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Attractions in the Gold Country of Western Siskiyou County
Home of the Mythical State of Jefferson region where the history of California's gold rush lives on.
Visitors are invited to explore the rich heritage and varied landscape
of the Gold Country of the Mythical State of Jefferson region where the
history of California's gold rush lives on. This region encompasses a
large portion of the county and showcases the rugged mountains,
meandering rivers and pastoral valleys that helped shape the history of
the region and its people. Yreka serves as the county seat and hub of
activity with highways leading to Etna and Fort Jones in the Scott
Valley, Happy Camp on the Klamath River and the communities on the
Salmon and Klamath Rivers. In this region visitors can explore the
wilderness, experience solitude and discover their own nuggets of
adventure and rejuvenation. Museums throughout the region offer a sense
of the spirit of the land, of the gold rush, of the Native American
heritage. This sense of place can encourage visitors to recall their own
beginnings and reflect on the future. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose
from hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail, river rafting, hunting, fishing,
backcountry packing trips, cross country skiing and cycling.
Yreka. . .
Yreka, the Siskiyou County seat, was a bustling gold town in the 1850's, with miners venturing out to claims along the Scott and Klamath Rivers, to the placer mining district of Humbug and hard rock mines such as Indian Girl.
Today the Golden City of Yreka is located in the center of one of California's prime outdoor recreation destinations. Visitors making Yreka the center for their holiday plans, can travel less than an hour in any direction to find exciting outdoor fun, from leisurely sightseeing trips to thrilling adventure sports.
Native American Heritage Park - North Miner St. adjacent to the Yreka Fire Department. Many Native American tribes made their homes in Siskiyou County. In honor of their traditions, the Native American Heritage Park was created in 1995. It includes a full replica of a traditional sweat house complete with stone benches. A sculpture of a family is the centerpiece of the park, which includes interpretive walks through garden areas.
Chinese Cemetery - Northeast of Yreka on Hwy 3. During the Gold Rush Yreka had a substantial Chinese population which was entirely gone by the 1940's. Construction of Interstate 5 in the 1970's led to the final destruction of the old Chinatown, with the exception of the small Chinese cemetery. A single marker remains, inscribed in Chinese characters, which says, "The Graveyard of Our Past Friends. Erected in the mid-summer of the 26th year of Emperor Kwong-Shui."
Greenhorn Park - Greenhorn Rd. south of Yreka. Yreka's largest city park is named for an English gentlemen other miners called the Greenhorn for his apparent lack of mining skills. He traveled up the valley, which now is the location of the park, and came back some months later with enough sacks of gold to make him a rich man. The park includes a reservoir offering excellent fishing and small boating, and a small reconstructed mining town with several different types of mining operations on display.
Siskiyou Golden Fair Grounds - The fair facilities include exhibit buildings, cafeteria building, floral building, enclosed multi-purpose patio, seven livestock barns including a covered auction arena, 72 horse stalls within three barns, a grandstand including an auto race track and rodeo arena, an enclosed arena and an outdoor arena, a
number of permanent concession stands, and more. All of these facilities sit on 85 acres of property leased from the County of Siskiyou
and include numerous beautiful lawns and shade trees. More than 60,000 patrons attend the Siskiyou Golden Fair each August. More than 95,000 people visit the fairgrounds for such interim events as the Gold
Wing Touring Association rally, equestrian events, and numerous community events from home shows to
wedding receptions.
The Arts in Yreka - Yreka has a strong community commitment to the arts. World class as well as remarkable local theater and musical performances are presented at the Yreka Community Theater and the Siskiyou Performing Arts Center. Check with the Chamber of Commerce for performance schedules while you are in town.
Klamath National Forest Interpretive Museum - Visit the extensive collection of natural and historic exhibits. Pick up printed information on all types of recreational activities and camping within the national forest, as well as interesting interpretive guides to plants and animals of the region.
Klamath National Forest Headquarters Building 1312 Fairlane Rd., Yreka; 530-842-6131
The Million Dollar Gold Display - In the lobby of the Siskiyou County Courthouse, 311 Fourth St. view the largest gold display south of Alaska. The interpretive display is arranged according to the site from which the gold was taken, and includes old photos, descriptions and recollections of the miners. On display are the many forms of gold found in the area, including huge nuggets, flour gold and gold dust.
Siskiyou County Museum - Begin your step back into Siskiyou County's past by turning right after entering the newly renovated lobby. This Native American exhibit details the history of the Indians of the area through an interpretive display of household implements, basketry, and hunting and fishing tools and techniques. The display includes an impressive collection of old photographs. Crossing the hallway you will find yourself looking at the next era of Siskiyou County history, the time of the mountain men. Upstairs you will be able to follow the gold rush history of the county. New exhibits showing the history of the Chinese in Siskiyou County and the era of the pioneers are planned. The museum is open Tues. - Sat. from 9am to 5pm. The outdoor area featuring a number of historic buildings is open Memorial Day through October.
Siskiyou County Museum, 910 Main St., Yreka. 530-842-3836.
The Yreka Creek Greenway is a 4.5 mile streamside park along Yreka Creek, which is home to a wide variety of plants, birds, mammals, fish and water creatures. There is an outdoor interpretive visitors' center at the entrance to the greenway behind the Siskiyou County Museum on Main St. Formal trails lead you along the creek, artworks present natural and cultural history, and benches and picnic tables invite you to spend some time in the greenway's special places.
A Walking Tour of Historic Yreka begins on Miner St. Just west of the Central Yreka Interstate 5 exit is Yreka's historic downtown area. Visit a number of interesting shops and restaurants housed in buildings dating back to the late 1800's. The tour includes more than 75 American Gothic and Victorian homes built between the late 1850's and the early 1900's. Most are private residences but a few, such as James Place on 3rd St., are businesses open to the public. An excellent Walking Tour Map is available from the Yreka Chamber, 117 W. Miner St. Yreka CA 96097. 800-ON YREKA (n the corner of Miner St. and Broadway).
Scott Valley Area. . .The history of Scott Valley parallels the settling of the West. The valley was originally a Shasta Indian settlement and the richest place for beaver that mountain man and Hudson Bay Company fur trapper, Stephen Meek, had ever seen. Due to the number of beaver dams, the valley was largely lake and marsh.
Gold miners flocked into the region, panning and prospecting along the rivers to the north and west. One of these early miners, John Scott, made his big strike in the area now known as Scott Bar. The valley, the mountain and the river are all named for this gold miner.
As you drive through the valley between Etna and Callahan, you will see enormous piles of rock along the river which are the tailings left behind a huge gold dredge which once floated in the river.
Scott Valley offered excellent pasture land for the horses and mules of miners working along the Scott and Salmon Rivers. Over time, some of the miners settled the rich ranch lands and turned the valley into a supply station for miners still prospecting to the west and the north.
The Shasta Indian tribe that had lived in this idyllic setting for generations, depending on the land to provide all their needs, was decimated by disease, massacre and forced relocation to reservations. Scott Valley Chamber of Commerce, 530-468-5442.
Scott Valley can be reached via Hwy 3 southwest out of Yreka. Take the south Yreka exit on Interstate 5...Highway 3 leads south and west past the shopping center and up a lovely valley. The trip will take you over Forest Mountain (click here to see the Forest Mountain Summit Weather Camera between Yreka and Fort Jones) and into the northern part of the valley. Another scenic route starts further south on Interstate 5. Exit the freeway at either Grenada or Edgewood, and follow Highway 99, the frontage access on the west, to the town of Gazelle. There turn west on the Gazelle-Callahan Road and climb over beautiful ridges to the town of Callahan.
A more adventurous route leads to Scott Valley from Highway 96 at Somes Bar, following the Salmon River to Forks of the Salmon. There you can choose either the Etna Road along the north fork of the Salmon River into central Scott Valley, or the south fork through Cecilville, then to Callahan in the southern end of Scott Valley.
Fort Jones . . .Fort Jones retains the flavor of a bustling gold rush town of the late 1800's with the addition of modern services. Visitors will enjoy shopping at the Scott Valley Creative Arts Guild Shop or walking through the historic downtown and nearby neighborhoods. Staffords' Scott Valley Organic Orchard and Winery off Scott River Rd. offers tours. Call Merna and Gil to arrange your tour and get directions. 530-468-5297.
Fort Jones Museum - The outer walls of this delightful little museum are full of surprises. Take a close look before you enter. Inside you will find an excellent collection of items depicting the lives and activities of the Native Americans, trappers, gold miners, pioneers and soldiers who have lived in the valley. Outside you will find a Rain Rock which the Shasta Indians used to bring rain. Medicine men would pound holes in the rock to make rain, and cover it to make the rain stop. Admission is free, or by donation. he museum is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, Monday through Friday 10am to 4pm, and Saturday 11am to 3pm. If you'd like to visit during the off season, call Cecelia Reuter 530-468-2444 or Debbie McCulley 530-468-5320 and arrange a special tour.
Etna . . .Like all the towns in the valley, Etna has retained the flavor of the Gold Rush era, with numerous historic store fronts and period homes along Main St. and throughout town. The drug store at the top of Main St. was a Denny Bar Store, one of California's first chain stores. After a stop at the old-fashioned soda fountain, you can stroll through the miniature museum located in the huge walk-in safe.
Callahan, Mugginsville, Cecilville and Sawyers Bar are just a few of the tiny towns in Scott Valley and the surrounding mountains that have a long Gold Rush history, apparent in their names and obvious in the historic look of the buildings still in use in each of these picturesque communities.
Vineyards and Breweries - In Scott Valley plan to stop by the Staffords' Scott Valley Organic Orchard and Winery in Fort Jones. They produce a variety of berry and apple wines. The Etna Brewery in the town of Etna is in the location of the Kappler Brewery which was closed in 1919 during Prohibition. This microbrewery produces an excellent variety of all-natural brews, including a fine root beer. The pub is open daily from noon to closing, serving delicious Etna brews and a variety of pub food. Tours of the brewery are available.
Etna Brewery, 530-467-5277; Staffords' Scott Valley Organic Orchard and Winery, 530-468-5297.
Equestrian and Pack Trips - One of the best ways to see the back country of western Siskiyou County is on a pack trip. Licensed guides can take you into the back country and wilderness areas of the Marble Mountains on horseback, or hiking with llamas or mules.
Bryan & Sherman Packing, 4125 Eastside Rd., Etna, 96027, 530-467-3261or 459-5417.
Broken Wheel Llama Ranch, 3708 Scarface Rd., Fort Jones, 96032, 530-468-2559.
Kleaver Pack Station, 8033 Big Springs Rd., Montague, 96064, 530-459-5426.
McBroom & Co. Packers and Guides, Star Route 4, Box 345, Etna, CA 96029, 530-462-4617
Quartz Valley Packers, 12500 Quartz Valley Rd., Fort Jones, 96032, 530-468-2592
Klamath River Area . . .
As you drive west along the Klamath River from central Siskiyou County, you will notice dramatic changes in geology, climate, vegetation and wildlife. The high desert climate and vegetation near Interstate 5 is slowly replaced by lush forests and a rich undergrowth watered by increasing yearly rainfall rates as you travel west. Birders will delight in the huge variety of species along the banks of the river and up numerous roads and trails leading off the main highway. Spring wildflowers all along the river are numerous and spectacular. This area is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Check the index for pages on the specifics of your favorite outdoor activity. Gasoline is available in Happy Camp and Seiad Valley, using your credit card at the local card lock stations. Be sure to fill your tank in Yreka before you set out. The Klamath River can be reached by taking the Collier Rest Area/Klamath River Hwy 96 exit off Interstate 5 and heading west. The more scenic route begins on North Main Street in Yreka, which is Hwy 263, and winds north through the Shasta River Valley. Hwy 263 meets the Jefferson Scenic Byway (Hwy 96) near the confluence of the Shasta and Klamath Rivers.
Happy Camp . . .Happy Camp was founded in 1851 by a group of miners impressed by the easy gold pickings in the area. It was a major center for logging until recently. Happy Camp is becoming a hub for the exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities in the region. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a full array of services including restaurants, motels and stores supplying every need. While in town be sure to see the numerous outdoor murals painted on businesses by artist Diann Hokanson.
Klamath River, Horse Creek, Hamburg and Seiad Valley are small river communities with histories dating back to the Gold Rush era. Each offer services including unique country stores, camping and lodging. The people you will meet know the area well, and will be excellent resources for area information. For detailed information about the history of the river and these towns, pick up a copy of "Discovering the Klamath River Corridor," at the Klamath National Forest Office in Yreka, the Mt. Shasta Visitors' Bureau or the Happy Camp Chamber of Commerce Office.
Tree of Heaven Nature Trail is located in the Tree of Heaven Campground several miles down river from the Ash Creek Bridge. It wanders through natural river vegetation, with interpretive signs along the path describing the history and sights. Watch for golden eagle. Tree of Heaven, a beautiful deciduous tree, was imported by the Chinese immigrants who farmed this flatland and sold vegetables to area miners. The tree was to remind them of their homeland. See a description of the Tree of Heaven Nature Trail on our Easy Hikes and Walks pages.
Russian Wilderness Area is located along a major ridge dividing the Scott and Salmon River watersheds. It contains 22 named lakes, and an extensive trail system including a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. The rich botanical diversity is an extra draw for hikers and packers anxious for short weekend or day trips that are long on beauty. Best access is via the Etna/Sawyers Bar Road and the Pacific Crest Trail. Contact the Forest Service for trail maps and campfire permits. No wilderness permit is necessary.
Marble Mountain Wilderness Area - This 250,000 acre region was one of California's first designated wilderness areas. You can be completely alone in rarely visited Tichner Hole, or join the "crowds" (perhaps a dozen or so on a busy weekend) camping at popular Sky High Valley in the geologically diverse Scott River District of the wilderness area. Visit the Ukonom District, location of Sugarloaf Mountain which is considered to be the center of the earth by the Karuk Indian Tribe. Hike or horseback ride through thick forests to sub-alpine glacier basin lakes in the Happy Camp District at the northwest corner. Bring your fishing pole; all 89 lakes are stocked with trout! Contact the Klamath National Forest for trail maps and a campfire permit, 530-842-6131. No wilderness permit is required.
Siskiyou Wilderness may be the least known and most infrequently visited wilderness area in California. The 153,000 wild and scenic acres, located between Happy Camp and the coastal town of Crescent City, support a diverse plant life with 20 species of conifers including the rare Brewers Spruce. Pack in what you will need; you might not see another human being during your stay in this magnificent paradise. Contact the Klamath National Forest for trail maps and a campfire permit, 530-842-6131. No wilderness permit is required.
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