Attractions & Things to Do near Us in Northern California

The hidden gem of Northern California, McCloud, is surrounded by old-growth forest at the base of California’s top volcano, Mt. Shasta. With beautiful spring-fed rivers, pristine hiking trails, and lakes, this little town is that of a nature lovers dream. With world-class fly fishing, hiking, California’s oldest 9 holes golf course, and a ski park just minutes away, you won’t get bored.

Here are a few things you can do while staying with us at the McCloud Mercantile Hotel!  Please let us know if you need additional information.

Scenic Tours

  • Volcanic Legacy Scenic Highway – The official site of the All-American Volcanic Scenic Highway in California and Oregon.
  • McCloud River Nature Conservancy – The preserve allows 10 anglers to fish using catch and release techniques at any one time; 5 fishing spots are available by advanced reservation, and the remaining 5 spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are held until 10 a.m. of the date reserved. Anglers may use spinning or fly equipment, but the creel limit is zero, and fishing is catch and release only. Single, barbless hooks are required by state law.
    (415) 777-0487
  • McCloud Outdoors Gear Exchange – A full-service outdoor gear store that offers outdoor tours, including kayaking, ice-cave tours, and cycling.
  • River Dancers Rafting – Local rafting with guides. 530-227-5202
  • Mount Shasta Mountain Bike Park
  • Bunny Flat Trail

Winter Sports

  • Shasta Board and Ski Park – Snowboarding, downhill skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and yearly events. Just a 10-minute drive from McCloud.
    (530) 926-8610
  • Shasta Nordic – Locally based non-profit organization that offers cross country groomed and backcountry trails and rental equipment.  Donations are welcomed.
    (530) 925-3494 or (530) 925-3495
  • The Fun Factory – Snowmobile & WaveRunner (530) 926-5387 or (530) 925-1465
  • McCloud Outdoors Gear Exchange – A full-service outdoor gear store that offers outdoor tours, including kayaking, ice-cave tours, and cycling.
    530-713-9070 or 530-713-9072

Summer Sports

  • McCloud Golf Club – California’s oldest nine-hole golf course. 530-964-2535
  • Grey Butte Trail
  • Lake Siskiyou Resort – Swim or sunbathe at the Beach! Play in The Splash Zone, Lake Siskiyou’s very own Water Park.  Rent a pedal boat, canoe, or kayak from the Beach Rental/Splash Zone Hut.

Guided Tours

  • McCloud Fly Fishing Adventures – Fly fish with an experienced local guide, Rick Cox, for rainbow & German Brown Trout.  Packages and equipment avail. & beginners welcome.
    530-964-2533 or 877-934-7466
  • Shasta Vortex Adventures – Mt. Shasta guided tours, integrative healthcare, and sacred site treks, telemark, and winter awareness clinics, custom tours.
    (530) 926-4326
  • Shasta Climber’s Guides – Offers current mountain conditions, photo tours, and information on how to get to the summit.
  • Shasta Valley Balloons – Flights daily over the beautiful Shasta Valley north of Mt. Shasta, one of the most magnificent volcanic peaks in the world
    (530) 926-3612
  • Shasta Mountain Guides – Mountaineering, rock climbing, special women’s trips, and skiing.  This company specializes in high-quality adventures on the Mt. Shasta peak.
    (530) 926-3117
  • Jack Trout – Fly Fishing guide service by drift boat, wading, or raft.
    (530) 926-4540

Outdoor Equipment and Apparel

Visitor’s Information

  • McCloud Chamber of Commerce – Offers visitors’ information and business directory on McCloud and the surrounding area.  Includes a special events calendar.
    (530) 964-3113
  • Shasta Chamber of Commerce – Offers visitors’ information and business directory on Mt. Shasta and the surrounding area.  Includes a special events calendar.
    (800) 926-3696
  • Siskiyou County Visitors Bureau – Has a variety of activities and ready-made, self-guided tours.
    (530) 926-3850
  • Discover Siskiyou – A great website with a plethora of activity ideas and places to go while in Siskiyou County. (530) 842-1638
  • Mtshasta.com – Northern California and Chile fly fishing and scenic tour guide’s photos and stories. (530) 926-4540

Business Links

Family Fun

Several rooms at the McCloud River Mercantile Hotel are designed to accommodate small families who are enjoying a California family vacation. The Mt. Shasta area in Northern California offers many activities and adventures that appeal to children of all ages. We’ve made several suggestions below of things you and your family might enjoy together during your stay.  Let us know when you make your guestroom reservation if we can provide additional information on any of these, and we will be happy to make arrangements for you on the adventures requiring advanced reservations!

Family Tree Cutting
This is one of the most popular packages, and we always see many return guests. Bring your family and take part in one of Americana’s favorite traditions … cutting down your own tree for the holidays. Our package includes Christmas Tree Cutting Permit and map, packed lunch box including hot chocolate and shortcake cookies. See our Specials & Packages page for more details.

Family Winter Getaway I (Downhill Skiing)
Ski the day away with your choice of Day & Evening Downhill Skiing with lift tickets for 2 adults and 2 children, packed lunches, a luxurious salt soak (for mom & dad), and a bubble bath soak (for the kids). See our Specials & Packages page for more details.

Family Winter Getaway II (X-Country)
Cross country skiing and rentals for the family to enjoy Mother Nature’s winter magic at a relaxed pace. We’ll send you off with a packed lunch and be ready for your return with a luxurious salt soak (for mom & dad) and a hot bubble bath (for the kids). See our Specials & Packages page for more details.

Family Winter Getaway III (Dog Sled)
The adventure of a lifetime! Be part of a Dog Sled Tour (2 adults and 2 children); advanced reservations are required. As with all of our winter packages, you will enjoy a packed lunch with hot refreshments and luxuriate in a salt soak (mom & dad) or a deep tub of bubbles (for the kids) at the end of the day. See our Specials & Packages page for more details.

Family Native American Drum Making Class
This five-hour workshop includes all materials to make 2 drums for 2 children or parents. Drums are made from willow and deer or elk hides. Each person creates and embellishes her or his own individual drum. Advanced reservations are recommended, as class size is limited. See our Specials & Packages page for more details.