A Travel Guide to McCloud and Mt. Shasta’s Scenic Wonderland
Nestled in the forest on Mount Shasta’s southern slope, McCloud feels like a postcard from a bygone era. Founded in 1895, this former lumber company town retains much of its historic charm, while the surrounding landscape of rivers, waterfalls, forests, and mountains offers four seasons of outdoor adventure.
Autumn may be one of the loveliest times to visit, with crisp mountain days and vibrant fall colors inviting scenic drives, hikes, and fly fishing along the McCloud River. As the first snows arrive, McCloud dons its vintage holiday finery and transforms into a winter retreat for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Spring brings rushing waterfalls, trails dotted with wildflowers, and the return of fly-fishing season along the clear, spring-fed McCloud River. In summer, long sunny days open up even more outdoor fun, including paddling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and golf.
Step Back in Time in Historic McCloud
Established in 1895, the town was built for the McCloud River Lumber Company and its employees. At its height, the company owned or controlled over 600,000 acres of timberland and was home to California’s largest lumber operation. The company built and owned everything in town: the mercantile, the cafés, the hotel, and all the homes for its employees. McCloud remained a company town until it was privatized in 1963. As a result, much of the town’s historic architecture and charm remains fully intact. Today, downtown McCloud is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with 17 buildings designated as historic landmarks.
Stroll along Main Street to admire the preserved architecture and browse local shops and restaurants. The 1897 McCloud River Mercantile Company sits at the heart of the historic district. The old-fashioned general store curates heritage Americana and modern alpine brands, along with an array of local artisan finds. A dedicated corner of the mercantile operates as an old-fashioned candy store, complete with jars of nostalgic sweets and gourmet treats.
Dining options range from made-from-scratch breakfasts and lunches at Traci’s White Mountain Café, housed in a vintage soda-fountain shop, to Pacific Northwest comfort cuisine at the Meat Market. Up the street, the elegant Sage Restaurant serves seasonal California cuisine inside the historic McCloud Hotel, with dinner moving onto a pergola-covered garden terrace in warmer months. For old-school burgers and milkshakes, Floyd’s Frosty pairs casual fare with views of Mount Shasta from its outdoor patio.
The McCloud Outdoors & Gear Exchange is a trusted local outfitter for camping, hiking, and fishing. They also provide kayak and SUP rentals for paddling the McCloud Reservoir. For a deeper dive into the town’s lumber and railroad history, stop by the McCloud Heritage Junction Museum.
Chase Waterfalls Along the McCloud River
Just a few miles outside of town, the McCloud River tumbles through a forested volcanic landscape on its way past three dramatic waterfalls. A roughly four-mile out-and-back trail connects Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, or you can reach each waterfall separately by car.
At Upper Falls, the river rushes through a narrow basalt canyon before plunging into a deep, churning pool. The most majestic of the three, Middle Falls drops 44 feet over a broad basalt cliff into a pool framed by dramatic rock formations; in autumn, changing foliage makes the scene especially photogenic. Lower Falls is gentler, with water tumbling over a broad volcanic ledge into a calm pool that becomes a popular swimming hole in summer.
Many more magical waterfalls are just a short drive from McCloud. Two of the most accessible are 50-foot Faery Falls, reached via a short hike on the Ney Springs Canyon Trail, and Hedge Creek Falls, where a small cave allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall.
Cast a Line in Legendary Trout Waters
Anglers have long been drawn to the cold, clear waters surrounding McCloud. Cast for trout along the Upper McCloud River, head to deeper water at McCloud Reservoir, or fly-fish the storied Lower McCloud.
The Kerry Landreth Preserve protects the remote, wild trout habitat along the lower McCloud. Here, the river runs through a dramatic canyon flanked by dense forest, massive boulders, and sheer cliffs. Managed by The Nature Conservancy, the spectacular 2,330-acre preserve offers hiking trails and strictly catch-and-release fishing, with public access limited to just 10 anglers per day.
For visitors who would rather leave the logistics to someone else, several local outfitters offer guided fly-fishing excursions for everyone from first-timers to experienced anglers.
Take the Scenic Route
McCloud is an ideal base camp for exploring Northern California’s volcanic landscapes. The 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway travels from Lassen Volcanic National Park to Crater Lake National Park. Highlights along the route include Lake Almanor, McArthur-Burney Falls, and Mount Shasta, with a popular side trip to see the granite spires at Castle Crags State Park.
About 45 minutes southeast of McCloud, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park showcases one of Northern California’s most unusual waterfalls. At Burney Falls, water not only pours over a 129-foot ledge but also emerges from subterranean springs along the volcanic rock face, creating a thundering wall of water and mist nearly 250 feet wide.
During peak summer periods, advance day-use reservations may be required, so check California State Parks for current requirements before visiting. Fall and winter bring fewer crowds, but freezing temperatures can cause ice to accumulate on the trail to the waterfall’s base, making conditions hazardous.
Heading in the opposite direction, Castle Crags State Park lies about 30 minutes southwest of McCloud and rewards hikers with dramatic views of glacier-polished granite spires rising above the forest. An easy walk to Vista Point reveals sweeping views of Castle Crags and Mount Shasta, while more ambitious hikers can tackle the strenuous Crags Trail toward Castle Dome. The Pacific Crest Trail also winds through the park.
Experience McCloud Through the Seasons
McCloud’s small-town charm shines during its annual festivals. Each October, the Apple Harvest Festival fills historic Main Street with live music, artisan vendors, fresh-pressed cider, and an apple dessert contest.
By December, the town transforms into a Victorian-themed wonderland for its annual McCloud Vintage Christmas festivities. Historic buildings glow with lights and decorations, and seasonal events include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday markets, and choral performances.
Once the snow settles in, McCloud shifts fully into winter mode. Mt. Shasta Ski Park is just a few miles outside town for downhill skiing and snowboarding, while the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center maintains trails for cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing provides a quieter way to explore the surrounding forests.
In summer, the calm, turquoise waters of the McCloud Reservoir draw kayakers, paddleboarders, boaters, and anglers to its pine-rimmed shores. At the McCloud Golf Club, golfers can play a historic nine-hole course beneath towering pines with views of Mount Shasta’s snow-capped peak.
Where to Stay in McCloud
McCloud Hotel
Built in 1916 for the McCloud River Lumber Company, the beautifully restored McCloud Hotel pairs Arts and Crafts elegance with the warmth of a mountain retreat. Original box-beam ceilings, built-in bookcases, and the historic registration desk recall its early days, while mission-style guest rooms provide a cozy place to return after exploring. Linger beside the lobby fireplace, settle onto the front porch, or enjoy seasonal California cuisine at Sage Restaurant and its garden terrace.
McCloud Mercantile Hotel
Stay in the heart of historic downtown at the McCloud Mercantile Hotel, located above the shops and restaurants of the landmark McCloud River Mercantile. Individually designed guest rooms draw inspiration from the people and eras that shaped the region, including Native American tribes, pioneers, lumber mills, railroads, and photographers. Twelve-foot ceilings, luxurious beds, heated bathroom floors, and spacious soaking tubs bring modern comforts to the character-filled historic setting.
McCloud River Bed & Breakfast
Surrounded by lawns and towering trees, McCloud River Bed & Breakfast occupies a beautifully restored 1903 landmark once home to the lumber company’s bank, offices, and telephone switchboard. Guest rooms incorporate original architectural details and period touches that reflect the building’s history, while one particularly unusual remnant has taken on a new purpose: the former bank vault is now a private dining room. The five-acre setting offers a peaceful retreat just beyond historic downtown.