millions of fish being raised in outdoor raceways. In the fall, they can watch the fish making their way upstream to the hatchery's spawning house. Eggs are collected and fertilize, then transferred to incubators where they mature for 40 to 60 days before they hatch. The hatchery is open 7 days a week from 7am to dusk. Iron Gate Hatchery just below the Iron Gate Dam on the Klamath River. 530-475-3420.
Shasta Valley Wildlife Area is a multiuse preserve off Ball Mountain Rd. east of Montague. The combination of lake, wetland and grassland habitats attract a widely diverse wildlife population. Birders and wildlife watchers are regular visitors to the Area. Bird hunting is permitted during certain seasons, on certain days with specific types of hunting licenses. Fishing is allowed on Bass Lake from February 1st to September 30th, and at Trout Lake on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from the Saturday preceding Memorial Day to September 30th. Check at the main headquarters for limits, and specific equipment requirements. Shasta Valley Wildlife Area off Ball Mountain Rd. east of Montague. 530-459-3926.
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