Yreka is the capital of commerce and culture in Siskiyou County, California.
It’s a vibrant little community of ten square miles sitting near the Shasta River.
There are several worthwhile attractions in Yreka, such as the Klamath National Forest Interpretive Museum, Greenhorn Park, Siskiyou Golden Fair, and the Siskiyou County Museum.
Yreka also has plenty to offer regarding nature and outdoor recreation.
Yreka is at the northern edge of the Shasta Cascade region, making it a popular tourist destination.
The city’s historic downtown is a California Historic Landmark; it’s also on the National Register of Historic Places.
Whether you live nearby or are traveling and looking for things to do in Yreka, CA, this list offers the best choices in the area.
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West Miner Street Historic District is always a treat for anyone who loves history and architecture.
See historic brick buildings from the 19th century with plaques explaining their history.
You’ll also find a row of Victorian-inspired homes only a couple of blocks away from these historical gems.
Within an hour, you can explore the entirety of the West Miner Street Historic District.
It’s a quiet zone with some lovely houses and at least one park for you to explore.
If you continue along this street, you may see some deer idling in the neighborhood’s backyards.
There are also several restaurants on Miner Street if you take a break from your walking tour of the area.
At Yreka, California, you can get a taste of the good old days.
It’s home to the annual and popular Gold Rush Days Parade which celebrates the delightful Gold Rush history in a one-day tribute every June.
The town holds its roots as a bustling cosmopolitan city during the region’s once-thriving gold rush era, with communication and transportation hubs that included Third Street, The Franco-American Hotel, and Yreka Stagecoach routes.
Gold Rush Days festivities usually kick off Friday evening with special events at Miner Street businesses.
There’s also a concert by the Tri-Counties Bank parking lot and ends with a speakeasy inside the Rex Club.
The fun resumes the next day with even more free events like live music on the main stage, carousel rides, a pancake breakfast, stick-horse racing, Third Street historic wagon tours, a watermelon eating contest, face-painting, and more.
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In the upper hills of Yreka, you’ll find Greenhorn Park, a large park that overlooks an expansive lake.
The lake gets its name from the creek that feeds it.
You can reach the lake via the trails weaving through these wooded hillsides and watercraft during off-shore fishing seasons.
Upper Greenhorn has a large picnic area, an open field, a play structure, a restroom, and a new log cabin information center.
Next to Lower Greenhorn is an open field for kickball games or soccer matches.
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There are two very well-maintained restrooms available.
After a short walk from both areas, you can find the remains of an old gold mine.
Free parking lots are available next to the whole park.
Activities abound at Greenhorn Park during spring and fall.
From fishing tournaments to soccer matches, the city celebrates Independence Day with a boisterous fireworks display.
Zephyr Books & Coffee is an independent coffee shop and bookstore in downtown Yreka.
With an inviting, warm atmosphere, they’re the best place to sit and relax with Northbound coffee.
Otherwise, enjoy delicious overstuffed sandwiches during your lunch break.
It’s also the perfect location for you or your family to gather for fun evenings filled with great music and fantastic books.
Read a book and tuck yourself away with your nose lost in its pages, or study for an upcoming exam.
You can also do a little bit of everything.
This brilliant family-owned cute space has all you need for a brilliant time.
Surf the net, check books on the shelves, and devour deluxe pastries and salads.
Breathe in the aroma of freshly roasted coffee.
In 1951, the Siskiyou County Museum welcomed its guests to discover the world culture, history, and diverse local community of Siskiyou County.
As a nonprofit educational institution, the museum is dedicated to collecting cultural history artifacts and interpreting their significance today.
It’s also dedicated to sharing its vast collection with others in the area and beyond.
The two-and-a-half outdoor museum showcases all the artifacts, pieces, and wonders from the past.
It also displays items related to the original people of this region.
The Siskiyou County Museum exhibits all kinds of machinery and vehicles from many different periods in history.
It has also recreated historic buildings that visitors can explore.
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The Native Americans of the Klamath, Shasta, Pit, Wintu, and Modoc tribes have relied on the natural resources on Mount Shasta for thousands of years.
In 1820, fur merchants started coming over for animal skins which filled out western hats and coats back then.
After 1851, silver and gold brought miners to this area.
In 1887, the railroad laid tracks through Strawberry Valley, forcing business to hire timber growers and ranchers.
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These days, Mount Shasta is one of Northern California’s most popular travel destinations for people who love the outdoors.
You’ll need to travel for 38 minutes from Yreka to reach it.
As a mountain destination, Mount Shasta has become a favorite region for sports enthusiasts, vacationers, wilderness campers, and even retirees.
In Fairlane Road in Yreka, California, you’ll also find the Klamath National Forest Interpretive Museum.
You might need to drive for roughly an hour from Yreka to find this place, but it’s worth the trip.
This museum is jam-packed with many incredible and fascinating natural and historical exhibits.
Likewise, this museum is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and travelers from far away.
It features a wide range of historical exhibits and displays, timber history displays, and even old mining maps.
The museum admission is free.
You can obtain informative brochures that will help you access points of interest within the forest or even camping spots.
Check out the museum’s mining maps, timber management exhibits, and information on the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The Liberty Arts Gallery features rotating exhibitions of local and regional artists.
This fine art gallery also serves as an interactive community space for those interested in learning about the creative process.
In addition to serving as an exhibition venue and educational center, Liberty Arts holds several special annual events like Pecha Kucha Siskiyou, the Surrealist Ball, film screenings, and fashion shows.
Liberty Arts provides the perfect opportunity for creative minds of all ages to get their work out there.
Art lovers can share their ideas and opinions with the community or hang out, socialize, and get active in the art scene.
The Siskiyou Performing Arts Center began with a vision of creating community theater pieces in Yreka.
The leaders believed the community could thrive in such a venue and empower young and old residents.
In 1974, the group presented two major plays at various locations throughout Siskiyou County.
They even toured a melodrama production around Siskiyou County during the summer months.
Without a theater space to call its own, the troupe held fall and winter performances wherever possible.
The Siskiyou Performing Arts Center has hosted many performances for many years.
They also hold acting classes, benefit concerts, major theater productions, poetry readings, and original shows.
Many local artists have seen their work onstage at SPAC.
The Yreka Lanes is not your average neighborhood bowling alley.
With an array of delicious food, always reliable customer service, a pleasant atmosphere, and a kid-friendly bowling alley, you’ll have an absolute blast with friends and family.
Operating under the supervision of Siskiyou Community Food Bank, all staff members are volunteers.
They take time out of their day to provide your entertainment.
With state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment on hand, this stunning venue will blow guests away.
This place will transport you into a new atmosphere with each turn of your wrist.
The bowling alley also offers a myriad of party packages that will take the stress out of throwing the perfect celebration.
The Siskiyou Golden Fair is a vast golden opportunity.
It provides education and awareness of agricultural issues while promoting social activities and friendly competitions.
On the grounds of the Siskiyou Golden Fair, you will find contests inspired by lawn mower art, golf cart racing, and horseback riding, to name just a few.
At Siskiyou Golden Fair, you have the opportunity to see world-class chainsaw carving artists compete.
The Siskiyou Golden Fair also celebrates Senior Day with free stage bus rides to the fair.
Otherwise, you could take a break and go on Carnevale, train, and camel rides.
You can also visit the animals like hedgehogs and rabbits.
There are also many craft vendors, food, beer, and excellent music on stage.
Rain Rock Casino is a new state-of-the-art leisure facility with 349 superior gaming entertainments for all guests.
It offers exciting Las Vegas-style vacation gaming fun in a relaxing atmosphere with quick, friendly service.
One of the best things people love to do in Yreka at night is visiting the Rain Rock Casino.
What this casino lacks in glitz and glamor, it makes up for it in fantastic old-fashioned entertainment.
You can try your hand at blackjack or go all out on poker action.
Try playing one of the other classic casino games, which include Three Card Poker.
If gaming isn’t your thing and you’re looking for a bite to eat instead, then go to the Rain Rock restaurant.
It offers delicious food any time of the day.
The Yreka Creek Greenway is a beautiful place for everyone to visit in Siskiyou County.
Yreka Creek Greenway spans over 4.5 miles with Yreka and Greenhorn Creeks.
This means more habitats designed specifically for animal-proof native plants and animals and new habitats designed especially with humans in mind.
You have plenty of space to enjoy nature’s wonders by relaxing, fishing, or simply taking in the view.
It’s also a prime spot for bird watchers who want to spot the many species that thrive along this quiet section of public land during the breeding season.
You can also ride your bike along the scenic greenway.
There’s plenty to explore if you enjoy strolling along paved trails.
You can also climb over hills and rocks in the terrain-oriented areas.
New developments include a trailside science classroom, an interactive visitor center, and a paved or natural trail with picnic areas, benches, and more.
Situated on the corner of Sherman Street and Knapp Street, Ringe Park and Pool is Yreka’s largest sports complex.
The place contains two little league baseball fields, a large play structure, a 25-yard pool, and several areas where picnics are welcome.
Don’t hesitate to let your kids climb the new play structure behind the outfield.
Ringe Park’s Little League Baseball has updated its snack shack and concrete stadium seating.
The concrete extends all along Sherman Street, where you can also find the pool.
The Yreka Splash, a non-profit organization, operates this popular location during the summer.
It attracts families and individuals who want to enjoy the outdoor water fun.
Visiting Shasta Valley Vista Point is a time-honored way to appreciate the phenomenal natural wonder of Mount Shasta.
Mount Shasta is one of the most stunning mountains in northern California.
You can see the mountain from any point within miles.
This spectacular viewpoint is right off Highway 5.
Many people stop here before continuing on their journeys to Mount Shasta or any other destination up north.
What you see here depends on where you turn upon your arrival.
Whether you look toward Mount Shasta itself or to the lush forest surrounding it, you’ll experience rare and unparalleled beauty at every turn.
There’s no overnight rest area here in Shasta Valley Vista Point.
Likewise, you might not see it right away from the road because it looks more like a scenic overlook than anything else.
If you need restrooms or parking space for an overnight stay, drive down I-5 for about five minutes to the Randolph E Collier Rest Area.
That said, if you’re looking for a place with a killer view of Mount Shasta, look no further than the Shasta Valley Vista Point.
Nothing beats fine wines and great company!
After a day of getting around the beautiful city of Yreka, sit and relax at The Wine Bar and Bistro on South Broadway Street.
You’ll love its premium selection of wines, which you can enjoy with its delicious tapa and other appetizers such as flatbread, salads with tasty spinach dip, and more.
There’s also a full list of beer and other non-alcoholic beverages to go along with your delicious appetizers.
The Wine Bar and Bistro also hosts regular live music by local talents.
With breathtaking views of Mount Shasta, beautiful terrains, and the relaxing experience that horseback riding brings, it’s certain you’ll keep coming back!
For more than 3 decades, Rockin Maddy Ranch has been serving Yreka and its surrounding areas by offering horseback riding for all skill levels.
Enjoy 2 hours of scenic trail ride and experience the natural beauty of Yreka’s great outdoors.
The ranch also houses many animals that you can befriend, including horses, ponies, dogs, kittens, and more.
If you have kids, they too can learn horseback riding from the ranch’s experienced instructors.Y
You can find Rockin Maddy Ranch at Cram Gulch Road.
If you need a good read while in Yreka, you can spend some time at Siskiyou County Library on 4th Street.
The library keeps a great selection of books with different genres for kids, teens, and adults.
From DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers, e-books, and many helpful resources, the library is a great place to read, research, and study.
You can also use the computers if you need something to check.
Siskiyou County Library also hosts many events and programs for all ages, including reading clubs, painting and planting day, storytimes, and more.
Another reason to visit Yreka is the authentic and fresh ingredients that Natalee Thai Cuisine uses in its popular and delicious Thai dishes.
You’ll love the authenticity of each dish as if you’re in Thailand!
Try the restaurant’s famous yellow curry, orange chicken, red curry, egg rolls, Wonton soup, and Pad Thai.
Also, its signature Natalee Noodle is not to be missed, which is made with stir-fried rice noodles, carrots, broccoli, and cabbage with housemade peanut sauce.
Visit Natalee Thai Cuisine at East Miner Street.
If you love classic, vintage, and all things antiques, you should not miss dropping by Northwest Treasures Second Hand Store.
Find great deals on its unique items, including home decor, rare bottles, vintage frames, clothing, furniture, classic books, tableware, candles, lamps, and many more.
It offers a bit of everything to add to your vintage and antique collection, or maybe a unique gift for your loved ones back home.
Drop by Northwest Treasures Second Hand Store and find treasures that you may not be able to find elsewhere!
It’s located on North Main Street.
The small town of Yreka in California’s Siskiyou County boasts a wealth of tourist attractions, including historical landmarks and beautiful natural vistas.
Yreka never ceases to amaze its visitors.
Start planning your trip today!
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