McCloud and the surrounding area have an excellent reputation for world class fishing, hiking, mushroom harvesting, water sports and so many other outdoor activities. During winter, some of those activities transition. Before snow flies and in between when the ground is dry, hiking is still a great option. The Sacramento and Pit Rivers are still open for fishing. Skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, and other winter sports are available. Also, if outdoor activities are more of a spectator sport for you, take a drive up Everett Highway from downtown Mt. Shasta to Bunny Flat (road conditions permitting) to get up close and personal with the mountain. Another drive up the mountain on Ski Park Highway takes you to Mt. Shasta Ski Park. Hang out with a hot toddy or chilled beverage and watch the skiers and boarders from the cozy warmth of the lodge.
But, what are your other options when planning a visit to McCloud this time of year and why would you make the drive?
Well, we’d like you to consider exploring the many excellent shopping, dining and lodging options in our charming, historic town. Plan a weekend getaway to McCloud any weekend during winter and choose from this definitive McCloud Experience Guide below the many events, activities, restaurants, and lodging options we offer to create a trip you will talk about for years to come.
The McCloud Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with our retail members, have created a month of delightful holiday shopping and events. Each Saturday during December enjoy the McCloud Victorian Christmas and Sip & Shop with carolers, cocoa and other libations. Check out our holiday workshops, Marshmallows on Main, and especially the Children’s Day with a variety of family friendly activities. Be sure to visit our local merchants including: The McCloud River Mercantile Gift Shop, McCloud Outdoors & Gear Exchange, Rustic Blu, One Heart Collective, Shasta Reflections, Sacred Well, Main Street Candy, and The Great Exchange Thrift Store. Visit (and “Like”) the McCloud Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page to stay current with all holiday events and workshops.
During January, experience the local version of McCloud while things are quiet. Cozy up with a good book or reconnect with loved ones as you play board games with a cup of coffee, cocoa or tea at perhaps Clearwater Coffee & Kitchen, Wildflower Bakes, or One Heart Collective.
Dining in McCloud
Throughout Siskiyou County and beyond, McCloud has an outstanding reputation for its excellent restaurants. How does a small town like McCloud do it? We think the magic of McCloud draws only the best and friendliest restaurateurs and it shows in our food offerings.
Breakfast & Lunch:
Voted the #1 diner in Northern California by OnlyinYourState.com and with 4.5 stars on Yelp the charming White Mountain Cafe on Main Street serves both breakfast and lunch that will make your tummy sing.
Clearwater Coffee & Kitchen on Quincy is the place for you if you love amazing coffee beverages, freshly made lunches and breakfast to go. Local old timers gather here in the mornings to solve the problems of the world. While waiting for your breakfast or lunch, chat it up with the locals while you check out their kitchen and gift items.
Did you say pie? Wildflower Bakes, which is located in the Mercantile Building on Main Street, serves up fresh pies to locals and at many of our famous festivals. They also offer coffee, brekkie specials, soups, salad and other creative delights.
Dinner: so…many…choices…
If you are into beer and casual, Siskiyou Brew Works is the place for you. This family owned pizza place and craft brewery is located in the Old Red Barn just south of Highway 89 on Squaw Valley Road. They even make a gluten-free pizza and have some tasty appetizers.
Also, south of Highway 89, is the Shasta View Grill, located at Shasta View Lodge. With a full bar that has a sports bar feel and a spacious dining room, they are rated 5.0 on Facebook, Yelp and Trip Advisor with rave reviews on their pasta, steaks and chicken marsala. Portions are generous as is the friendly service.
As you enter Main Street the McCloud Meat Market & Tavern. With a five-star rating on Facebook, they are located in the historic Mercantile Building in what actually was the old meat market – look for the many historic artifacts as décor. The atmosphere is hip, the friendly bartenders make up some amazing beverages, and the menu more than delicious. Call 530-524-3639 for reservations.
The Sage Restaurant in the historic McCloud Hotel provides another outstanding dining experience in a period setting. Prepare for some mouth-watering as you review the menu, and book either online on their Facebook page, through opentable.com, or by phone at 530-964-2822 as reservations are recommended. Sage has a full bar and an extensive wine list.
Next to and owned by the McCloud Hotel is the Axe & Rose Public House. Relaxed and yet refined, this is the best place in town for a great selection of pub food including Wild Mushroom Flatbread, Bison Burger, Banh Mi Sandwich and beer-battered Fish & Chips; and has a full bar. Located in the former workforce cafeteria for the old lumber mill, and later a dance hall, the building showcases craftsmanship details preserved from the 1930’s.
Outdoor Activities
So, you aren’t a shopper, or you need an outdoor break from shopping and our winter festivities. We’ve got some outdoor options that will put you in the middle of the great outdoors. Before heading out though, stop by McCloud Outdoors & Exchange to buy or rent any outdoor items you may have forgotten to pack or want to add to your closet. They offer new and used clothing, boots and gear to buy or rent. You can get trekking poles, a fishing license or outfit your kids in sledding gear. They also rent kayaks for paddling on Lake McCloud (if the road isn’t closed due to snow).
Hiking - If you’d like to get outside for some fresh air, enjoy the forest, rivers and more, drop by the McCloud Ranger Station for trail recommendations in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and learn about any backcountry and wilderness conditions, and necessary permits. Better yet, call ahead at 530-964-2184.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in the Shasta Trinity National Forest. Stop by the McCloud Ranger Station to get your permit and learn which locations tree cutting is allowed.
Snow Sports – Once snow flies the possible winter activities abound. If you are into sledding, Snowman’s Hill is the place to be. If you are a tubing fan, the Mt. Shasta Ski Park has groomed lanes and their tubing tickets include tubes. No outside tubes or sleds are allowed. Minimum age for tubing is 5 years old. Also, consider booking a Tubing and pizza party at the Ski Park. See their website for details
Golf – Yes, golf! Although the McCloud Golf Club is closed for the season, the pro shop is closed, and their online booking system is down; you can still play a round of golf before the weather says otherwise. According to their Facebook page, just stick ten bucks in the Honor Box and play as much as you’d like. Push carts are available for free under the deck that wraps around the clubhouse. Image courtesy McCloud Golf Club
Fishing – While fishing season is for the most part over, some rivers are still fishable. The upper Sacramento (which, by the way, is fed directly from our stunning Mt. Shasta snowpack) is one of those rivers. Always check the California freshwater fishing regulations to verify. Better yet, hire Fly Fishing Guide, Jack Trout for a great day on the river with a local expert.
McCloud Lodging
A memorable weekend getaway isn’t complete without a cozy place to lay your head at the end of a busy day. McCloud offers guests an assortment of lodging options including quality inns, bed & breakfasts, hotels, lodges, retreats, vacation rentals and RV Parks (closed for the winter season). Much of the charm of McCloud comes from its history. The McCloud Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and many of our lodging options carry that historic feel. We don’t have enough space in this article to list all of our lodging options, so please visit our lodging page on the McCloud Chamber website to begin exploring your lodging options.
So, that’s more than ten things to do during winter in McCloud, but you’ve got to admit the above is a great start to a fun getaway no matter the adventure you are looking for. To learn more, drop by the McCloud Chamber & Visitor Center at 303 Main Street to pick up more guides and tips for other activities in the area while you are here.
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