The southern gateway to Siskiyou County is Dunsmuir. Nestled in a verdant Upper Sacramento River canyon, it's one of California's last early mountain towns. In addition to riparian recreation, Dunsmuir has a historic commercial district that blends early 1900s architecture with trendy shopping and dining. Rail fans hold Dunsmuir in high esteem, and the town celebrates its railroad heritage year round. The town's 10-acre botanical gardens are part of a larger city park that includes fishing access to wild trout in the Sacramento River.

The city of Mt. Shasta features tree-shaded boulevards lined with galleries, bookstores, shops stocked with recreational gear, fine restaurants and luxury lodging (or, wonderful campgrounds). Just outside of town is Lake Siskiyou, a relatively new lake constructed solely for the enjoyment of boaters, fishermen, swimming, camping and hiking.

The historic lumber mill town of McCloud is located on the southern slopes of Mount Shasta. It's the closest community to Mt. Shasta Ski Park, which offers excellent downhill and cross-country skiing during the winter, and mountain biking and rock climbing the rest of the year. McCloud is the jumping-off point for world-class fly fishing streams, golf and wildlife viewing, and the home station of the popular Shasta Sunset Dinner Train.

Rich history, spectacular scenery and country towns along the Salmon and Klamath Rivers are the main attractions of the Gold Country of the Mythical State of Jefferson. (Be sure to ask the friendly residents about the "mythical State of Jefferson.") Yreka, the county seat, is home to the Siskiyou County Museum, a storehouse of Native American, mountain pioneers, and gold rush history. Yreka's historic downtown is a great place for lunch and a stroll.

From Yreka, scenic driving routes take you to Scott Valley, Fort Jones, Etna, Happy Camp, and the Klamath River area. The Marble Mountain Wilderness Area and local-secret Siskiyou Wilderness offer trout-stocked lakes, conifers, campgrounds and stunning terrain. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge! There are infinitely more gaze-inducing vistas than gas stations in the area.

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