Siskiyou County takes dog-friendly travel to new heights. Set along the Oregon border in the northwestern corner of California’s Shasta Cascade region, this outdoor paradise is known for its dog parks, swimming holes, low-key brewery patios, dynamic annual festivals, and hiking trails suited to travelers of every stripe. From classic lakefront campgrounds to cozy bed-and-breakfasts, families and their four-legged friends have terrific overnight options, too. Here are some highlights from Mt. Shasta, Dunsmuir, Yreka and beyond.
Spring is a spectacular time to check out waterfalls, and you can spot the McCloud River’s gorgeous Lower, Middle and Upper falls on a 3.8-mile round-trip hike. (Choose the half-mile route for views of the Middle and Upper falls if you’re short on time.) Mt. Shasta’s Gray Butte Trail is a moderate route through old-growth forests and sacred Native American sites, while the Dog Trail in Cast Crags Wilderness Area is also a hit among pups and their people.
More laid-back paths unfold at the Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens, which welcomes on-leash dogs, and at Greenhorn Park in Yreka. Hike the 40-mile Great Shasta Rail Trail for a peek into local lumber-production history and to view the Lake Britton Bridge, which appeared in the 1986 movie “Stand By Me.”
After hiking, kick back with a pint on the patio of Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. & Alehouse or Etna Brewing Co. The stylish LOGE Mt. Shasta, which offers gear rental, fire pits, and an on-site cafe, accommodates dogs in camping spots and lodge rooms. Other dog-friendly properties include the McCloud Hotel, a historic bed-and-breakfast, and Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort, a base camp for Mt. Shasta and Shasta-Trinity National Forest activities.
