SISKIYOU COUNTY, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Siskiyou County was incorporated on March 22, 1852 and is located on the west coast of the United States of America.  It is one of the northern most counties in California sharing its northern border with the state of Oregon.  The most spectacular landmark in Siskiyou County is majestic, Mount Shasta which towers 14,162 ft. in elevation.  Siskiyou County is also home to the Klamath Wildlife Refuge, the Marble Mountains Wilderness area, the Sacramento River, McCloud Reservoir, Lake Siskiyou, Lake Shastina, numerous small fishing lakes and streams, the Shasta Trinity National Forest and a variety of mountains, valleys and friendly small towns.  Siskiyou County is the fifth largest (in area) county in California and has a population of approximately 45,000. 

Siskiyou County is home to several Indian tribes including the Shasta, Karuk, Klamath, Modoc, and Wintu Indians.  In the 1820’s European fur trappers came to this area.  Gold was discovered in Siskiyou County in the 1850’s bringing diversified cultures to Siskiyou County.  Ranchers and farmers began settling north of Mt. Shasta in what is known as Shasta Valley.  Settlers moved into every part of the county during this era, displacing the Native Americans.

Siskiyou County made world headlines during the Modoc War of 1872 – 1873 when a small group of Modoc Indians held off the US Army in the area near Tulelake, now known as the Lava Beds National Monument and Captain Jack’s Stronghold.  Even though the Modocs were greatly outnumbered, it took the army more than a year to overtake them.

Around 1877, with the coming of the railroad, Siskiyou County’s logging industry grew.  Saw mills and tent camps could be found in many areas, especially north around Tennant and the area east of McCloud which locals today refer to as McCloud Flats.  The towns of Tenant and McCloud, Mt. Shasta and Weed became full logging communities.  Dunsmuir grew as a railroad town.  Yreka remained known for its gold mining history.

Today, after declining years in the logging industry, the local communities attract tourism and outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate and enjoy our pristine scenic area.  The Siskiyou County region offers clean mountain air and water along with outstanding recreational activities including skiing on the snowy mountains, fishing and swimming in the rivers and lakes and hiking and climbing in our spectacular wilderness areas.   We invite you to come and see us soon!