Each of the California Welcome Centers scattered throughout the state are staffed with personal travel concierges. These knowledgeable experts are ready to provide information that will enhance and enrich your visit including suggestions on where to eat, what to see, and where to stay. Welcome Centers also offer free maps and brochures on local attractions and things to do in the area.

Located at the south end of Shasta Outlets in Anderson, the California Welcome Center is operated by the Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association. It’s a solid stop if you’re passing through on I-5 and want to get oriented to the region. The staff can point you toward recreational opportunities across Butte, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity counties—the eight eastern counties in northern California that make up the Shasta Cascade Region.

You’ll find free maps and brochures covering National and State Parks including Lassen Volcanic National Park, McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Lava Beds National Monument, Castle Crags State Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreational Area. There are also historic and informational exhibits to browse through, including a geocaching display. The center has a waterfall pond where you can watch wild trout, and your dog can pose for a photo next to Joe Tourist, the friendly mascot, or Ed the life-size bronze grizzly bear sculpture.

With your dog along, you’ll appreciate the practical touches. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome inside, and there’s a designated area nearby where your dog can stretch their legs. The staff keeps dog treats on hand and has a water bowl available, so you can grab what you need without much fuss. The friendly staff is around seven days a week, 361 days a year, with weekday hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekend hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re heading into the Shasta Cascade region, this is an efficient place to load up on current information before you hit the trails.