McCloud

Explore the Town of McCloud

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Nestled on the southern slope of majestic Mt. Shasta, McCloud draws visitors from around the globe. Endless outdoor recreation, captivating scenic beauty, and the simple life of a small town are some of the many reasons people connect with the community.

 

Historic McCloud has evolved into what many say is straight from a Hallmark movie, with an emphasis on character, charm, and quality of life. A walk through the streets of McCloud tells the story of its past life as a company built mill town. The entire downtown area is a Nationally Registered Historic District, with seventeen buildings designated as landmarks. McCloud offers an unparalleled hometown experience, where strangers become friends. If you’re just visiting for a quick weekend, let us be your unforgettable home-away-from-home. If you’re looking for a slower paced lifestyle, come join our community.

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The Mountain

 

Soaring to 14,179 feet high, Mt. Shasta scrapes the turquoise-blue sky, north of Redding—acting as a totem from almost anywhere in the northern part of the state. And while some mountains climb gradually, this one rises from surrounding flatlands with such towering, snow-capped majesty that it seems almost unreal—like a child’s notion of what a mountain should be. Yet this is no childish vision—it’s a very real, very big volcano (last erupted in 1786). Famed naturalist John Muir wrote that his “blood turned to wine” when he first caught sight of the Fuji-esque peak.

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Skiing and Mountaineering from McCloud

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During winter months, the low-key and local Mt. Shasta Ski Park, on the mountain’s western slope, is the go-to resort for the region. Of the 38 trails spread out over 2,038 vertical feet, 20 percent are beginner level, 45 percent are intermediate, and 35 percent are advanced, so there are multiple runs for every level of skier. Non-downhill-skiers can take advantage of locations for sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing (gear is available for rent at any one of the several stores in the area). The park even has backcountry cabins that can accommodate up to eight people so you can turn your daytime explorations into a cozy overnight adventure.

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Summer, Spring, and Fall Activities near McCloud

 

Fortunately, you don’t have to bag the peak, or even have snow, to enjoy this alpine paradise.

Easy paths loop through wildflower-filled meadows and into cool forests, where you should keep an eye out for eagles and deer, and just might catch a glimpse of a black bear or two. One of the prettiest trails, a mellow two-mile path along the McCloud River on the mountains south, leads to a trio of waterfalls—all beautiful, though Middle Falls is the real head-turner. Cycling is also a huge draw, as the area offers some of the most stunning scenery and least crowded cycling routes—for both road and mountain biking—in the West. (Rental rides are available at Bike Shasta and Cycle Siskiyou.) There’s camping, caverns, and world-class fly-fishing too.

Know before you go: Most Mt. Shasta hiking trails are closed during winter months due to snow. To fish, a current California Fishing License is required.

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Courtesy of VisitCalifornia.com

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