Northern California’s Shasta Cascade region is the kind of place that makes you want to unplug, breathe deeper, and remember what a real summer day feels like. It’s big, rugged, and varied—an eight-county sweep of mountains, forests, rivers, and high desert that stretches across the northeast corner of the state. Those eight counties are Butte, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity.
- Ruff-ing it in Shasta County
- Sit, stay and splash in Siskiyou County
- Butte County: Outdoor wonders and downtown fun
- Peak fun for pups and people in Plumas County
Northern California’s Shasta Cascade region is the kind of place that makes you want to unplug, breathe deeper, and remember what a real summer day feels like. It’s big, rugged, and varied—an eight-county sweep of mountains, forests, rivers, and high desert that stretches across the northeast corner of the state. Those eight counties are Butte, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity.
For dog people, it’s close to ideal. There’s room to roam, plenty of small towns that still do front-porch hospitality, and enough water to keep every traveler—two-legged and four-legged—cool and happy. You can plan a trip around big views and long hikes, or keep it simple: a lake, a shady trail, a brewery patio, and a comfortable bed at the end of the day.
The region sits where the Cascade Range and other mountain systems shape the landscape, which is why so much of the scenery has a dramatic, volcanic feel. The crown jewel is Mount Shasta, a glacier-capped volcano that rises to 14,179 feet and dominates the northern skyline. The U.S. Forest Service notes that Mount Shasta is the highest peak on the Shasta–Trinity National Forest and the second-highest peak in the Cascades. Even if you don’t climb, it’s the kind of mountain that changes the mood of a whole trip—one of those landmarks you keep turning around to look at.
Another major anchor is Lassen Volcanic National Park, which the National Park Service describes as a landscape of steaming fumaroles, clear mountain lakes, wildflower meadows, and volcanoes that still show their eruptive past. In summer and fall, this is a rare California national park experience: vast, scenic, and often less crowded than you’d expect, especially on weekdays.
Water is the other defining feature. Shasta Lake—California’s largest reservoir—is one of the region’s marquee boating and fishing destinations, and the surrounding foothills and forests make it easy to combine time on the water with a short hike or a picnic. If waterfalls are your thing, Burney Falls is one of the state’s most famous, a 129-foot cascade that has drawn huge attention in recent years. The falls were closed for repairs in 2024 and reopened at the end of that year, a reminder that even iconic natural attractions can be fragile and worth visiting with care.
What makes Shasta Cascade especially appealing right now is that it still feels like real California—the kind where you can have an outdoor day that doesn’t require a timed entry permit or a two-hour parking battle. Visit California’s region profile notes the Shasta Cascade has a Mediterranean climate pattern: hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters, with snow in many parts of the region once the season turns. That means summer is built for lakes and river days, and fall is prime time for hiking, crisp mornings, and long golden afternoons.
For a dog-friendly itinerary, think in terms of county-based “mini trips” that let you see different sides of the region without spending your whole vacation in the car:
Ruff-ing it in Shasta County
Use Shasta County as a base for water days and quick trail access. Shasta Lake is the headline, but the real joy is the mix: you can do a morning hike, a midday swim, and still be back in town in time for a relaxed meal outdoors.
Sit, stay, and splash in Siskiyou County
Siskiyou gives you Mount Shasta, alpine lakes, and small towns that feel built for wandering with a dog at your side. If you like scenery that looks like it should be on a poster, this is your county.
Butte County: outdoor wonders and downtown fun
Butte is the southern gateway to the region and an easy place to blend nature with city comforts. Chico’s food scene and access to massive Bidwell Park make it a smart stop when you want a mix of trail time and good coffee.
Peak fun in Plumas County
Plumas delivers classic mountain-country summer: pine forests, high lakes, and the kind of quiet that makes you sleep hard. It’s a strong choice for late summer and early fall when you want cooler temps and long hikes.
However you shape it, the Shasta Cascade is the opposite of frantic travel. It’s space. It’s sunlight. It’s cold water and warm afternoons. It’s a place where your dog can be a real travel companion instead of an afterthought—and where you can hit reset without leaving California.
With mountains, trails, and a river running through it, Redding is an outdoor paradise perfect for group retreats. Enjoy 300+ sunny days a year, nearby national parks, and top-notch hoteliers and venues. Whether it’s a conference, tour, or family event, Choose Redding for adventure and successful gatherings!
