Move Over Tahoe! This Crystal-Clear Lake Hideaway Is California’s Best Kept Secret
Step apart, Tahoe!
There’s one other NorCal lake hideaway with fewer crowds, unbounded nature, and no snooty vibes — a spot the place you will not discover thousand-dollar millionaires making an attempt to outdo one another.
In reality, this area of California leans extra on the Boho spectrum the place tie-dye shirts are commonplace, #vanlife seemingly outpaces the true property market, and a deep appreciation for nature is virtually an area legislation.

Sure, you’ll be able to nonetheless e book a rustic cabin with a crackling hearth and beautiful panoramic views, however there are not any flashy casinos and superstar chef eating places as you may discover in glamorous Tahoe.
This spring (or summer time), the lesser-known Lake Siskiyou is asking your title because the very definition of a tranquil hideaway.
Unwind In California’s Best Kept Secret
While there is a sure portion of vacationers (seemingly aged 25 and beneath) looking for out the prettiest seashores to show into their rager headquarters, one other portion (like me) enjoys a quieter escape with out the thumping bass and that one broken-record drunk “woo!” woman.
That’s the place Lake Siskyou comes into play as one in all California’s most serene escapes, but largely unknown.
Located close to Mt. Shasta, an eccentric city stuffed with New Age retailers, non secular seekers, and out of doors adventures, Lake Siskyou is the area’s shiny spot in what outsiders usually take into account a kooky haven of misfits.
Mt. Shasta’s shameless “hippie” vibes could be a deterrent to some vacationers, however Lake Siskiyou itself is not lined with crystal retailers simply because it is in shut distance.
The lake is an enormous draw from native Northern Californians in summer time, making spring a good time to go to to benefit from the pristine crystal-clear waters excellent for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and/or renting a boat.
And in the event you determine Lake Siskiyou is your spring highway journey vacation spot, be happy to convey Fido alongside. Dogs are allowed to tag alongside (with a most 6-foot leash). It’s a ruff life; puppers deserve a vacay too.
Before planning, simply know March remains to be chilly. Aim for April by early June, the place temps start to hit the mid 60’s in April and high out within the low 80’s in June earlier than the native crowds take over.
‘Sacred’ Mountains And Waterfalls: Lake Siskiyou Is Made For Exploring
While Austin and Portland each adopted the monikers of ‘protecting their metropolis bizarre’, the identical could possibly be mentioned for the city of Mt. Shasta.
Siskiyou County’s Native Americans have lengthy believed their mountains to be sacred, and who can blame them? Mount Shasta is a sight to behold.
Of course, it does not assist that its snow-capped peak, typically shrouded in clouds, provides to its mystique.
Legend has it the mountain is a hotspot for UFO sightings and permeates a non secular vitality.
So, now you would possibly perceive how Mt. Shasta has in the end develop into a city of healers, non secular guides, artists, and free thinkers who do not conform to society’s unwritten guidelines.
Looking up on the mountain backdrop, it is basically an open invitation to scratch your wanderlust itch and discover the realm nevertheless you see match.
The lake itself is surrounded by well-marked climbing trails. The hottest path is the 6.5 mile-long Trail Loop, thought of ‘straightforward’, and once more, dog-friendly.
But the most effective hikes finish with long-lasting reminiscences, and what higher method to accomplish that than discovering the fantastic thing about Siskiyou’s hidden waterfalls?
McCloud Falls, house to a collection of three waterfalls, is the preferred and deemed a “must-visit”, however additional away from the lake. Closer to the lake is Faery Falls, a 50-foot excessive waterfall few vacationers learn about.
Hedge Creek Falls is probably going the best to succeed in because it’s proper off I-5, accessible by a ‘brief, straightforward hike’ as one current customer put it.
Where To Stay
Mt. Shasta could also be quirky but it surely additionally serves as an amazing base with cozy boutique inns and farm-to-table eateries.
That is in the event you do not care to remain on-site in a snug wooded cabin at Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort or splurge on a spacious chalet at top-rated golf resort, Mount Shasta Resort.
For a real hidden gem, try the tiny historic city of Dunsmuir simply south of the aforementioned Hedge Creek Falls.
Home to The Angler Lodge, boasting an ideal 5.0 Google Rating, visitors love the ‘cozy beds’, ‘clear rooms’, and shut proximity to Dunsmuir Brewery Works.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.