Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Table of Contents
Chico | Red Bluff | Redding | Weaverville | Lake Shasta Area | Dunsmuir | Mt. Shasta
From the blooming almond orchards of the fertile Sacramento River valley through the forested mountains and to the dominating peak of a dormant volcano, this section of the Far North entices tourists in all seasons.
Chico
180 miles from San Francisco, east on I–80, north on I–505 to I–5, and east on Hwy. 32; 86 miles north of Sacramento on Hwy. 99.
Chico (Spanish for “small”) lies in the Sacramento Valley and offers a welcome break from the monotony of Interstate 5. The Chico campus of California State University, the scores of local artisans, and the area’s agriculture (primarily almond orchards) all influence the culture here. Chico’s true claim to fame, however, is the popular Sierra Nevada Brewery, which keeps beer drinkers across the country happy with its distinctive brews.
Getting Here and Around
Both Highway 99, coming north from Sacramento or south off Interstate 5 at Red Bluff, and Highway 32, going east off Interstate 5 at Orland, intersect Chico. Amtrak and Greyhound stop here, and United Express flies into the Chico airport. Butte Regional Transit’s B-Line buses serve Chico and nearby towns. Anchored by a robust university scene, the downtown neighborhoods are great for walking.
Essentials
Bus Contact
B-Line. | 530/342–0221, 800/822–8145 | www.blinetransit.com.
Visitor Information
Chico Chamber of Commerce. | 441 Main St., Ste. 150, near E. 5th St. | 530/891–5556, 800/852–8570 | www.chicochamber.com.
Tours
Sacramento River Eco Tours.
Chico wildlife biologist Henry Lomeli guides boat tours down the Sacramento River to explore the diverse fish, fowl, and plant life that thrives in and around one of California’s major waterways. | Ord Bend County Park boat launch, Ord Ferry Rd. and Sacramento River, 14 miles southwest of Chico | 530/864–8594 | www.sacramentoriverecotours.com | From $85.
Exploring
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.
Built between 1865 and 1868 by General John Bidwell, the founder of Chico, this mansion was designed by Henry W. Cleaveland, a San Francisco architect. Bidwell and his wife welcomed many distinguished guests to their distinctive pink Italianate home, including President Rutherford B. Hayes, naturalist John Muir, suffragist Susan B. Anthony, and General William T. Sherman. A one-hour tour takes you through most of the mansion’s 26 rooms. Credit cards are not accepted. | 525 The Esplanade, at Memorial Way | 530/895–6144 | www.parks.ca.gov | $6 | Sat.–Mon. 11–5; last tour at 4.
Bidwell Park.
The sprawling 3,670-acre Bidwell Park is a community green space straddling Big Chico Creek, where scenes from Gone With the Wind and the 1938 version of Robin Hood (starring Errol Flynn) were filmed. The region’s recreational hub, it includes a golf course, swimming areas, and biking, hiking, horseback riding, and in-line skating trails. One of the largest city-run parks in the country, Bidwell starts as a slender strip downtown and expands eastward 11 miles toward the Sierra foothills. Chico Creek Nature Center serves as the official information site for Bidwell Park. | 1968 E. 8th St., off Hwy. 99 | 530/896–7800 Chico Public Works Dept., 530/891–4671 Chico Creek Nature Center | www.ccnaturecenter.org.
Fodor’s Choice | Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.
This pioneer of the microbrewery movement still has a hands-on approach to beer making. Tour the brew house and see how the beer is produced—from the sorting of hops through fermentation and bottling, and concluding with a complimentary tasting. You can also visit the gift shop and enjoy a hearty lunch or dinner in the brewpub. TIP Tours fill up fast; call or sign up online before you visit. | 1075 E. 20th St., at Sierra Nevada St. | 530/345–2739 brewpub, 530/899–4776 tours | www.sierranevada.com | Free | Tours daily, call for times.
Where to Eat and Stay
5th Street Steakhouse.
$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | Hand-cut steak is the star in this refurbished early 1900s building, the place to come when you’re craving red meat and a huge baked potato. Exposed redbrick walls warm the dining rooms, and a long mahogany bar catches the overflow crowds that jam the place on weekends. Lunch is served on Fridays only. No reservations for parties smaller than six persons are accepted on Fridays and Saturdays. | Average main: $30 | 345 W. 5th St., at Normal Ave. | 530/891–6328 | www.5thstreetsteakhouse.com | No lunch Thurs.–Sat.
Madison Bear Garden.
$ | AMERICAN | This downtown favorite two blocks south of the Chico State campus is a great spot for checking out the vibrant college scene while enjoying a burger and a brew. | Average main: $8 | 316 W. 2nd St., at Salem St. | 530/891–1639 | www.madisonbeargarden.com.
Red Tavern.
$$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | With its burgundy carpet, white linen tablecloths, and mellow lighting, this is one of Chico’s coziest restaurants. The Mediterranean-influenced menu, inspired by fresh local produce, changes seasonally. There’s a great California wine list, and a full bar. TIP Try their popular Sunday brunch. | Average main: $24 | 1250 The Esplanade, at E. 3rd Ave. | 530/894–3463 | www.redtavern.com | Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Sat.
Hotel Diamond.
$$ | HOTEL | Crystal chandeliers and gleaming wood floors and banisters elegantly welcome guests into the foyer of this restored gem in downtown Chico near the university. Some rooms are furnished with antiques that reflect the town’s historic past. An on-site restaurant and bar provides room service, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pros: refined; great location; breakfast voucher included in room rate. Cons: street scene can be noisy on weekends. | Rooms from: $140 | 220 W. 4th St., near Broadway | 530/893–3100, 866/993–3100 | www.hoteldiamondchico.com | 39 rooms, 4 suites | Breakfast.
Shopping
Made in Chico.
This establishment sells locally produced goods, including pottery, olives, almonds, and Woof and Poof creations—whimsical home decor items, such as stuffed Santas, elves, animals, and pillows. | 127 W. 3rd St., between Main St. and Broadway | 530/894–7009 | www.madeinchicostore.com.
Needham Studios.
Beautiful custom-made etched, stained, and beveled glass is created at Needham Studios. | 237 Broadway, at 3rd St. | 530/345–4718 | www.needhamstudios.com.
Satava Art Glass Studio.
Shop and watch demonstrations of glassblowing at the Satava Art Glass Studio. Call for studio hours. | 819 Wall St. | 530/345–7985 | www.satava.com.
Red Bluff
41 miles north of Chico on Hwy 99.
Historic Red Bluff is a gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Established in the mid-19th century as a shipping center on the Sacramento River, and named for the color of its soil, the town is filled with dozens of restored Victorians. It’s a great home base for outdoor adventures in the area.
Getting Here and Around
Access Red Bluff via exits off Interstate 5, or by driving north on Highway 99. Highway 36 is a long, twisting road that begins near the Pacific Coast and goes to Red Bluff, then east to the towns near Lassen Volcanic National Park. Greyhound buses stop here and also provide connecting service to Amtrak. TRAX (Tehama Rural Area Express) serves Red Bluff and neighboring towns.
Essentials
Bus Information
TRAX. | 530/385–2877 | www.taketrax.com.
Visitor Information
Red Bluff–Tehama County Chamber of Commerce. | 100 Main St., at Rio St. | 530/527–6220 | www.redbluffchamber.com.
Exploring
William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park.
Named for the first and only president of the short-lived California Republic of 1846, William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park is on an oak-lined bank of the Sacramento River. The Bear Flag Party proclaimed California a sovereign nation, separate from Mexican rule, and the republic existed for 22 days before it was taken over by the United States. The republic’s flag has survived, with minor refinements, as California’s state flag. At press time, the park’s main attraction, an adobe home built in the 1850s and outfitted with period furnishings, was being refurbished after a giant oak tree fell on it during a storm. | 21659 Adobe Rd., at Park Pl., ½ mile east of I–5 | 530/529–8599 | www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=458 | $6 per vehicle | Park and picnic facilities, and historic sites Fri.–Sun. 10–4.
Where to Eat and Stay
Green Barn Steakhouse.
$$ | STEAKHOUSE | You’re likely to find cowboys sporting Stetsons and spurs feasting on sizzling porterhouse, baby back ribs, and prime rib at Red Bluff’s premier steak house. For lighter fare, try the fish or pasta entrées. Don’t miss the bread pudding with rum sauce. The lounge is usually hopping, especially when there’s an event at the nearby rodeo grounds. | Average main: $20 | 5 Chestnut Ave., at Antelope Blvd. | 530/527–3161 | Reservations not accepted | Closed Sun. no lunch Sat.
Sportsman Lodge.
$ | HOTEL | On-site owners keep this small motel neat and inviting, with practical amenities like refrigerators, microwaves, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi. The low room rates make this a good choice for budget-minded travelers zipping down I–5. Pros: spacious rooms; helpful owners; pet-friendly. Cons: an older facility. | Rooms from: $68 | 768 Antelope Blvd., near Trinity Ave. | 530/527–2888 | www.sportsmanlodgemotel.com | 19 rooms | No meals.
Redding
32 miles north of Red Bluff on I–5.
As the largest city in the Far North, Redding is an ideal headquarters for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Getting Here and Around
Reach Redding from exits off Interstate 5 or via Highway 299, which originates near coastal Eureka and crosses Weaverville and Redding before heading northeast to Burney and Alturas. Highway 44 stretches from Susanville past Lassen Park’s north entrance before ending in Redding. United Express serves the Redding airport. Amtrak and Greyhound make stops here.
Essentials
Bus Information
Redding Area Bus Authority. | 530/241–2877 | www.rabaride.com.
Visitor Information
Redding Convention and Visitors Bureau. | 2334 Washington Ave., Ste. B | 530/225–4100, 800/874–7562 | www.visitredding.com.
Exploring
FAMILY | Fodor’s Choice | Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
This park features walking trails, an arboretum and botanical gardens, and lots of interactive exhibits for kids, including a gold-panning area and the seasonal butterfly exhibit. The main draw is the stunning Sundial Bridge, which links the Sacramento River Trail and the park’s arboretum and gardens. Access to the bridge and arboretum is free, but there’s a fee for the museum. | 844 Sundial Bridge Dr., off Hwy. 44 | 530/243–8850, 800/887–8532 | www.turtlebay.org | Museum $16 | May–early Sept., Mon.–Sat. 9–5, Sun. 10–5; early Sept.–Apr., Wed.–Sat. 9–4, Sun. 10–4.
Where to Eat and Stay
Jack’s Grill.
$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | Famous for its 16-ounce steaks, this popular bar and steak house also serves shrimp and chicken. A town favorite, the place is usually jam-packed and noisy. The bar serves great martinis. | Average main: $27 | 1743 California St., near Sacramento St. | 530/241–9705 | www.jacksgrillredding.com | Closed Sun. No lunch.
Klassique Kafe.
$ | AMERICAN | Two sisters run this small, bustling restaurant that caters to locals looking for simple but hearty breakfast and lunch fare. The hot luncheon specials served daily might include butter beans and ham with corn bread, or chicken and dumplings. | Average main: $10 | 2427 Athens Ave., at Locust St. | 530/244–4939 | www.klassiquekafe.com | Closed weekends. No dinner.
Nello’s Place.
$$$ | ITALIAN | Fine Italian dining and romantic ambience go hand-in-hand at Nello’s Place, one of Redding’s best restaurants. You’ll find a varied selection of veal, chicken, beef, and pasta dishes mixed with lighter fish and vegetarian fare. For special presentations, order a Caesar salad prepared tableside for two, and bananas flambé for dessert. There’s a full bar in addition to an extensive wine list. | Average main: $25 | 3055 Bechelli La., near Hartnell Ave. | 530/223–1636 | www.nellosrestaurant.net | No lunch. Closed Mon.
The Red Lion.
$ | HOTEL | Close to Redding’s convention center and regional recreation sites, this hotel is a top choice for both business and vacation travelers. Rooms are spacious and comfortable; a large patio surrounded by landscaped grounds is a relaxing spot to enjoy an outdoor meal or snack. Rooms have irons, ironing boards, and hair dryers, and there’s a gym near the pool. The hotel’s restaurant, 3-Shastas Bar and Grill ($$), serves dinner only and is popular with locals. Some pets allowed for a fee. Pros: family-friendly; close to a major shopping and dining area. Cons: on a noisy street. | Rooms from: $119 | 1830 Hilltop Dr., Hwy. 44/299 exit off I–5 | 530/221–8700, 800/733–5466 | www.redlion.com | 192 rooms, 2 suites | No meals.
Sports and the Outdoors
Fishing
Fly Shop.
This store sells fishing licenses and has information about guides, conditions, and fishing trips. | 4140 Churn Creek Rd., at Denton Way | 530/222–3555, 800/669–3474 | www.flyshop.com.
Weaverville
46 miles west of Redding on Hwy. 299.
A man known only as Weaver struck gold here in 1849, and the fledgling community that developed at the base of the Trinity Alps was named after him. With its impressive downtown historic district, today Weaverville is a popular headquarters for family vacations and biking, hiking, fishing, and gold-panning excursions.
Getting Here and Around
Highway 299 becomes Main Street down the center of Weaverville. Take the highway either east from the Pacific Coast or west from Redding. Highway 36 from Red Bluff to Highway 3 heading north leads to Weaverville. Trinity Transit provides minimal local bus service plus a line that links Weaverville to Interstate 5 at Redding.
Essentials
Visitor Information
Trinity County Visitors Bureau. | 509 Main St. | 530/623–6101 | www.visittrinity.com.
Exploring
Trinity County Courthouse.
Built in 1856 as a store, office building, and hotel, Trinity County Courthouse was converted to county use in 1865. The Apollo Saloon, in the basement, became the county jail. It’s the oldest courthouse still in use in California. | Court and Main Sts.
Trinity County Hal Goodyear Historical Park.
For a vivid sense of Weaverville’s past, visit the Trinity County Hal Goodyear Historical Park, especially its Jake Jackson Memorial Museum. A blacksmith shop and a stamp mill (where ore is crushed) from the 1890s are still in use during certain community events. Also here are the original jail cells of the Trinity County Courthouse. | 780 Main St., at Bartlett La. | 530/623–5211 | www.trinitymuseum.org | Jan.–Mar., Wed. and Sat. noon–4; Apr. and Oct., daily 11–4; May–Sept., daily 10–5; Nov. and Dec., Wed.–Sat. 11–4.
Fodor’s Choice | Weaverville Joss House.
Weaverville’s main attraction is the Joss House, a Taoist temple built in 1874 and called Won Lim Miao (“the temple of the forest beneath the clouds”) by Chinese miners. The oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California, it attracts worshippers from around the world. With its golden altar, antique weaponry, and carved wooden canopies, the Joss House is a piece of California history that can best be appreciated on a guided 30-minute tour. The original temple building and many of its furnishings—some of which came from China—were lost to fire in 1873, but members of the local Chinese community soon rebuilt it. | 630 Main St., at Oregon St. | 530/623–5284 | www.parks.ca.gov | Museum free; guided tour $4 | Thurs.–Sun. 10–5; last tour at 4.
Where to Eat and Stay
Beckett’s Trail’s End Steakhouse.
$$ | STEAKHOUSE | The chef-owner of this small restaurant serves big steaks along with chicken and fish entrées. The blackened shrimp tacos with a spicy corn and bean salsa are superb, as are the fresh wild salmon and the black ‘n blue Cajun burger. Jeans and kick-back attire are perfectly suited to this super casual eatery. | Average main: $18 | 1324 Nugget La., at Main St. | 530/623–2900 | Closed Sun. no lunch Thurs.
La Casita.
$ | MEXICAN | A traditional selection of Mexican food is on the menu here, including quesadillas (try the version with roasted chili peppers), tostadas, enchiladas, tacos, and tamales. Many dishes are available without meat. Open from late morning through dinner, this casual spot is great for a mid-afternoon snack. | Average main: $9 | 570 Main St. | 530/623–5797 | Closed Sun.
Red Hill Motel.
$ | HOTEL | This 1940s-era property is popular with anglers, who appreciate the outdoor fish-cleaning area on the premises. The separate wooden lodgings, painted red and surrounded by pine trees, encircle a grassy knoll. One cozy cabin with full kitchen is good for families; two others have kitchenettes, and three have mini-refrigerators and microwaves. Pros: close to popular bass fishing sites; inexpensive. Cons: older facility; some rooms need sprucing up. | Rooms from: $53 | 50 Red Hill Rd., off Main St./Hwy. 299 | 530/623–4331 | 4 rooms, 6 cabins, 2 duplexes | No meals.
Weaverville Hotel.
$$ | HOTEL | Originally built during the gold rush, this beautifully restored hotel is filled with antiques and period furniture. Each of the inn’s seven rooms is named after a Trinity County gold mine; all have luxurious linens and towels, most have claw-footed tubs and fireplaces. Only one room has a television, but guests usually prefer to spend their time exploring the area’s mountains, lakes, and hiking trails. Pros: gracious on-site owners; in heart of town’s historic district. Cons: no pets allowed. | Rooms from: $140 | 481 Main St., near Court St. | 530/623–2222, 800/750–8853 | www.weavervillehotel.com | 7 rooms | No meals.
Sports and the Outdoors
Fly Stretch.
Below the Lewiston Dam, east of Weaverville on Highway 299, is the Fly Stretch of the Trinity River, an excellent fly-fishing area.
Pine Cove Boat Ramp.
This ramp on Lewiston Lake provides fishing access for those with disabilities—decks here are built over prime trout-fishing waters.
Weaverville Ranger Station.
Check here for maps and information about local fishing and hiking trails in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. | 360 Main St. | 530/623–2121.
Shopping
Highland Art Center Gallery.
Inside a historic Main Street home, this gallery showcases and sells painting, photography, fiber arts, ceramics, sculpture, and other handcrafted works produced by local artists and those from surrounding mountain communities. | 691 Main St. | 530/623–5111 | www.highlandartcenter.org | Closed Tues.–Wed. from Dec.– Mar.
Lake Shasta Area
12 miles north of Redding on I–5.
When you think of the Lake Shasta Area, picture water, wilderness, dazzling stalagmites—and a fabulous man-made project in the midst of it all.
Getting Here and Around
Interstate 5 north of Redding is the main link to the entire Lake Shasta area. Get to the dam by passing through the tiny city of Shasta Lake. There is no local bus service.
Essentials
Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association.
Stop in the association’s visitor center in the Anderson outlet mall off I–5 between Red Bluff and Redding, or check the website for special events taking place during your visit to California’s northernmost counties. A weekly fishing report informs anglers about stream closures and which spots are yielding the best catches. | 1699 Hwy. 273 | Anderson | 530/365–7500, 800/474–2782 | www.shastacascade.com.
Exploring
Lake Shasta.
Numerous types of fish inhabit the lake, including rainbow trout, salmon, bass, brown trout, and the humble catfish. The lake region also has the largest nesting population of bald eagles in California. You can rent fishing boats, ski boats, sailboats, canoes, paddleboats, Jet Skis, and windsurfing boards at one of the many marinas and resorts along the 370-mile shoreline. | Shasta Lake | www.shastacascade.com.
Fodor’s Choice | Lake Shasta Caverns.
Stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone deposits, and crystals entice visitors to the Lake Shasta Caverns. To see this impressive spectacle, you must take the two-hour tour, which includes a catamaran ride across the McCloud arm of Lake Shasta and a bus ride up North Grey Rocks Mountain to the cavern entrance. The caverns are 58°F year-round, making them a cool retreat on a hot summer day. The most awe-inspiring of the limestone rock formations is the glistening Cathedral Room, which appears to be gilded. A gift shop is open from 8 to 4:30. | 20359 Shasta Caverns Rd., Exit 695 off I–5, 17 miles north of Redding | Lakehead | 530/238–2341, 800/795–2283 | www.lakeshastacaverns.com | $24 | June–Aug., tours on the half hr, daily 9–4; Apr., May, and Sept., tours on the hr, daily 9–3; Oct.–Mar., tours at 10, noon, and 2.
Shasta Dam.
This is the second-largest concrete dam in the United States (only Grand Coulee in Washington is bigger). The visitor center has computerized photographic tours of the dam construction, video presentations, fact sheets, and historical displays. Hour-long guided tours inside the dam and its powerhouse leave from the center. | 16349 Shasta Dam Blvd., off Lake Blvd. | Shasta Lake | 530/275–4463 | www.usbr.gov | Free | Visitor center daily 8–5; call for tour times.
Where to Eat
The CookHouse.
$$ | SEAFOOD | Enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Shasta here while you savor house specials like grilled salmon, prime rib, and pasta dishes. This is a favorite spot for boaters, who anchor at a courtesy dock while they’re dining. | Average main: $19 | 10300 Bridge Bay Rd., Bridge Bay exit off I–5 | Redding | 530/275–3021 | www.bridgebayhouseboats.com/amenities/dining | No dinner Mon.–Wed. in winter.
Sports and the Outdoors
Fishing
The Fishen Hole.
A couple of miles from the lake, this bait-and-tackle shop sells fishing licenses and provides information about conditions. | 3844 Shasta Dam Blvd., at Red Bluff Ave. | Shasta Lake | 530/275–4123.
Houseboating
Houseboats here come in all sizes except small. As a rule, rentals are outfitted with cooking utensils, dishes, and most of the equipment you’ll need—you supply the food and the linens. When you rent a houseboat, you receive a short course in how to maneuver your launch before you set out. You can fish, swim, sunbathe on the flat roof, or sit on the deck and watch the world go by. The shoreline of Lake Shasta is beautifully ragged, with countless inlets; it’s not hard to find privacy. Expect to spend a minimum of $350 a day for a craft that sleeps six. A three-day, two-night minimum is customary. Prices are often lower during the off-season (September through May). Bridge Bay Resort rents houseboats, fishing boats, ski boats, and patio boats. Shasta Cascade offers general information.
Bridge Bay Resort.
This resort offers modest lakeside lodging, a restaurant, boat and Jet Ski rentals, and a full-service marina. If you want to sleep on the lake rather than beside it, rent one of the houseboats that come in sizes large enough to accommodate up to a dozen people. | 10300 Bridge Bay Rd. | Redding | 800/752–9669, 530/275–3021 | www.bridgebayhouseboats.com.
Dunsmuir
10 miles south of Mt. Shasta on I–5.
Surrounded by towering forests and boasting world-class fly-fishing in the Upper Sacramento River, tiny Dunsmuir was named for a 19th-century Scottish coal baron who offered to build a fountain if the town was renamed in his honor. Another major attraction is the Railroad Park Resort, where you can spend the night in restored cabooses.
Getting Here and Around
Reach Dunsmuir via exits off Interstate 5 at the north and south ends of town. When snow hasn’t closed the route, you can take Highway 89 from the Lassen Park area toward Burney then northeast to Interstate 5 at Mt. Shasta. From there it’s a 10-mile drive south to Dunsmuir. Amtrak stops here; Greyhound stops in Weed, 20 miles north. On weekdays, STAGE buses serve Dunsmuir.
Essentials
Bus Information
STAGE. | 530/842–8295 | www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/content/transportation-division-stage.
Visitor Information
Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce. | 5915 Dunsmuir Ave., Ste. 100 | 530/235–2177 | dunsmuir.com.
Exploring
Fodor’s Choice | Castle Crags State Park.
Named for its 6,000-foot glacier-polished crags, which were formed by volcanic activity centuries ago, this park offers fishing in Castle Creek, hiking in the backcountry, and a view of Mt. Shasta. The crags draw climbers and hikers from around the world. The 4,350-acre park has 28 miles of hiking trails, including a 2¾-mile access trail to Castle Crags Wilderness, part of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. There are excellent trails at lower altitudes. Camping is allowed in winter on a first-come, first-served basis. | 6 miles south of Dunsmuir, Castella/Castle Crags exit off I–5,20022 Castle Creek Rd. | Castella | 530/235–2684 | www.parks.ca.gov | $8 per vehicle, day use.
Where to Eat and Stay
Café Maddalena.
$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | The chef here gained experience working in top San Francisco restaurants before moving north to prepare adventurous Mediterranean fare with a French influence. Selections change seasonally but always feature a vegetarian dish, along with fish, beef, and chicken entrées. Wines from Spain, Italy, and France complement the meals. Ask about the daily prix-fixe menu. | Average main: $21 | 5801 Sacramento Ave. | 530/235–2725 | www.cafemaddalena.com | Closed Mon.–Wed. and Jan.–mid-Feb. No lunch.
FAMILY | Railroad Park Resort.
$$ | HOTEL | The antique cabooses here were collected over more than three decades and have been converted into cozy motel rooms in honor of Dunsmuir’s railroad legacy. Fashioned from vintage railcars, a vaguely Orient Express–style dining room and lounge are open from late April through December. A creek runs next to the landscaped grounds, where you’ll find a huge steam engine, a restored water tower, and a spectacular view of Castle Crags. A campground and RV park are open seasonally from late April through October.Pros: gorgeous setting; kitschy fun. Cons: cabooses can feel cramped. | Rooms from: $125 | 100 Railroad Park Rd. | 530/235–4440 | www.rrpark.com | 23 cabooses, 4 cabins | No meals.
Mt. Shasta
34 miles north of Lake Shasta on I–5.
While a snow-covered dormant volcano is the area’s dazzling draw, the town of Mt. Shasta charms visitors with its small shops, friendly residents, and beautiful scenery in all seasons.
Getting Here and Around
Three exits off Interstate 5 lead to the town of Mt. Shasta. When snow hasn’t closed the route, you can take Highway 89 from the Lassen Park area toward Burney then northeast to Mt. Shasta. The ski park is off Highway 89. Greyhound stops at Weed, 10 miles north; Amtrak stops at Dunsmuir, 10 miles south. There’s no local bus system.
Essentials
Visitor Information
Mt. Shasta Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. | 300 Pine St., at W. Lake St., | Mt. Shasta | 530/926–4865, 800/926–4865 | www.mtshastachamber.com.
Exploring
Fodor’s Choice | Mt. Shasta.
The crown jewel of the 2.5-million-acre Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Mt. Shasta, a 14,179-foot-high dormant volcano, is a mecca for day hikers. It’s especially enticing in spring, when fragrant Shasta lilies and other flowers adorn the rocky slopes. A paved road, the Everitt Memorial Highway, reaches only as far as the timberline; the final 6,000 feet are a tough climb of rubble, ice, and snow (the summit is perpetually ice-packed). Only a hardy few are qualified to make the trek to the top. TIP Always check weather predictions; sudden storms have trapped climbers with snow and freezing temperatures.
The town of Mt. Shasta has real character and some fine restaurants. Lovers of the outdoors and backcountry skiers abound, and they are more than willing to offer advice on the most beautiful spots in the region, which include out-of-the-way swimming holes, dozens of high mountain lakes, and a challenging 18-hole golf course with 360 degrees of spectacular views. | www.mtshastachamber.com.
Where to Eat and Stay
Lilys.
$$ | ECLECTIC | This restaurant in a white-clapboard home, framed by a picket fence and arched trellis, offers an eclectic menu. Try bourbon-glazed French toast for breakfast. Lunch and dinner selections vary seasonally, but often include roasted beet salad with poached pear, walnuts, and blue cheese; steak and beef dishes; and marinated pork chops with cannellini beans. Daily fish entrées might include herb-stuffed fresh trout or seared mahi. For innovative vegetarian fare, try the walnut garbanzo veggie burger. Brunch is served on the weekend. | Average main: $20 | 1013 S. Mt. Shasta Blvd., at Holly St. | Mt. Shasta | 530/926–3372 | www.lilysrestaurant.com.
Seven Suns Coffee and Cafe.
$ | CAFÉ | A favorite gathering spot for locals, this small coffee shop serves specialty wraps for breakfast and lunch, plus soup and salad selections. Pastries, made daily, include muffins, cookies, and blackberry scones in season. If the weather’s nice, grab a seat on the patio. | Average main: $9 | 1011 S. Mt. Shasta Blvd., at Holly St. | Mt. Shasta | 530/926–9701 | www.mtshastacoffee.com.
Best Western Tree House Motor Inn.
$$ | HOTEL | The clean, standard rooms at this motel less than a mile from downtown Mt. Shasta are decorated with natural-wood furnishings. Some of the nicer ones have vaulted ceilings and mountain views. Lunch and dinner are available daily in the adjoining restaurant/lounge. Some pet friendly rooms. Pros: close to ski park; indoor pool; lobby’s roaring fireplace is a big plus on winter days. Cons: not all lodging buildings have elevators. | Rooms from: $170 | 111 Morgan Way | Mt. Shasta | 530/926–3101, 800/545–7164 | www.bestwesterncalifornia.com/hotels/best-western-plus-tree-house | 91 rooms, 7 suites | Breakfast.
Mount Shasta Resort.
$$ | RENTAL | Private chalets are nestled among tall pine trees along the shore of Lake Siskiyou, all with gas-log fireplaces and full kitchens. The resort’s Highland House Restaurant, above the clubhouse of a spectacular 18-hole golf course, has uninterrupted views of Mt. Shasta. Large steaks and prawn dishes are menu highlights at the restaurant. Take the Central Mt. Shasta exit west from I–5, then go south on Old Stage Road. Pros: incredible views; romantic woodsy setting; some pet-friendly rooms for extra fee. Cons: kids may get bored. | Rooms from: $170 | 1000 Siskiyou Lake Blvd. | Mt. Shasta | 530/926–3030, 800/958–3363 | www.mountshastaresort.com | 65 units | No meals.
The Pacific Flyway
You don’t need wings to catch the Pacific Flyway. All it takes is a car, a good map, and high-powered binoculars to follow the flight path of more than 250 bird species that migrate through far Northern California and stop at wildlife refuges on their way.
Eagles and hawks make their visits in winter; more than a million waterfowl pass through in fall. Returning migrants such as pelicans, cranes, and songbirds such as the marsh wren and ruby-crowned kinglet arrive in March, just in time to herald the spring; goslings, ducklings, and other newly hatched waterfowl paddle through the wetlands in summer.
February and March are especially good viewing times, when people are scarce but wildlife thrives in the cold climate. Many birds enter their breeding season during these months, and you can hear their unusual mating calls and witness aerial ballets as vividly plumed males pursue females.
One of the most impressive Pacific Flyway stopovers is on the California–Oregon border: the 46,900-acre Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 as the country’s first waterfowl refuge. The area has the largest winter concentration of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. You can take a 10-mile auto tour through parts of the refuge, where the eagles feed from December through mid-March. (From Interstate 5 north of Mt. Shasta, take the Highway 97 turnoff to Highway 161 and follow the signs.) Even if you’re not already an avid bird-watcher, you likely will be after a visit to this special place.
—Christine Vovakes
Sports and the Outdoors
Fishing
Jack Trout Fly Fishing.
The Upper Sacramento River is a world class fly-fishing destination, and few anglers have as much experience fishing it as Jack Trout. He and his guides also book trips to several other Northern California rivers. | 1004 S. Mt. Shasta Blvd. | 530/926–4540 | www.jacktrout.com | From $275 for 2 people.
Golf
Mount Shasta Resort.
At a bit under 6,100 yards, the Mount Shasta Resort golf course isn’t long, but it’s beautiful and challenging, with narrow, tree-lined fairways and natural alpine terrain. Carts rent for $15; fabulous views are free. | 1000 Siskiyou Lake Blvd. | Mt. Shasta | 530/926–3052 | www.mountshastaresort.com | $45 weekdays, $60 weekends | 18 holes, 6035 yards, par 70.
Hiking
Mt. Shasta Forest Service Ranger Station.
Check in here for current trail conditions and avalanche reports. | 204 W. Alma St., at Pine St. | Mt. Shasta | 530/926–4511, 530/926–9613 avalanche conditions.
Mountain Climbing
Fifth Season Mountaineering Shop.
This shop rents bicycles and skiing and climbing equipment, and operates a recorded 24-hour climber-skier report. | 300 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd. | 530/926–3606, 530/926–5555 ski phone | www.thefifthseason.com.
Shasta Mountain Guides.
These guides lead hiking, climbing, and ski-touring groups to the summit of Mt. Shasta. | Mt. Shasta | 530/926–3117 | shastaguides.com.
Skiing
FAMILY | Mt. Shasta Board & Ski Park.
On the southeast flank of Mt. Shasta, this ski park has three triple-chairlifts and two surface lifts on 425 skiable acres. Three-quarters of the trails are for beginning or intermediate skiers. The area’s vertical drop is 1,435 feet, with a top elevation of 6,890 feet. The longest of the 32 trails is 1.75 miles. A package for beginners, available through the ski school, includes a lift ticket, ski rental, and a lesson. The school also runs ski and snowboard programs for children. There’s night skiing for those who want to see the moon rise as they schuss. The base lodge has a simple café, a ski shop, and a ski-snowboard rental shop. | Hwy. 89 exit east from I–5, south of Mt. Shasta | Mt. Shasta | 530/926–8610, 800/754–7427 | www.skipark.com | Winter ski season schedule: Sun.–Wed. 9–4, Thurs.–Sat. 9–9.
Mt. Shasta Nordic Center.
This center, run by a nonprofit, maintains 15 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. | Ski Park Hwy., off Hwy. 89 (take I–5’s McCloud exit) | Mt. Shasta | 530/926–2142 | mtshastanordic.org.