Step apart, Tahoe!
There’s one other NorCal lake hideaway with fewer crowds, unbounded nature, and no snooty vibes — a spot the place you will not discover thousand-dollar millionaires making an attempt to outdo one another.
In reality, this area of California leans extra on the Boho spectrum the place tie-dye shirts are commonplace, #vanlife seemingly outpaces the true property market, and a deep appreciation for nature is virtually a neighborhood regulation.

Positive, you may nonetheless e book a rustic cabin with a crackling hearth and beautiful panoramic views, however there are not any flashy casinos and superstar chef eating places as you will discover in glamorous Tahoe.
This spring (or summer time), the lesser-known Lake Siskiyou is asking your title because the very definition of a tranquil hideaway.
Unwind In California’s Finest Saved Secret
Whereas there is a sure portion of vacationers (seemingly aged 25 and below) in search of out the prettiest seashores to show into their rager headquarters, one other portion (like me) enjoys a quieter escape with out the thumping bass and that one broken-record drunk “woo!” lady.
That is the place Lake Siskyou comes into play as one among California’s most serene escapes, but largely unknown.
Positioned close to Mt. Shasta, an eccentric city stuffed with New Age retailers, non secular seekers, and outside adventures, Lake Siskyou is the area’s vibrant spot in what outsiders usually take into account a kooky haven of misfits.
Mt. Shasta’s shameless “hippie” vibes generally is a deterrent to some vacationers, however Lake Siskiyou itself is not lined with crystal retailers simply because it is in shut distance.
The lake is a giant draw from native Northern Californians in summer time, making spring a good time to go to to benefit from the pristine crystal-clear waters excellent for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and/or renting a boat.
And should you resolve Lake Siskiyou is your spring highway journey vacation spot, be at liberty to carry Fido alongside. Canines are allowed to tag alongside (with a most 6-foot leash). It is a ruff life; puppers deserve a vacay too.
Earlier than planning, simply know March continues to be chilly. Purpose for April by way of early June, the place temps start to hit the mid 60’s in April and prime out within the low 80’s in June earlier than the native crowds take over.
‘Sacred’ Mountains And Waterfalls: Lake Siskiyou Is Made For Exploring
Whereas Austin and Portland each adopted the monikers of ‘holding their metropolis bizarre’, the identical may very well be stated for the city of Mt. Shasta.
Siskiyou County’s Native Individuals have lengthy believed their mountains to be sacred, and who can blame them? Mount Shasta is a sight to behold.
In fact, it would not assist that its snow-capped peak, usually shrouded in clouds, provides to its mystique.
Legend has it the mountain is a hotspot for UFO sightings and permeates a non secular power.
So, now you may perceive how Mt. Shasta has finally turn into a city of healers, non secular guides, artists, and free thinkers who do not conform to society’s unwritten guidelines.
Trying up on the mountain backdrop, it is basically an open invitation to scratch your wanderlust itch and discover the world nevertheless you see match.
The lake itself is surrounded by well-marked mountain climbing trails. The most well-liked path is the 6.5 mile-long Trail Loop, thought-about ‘simple’, and once more, dog-friendly.
However one of the best hikes finish with long-lasting reminiscences, and what higher strategy to accomplish that than discovering the fantastic thing about Siskiyou’s hidden waterfalls?
McCloud Falls, residence to a collection of three waterfalls, is the most well-liked and deemed a “must-visit”, however additional away from the lake. Nearer to the lake is Faery Falls, a 50-foot excessive waterfall few vacationers find out about.
Hedge Creek Falls is probably going the simplest to achieve because it’s proper off I-5, accessible by a ‘brief, simple hike’ as one current customer put it.
The place To Keep
Mt. Shasta could also be quirky but it surely additionally serves as an awesome base with cozy boutique inns and farm-to-table eateries.
That’s should you do not care to remain on-site in a snug wooded cabin at Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort or splurge on a spacious chalet at top-rated golf resort, Mount Shasta Resort.
For a real hidden gem, take a look at the tiny historic city of Dunsmuir simply south of the aforementioned Hedge Creek Falls.
House to The Angler Lodge, boasting an ideal 5.0 Google Ranking, visitors love the ‘cozy beds’, ‘clear rooms’, and shut proximity to Dunsmuir Brewery Works.
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Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.