A lot of travelers along I-5 just put the pedal to the medal and go. They don’t stop and take their time in the many small gems along the way. One of our favorites is the quaint, historic little town of McCloud. Haven’t heard of it? Well, here’s why you should:
Located in Siskiyou County near Mount Shasta, McCloud has a population of 1,101 at the 2010 census. It’s an amazing place for outdoor recreation, and visitors can use it as a home base while they engage in nationally-recognized trout fishing in the nearby McCloud, Sacramento, and Klamath Rivers, or climb Mount Shasta, Castle Crags or the Trinity Alps.
Flickr/ ryan harvey
Tourists can also take advantage of the nearby skiing (both alpine and cross-country), biking or hiking to the waterfalls, streams and lakes in the area, including nearby Falls of the McCloud River, Burney Falls, Mossbrae Falls, Lake Siskiyou, Castle Lake and Shasta Lake, or visiting the ruins of one of the local nightclubs or speakeasies from the heyday of the Roaring Twenties.
Flickr/ Max Rae
It’s also a town with a really interesting past. Here you can see an old passenger car resting in the snow at the McCloud Railyard. It was originally a logging community that was founded in 1892 when the McCloud River Lumber Company formed here.
Flickr/ Susan Stienstra
Here’s a photo of the old McCloud River Lumber Company mill site, where it all started.
Facebook/ McCloud Online, McCloud, California
What we love the most about McCloud, however, is the people. They seem to throw a festival or parade every month of the year. One of the most popular is the Lumberjack Festival that happens each year in July.
Facebook/ McCloud Online, McCloud, California
There’s also rodeos and other fantastic aspects of rural living.
Facebook/ McCloud Online, McCloud, California
And Biketoberfest, which of course takes place each October.
Facebook/ McCloud Online, McCloud, California
Flickr/ Kevin Shorter
The community sure knows how to pull together. Here’s a quoted thank you to McCloud’s beloved public servants who make these events possible, as seen on the McCloud Online Facebook Page: “All parades in McCloud involve our local volunteer Fire Department. Many thanks are due these people for the commitment they are willing to make to the people who live in or visit our little community. They’re always “there” for us! Thanks guys!” Wow, isn’t that nice?
Facebook/ McCloud Online, McCloud, California
The food an drink isn’t half bad, either!
Flickr/ ryan harvey
We love the regional pride that is displayed on the walls here at the Siskiyou Brew Pub.
Flickr/ ryan harvey
Look at the simple and heart warming beauty of the McCloud Community Presbyterian Church. Doesn’t it look like a place you’d like to be welcomed into?
Flickr/ J. Stephen Conn
Three cheers to getting off the beaten path and exploring a new place. Even if you think you know McCloud, we challenge you to discover for yourself why this little town shouldn’t be overlooked any longer!
Facebook/ McCloud Online, McCloud, California
Have you visited this tiny little town? What were your impressions and would you recommend a visit? Share your favorite spots with us today!
Flickr/ ryan harvey
Flickr/ Max Rae
Flickr/ Susan Stienstra
Facebook/ McCloud Online, McCloud, California
Flickr/ Kevin Shorter
Flickr/ ryan harvey
Flickr/ J. Stephen Conn
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
