Lakes, waterfalls, ski slopes and small-town dining, most of it a short drive from the Ranch. Lake Siskiyou is about a mile away.
About a mile from the Ranch, south on W.A. Barr Rd. A trail runs almost all the way around the lake, about 7 miles round trip when the seasonal bridges across the delta are in, with almost no elevation gain. Don't miss the footbridge. The Fourth of July fireworks are held here.
Year round
A 10-acre forest area about a 3-minute walk from the Ranch's kitchen door, with wetlands, a pond, bridges over streams, benches and quiet trails. Dog friendly and an easy walk for families, summer or winter. From its south gate you can walk on to Lake Siskiyou, about a mile away.
Drive the slopes of the 14,179-foot dormant volcano, with vista points over the Sacramento River canyon and glimpses of Mt. Lassen. Bunny Flat, 11 miles from town, is the main access point for hikers and climbers in summer and for snow play in winter. The road ends about 14 miles up at Old Ski Bowl Vista and Panther Meadow. Take Lake Street east from town.
A stunning view of the 200-foot-deep Sacramento River canyon and Lake Siskiyou. Watch for eagles and osprey over the cliffs. Reached via W.A. Barr Rd.; park on either side of the dam and use caution near the roadway.
A clear alpine lake in a granite bowl, about 12 miles southwest of Mount Shasta. A moderate hike leads up to Heart Lake and an easy one follows the south side of the lake; fish and swim along the way. In winter, cross-country ski, ice fish, or ice skate when the ice is clear of snow. Cross Box Canyon Dam and take Castle Lake Rd. for 7 miles.
Three waterfalls within about a mile of each other, linked by a partially wheelchair-accessible trail about 1.5 miles each way. Middle Falls spreads over a lava cliff into a large pool where people swim in summer. Restrooms at Lower and Middle Falls. Take Highway 89 through McCloud and about 5 miles beyond.
Winter
Family-owned and family-friendly downhill skiing with terrain for all levels. A less crowded, more affordable alternative to the Lake Tahoe resorts and a good place to learn to ski. There is also a tubing park.
Winter
About 25 km of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails through tall pine forests and open meadows, with views of Mt. Shasta and a warming hut. Rentals and lessons are available.
Winter
260 miles of signed winter trails for skiers, snowshoers, dog sledders and snowmobilers.
18-hole golf course with a driving range, restaurant and bar.
At the north end of town, Big Spring gushes icy clear water from a lava tube deep within Mt. Shasta, the start of the Sacramento River. The park has trails with native plants, picnic tables, barbecues, playgrounds and restrooms, all free. Take N. Mt. Shasta Blvd. to Nixon Rd.
The oldest operating hatchery in the West, with open ponds of rainbow and brown trout raised to stock local waters. Spawning can be viewed on selected Tuesdays in fall and winter. Free admission. 1 N. Old Stage Rd., about half a mile west of the Central I-5 exit.
Winter
A free hill for snow play and sledding, on the way to the Ski Park and the Nordic Center. Famous for its ski jump in the 1930s. No facilities, so bring a lunch. Great for younger children.
November to February
Ice skating sessions, lessons, skate camps, youth and adult hockey and special events, right in town. Open November through February.
WebsiteMemorial Day weekend
Live music, wine tasting, mushroom vendors, cooking demonstrations, workshops and more in McCloud.
July 4
The annual parade along Mt. Shasta Blvd., followed by a spectacular fireworks show at Lake Siskiyou.
Mid July
A bike ride through the streets and mountains of Mt. Shasta, with routes for racers and casual riders.
End of July
Competitions, games, kids' activities, street vendors and more in McCloud.
Early September
Take on the triathlon yourself or come to watch.
Early September
A Rotary fundraiser with blackberry pie, games and music.
September
Hundreds of classic cars on display.
October
Pie baking competition, live music, a pumpkin patch, wagon rides and more.
Recommended by the Ranch. Gourmet burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads, with rotating craft beers on tap.
Great coffee, soup, salad, sandwiches and more.
A hidden gem at the McCloud Hotel in McCloud.
The restaurant at the Mount Shasta Resort golf course.
Family-style Mexican food and seafood.
Homemade Italian family-style dinners.
Restaurant on South Mt. Shasta Blvd.
Mountain guiding on Mt. Shasta.
Museum at 1 N. Old Stage Rd., the same address as the fish hatchery.
Teaches the primitive skills people have used throughout time to live in kinship with the Earth.
Outfitter for climbers, skiers, hikers, backpackers and cyclists since 1977: equipment, rentals, guides and permits.
Hardware store with a limited selection of sports and camping gear.
A full-service fly shop with everything you need to fish the Upper Sacramento and McCloud Rivers.
Listings are suggestions from the innkeepers. Hours and seasons change, so check with each place before you go.
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