Why your next affordable vacation destination should be in this rural Northern California county

Looking for a California vacation but trying to stay within a budget?

If you’re planning your next getaway and looking to save cash along the way, officials from a sprawling county in Northern California are encouraging you to give their home a look.

Siskiyou County near the Oregon border is one of the largest counties in California with miles upon miles of unspoiled outdoors highlighted by Mount Shasta, among other landmarks.

The region is considered an affordable haven thanks to the seemingly limitless outdoor spaces that offer countless free activities, including some of the state’s best hiking, free concerts and events throughout the summer months.

Popular hiking trails include mountain vistas and breathtaking waterfalls that dot the Siskiyou landscape from end to end. Many hikes traverse trails that spit you out in front of pristine lakes and fields of wildflower.

Officials say birding is also a popular activity in Siskiyou County, with more than 18,000 acres of natural territory throughout the Butte Valley National Grassland. Within the space, birders often can spot red-tailed hawk, golden eagle and bald eagle, and Swainson’s hawk, among others. The Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is also home to “nearly 500 species of wildlife including waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, big game, small mammals, and more,” officials from Discover Siskiyou said.

But the crown jewel of the Siskiyou region is Mount Shasta, one of the biggest tourist attractions in Northern California. The fifth-tallest peak in the Golden State is a geological and volcanic curiosity that serves as a popular destination for rock climbers and backcountry skiers.

The mountain is also a must-visit spot for stargazers, with little light pollution to corrupt a star-filled sky. Local astronomers will often host “star parties” with telescopes and binoculars.

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Just a short jaunt from Mount Shasta and its base is Lake Siskiyou, which is known for its picturesque camping, abundant fishing holes, and idyllic spots four water recreation like paddleboarding and kayaking.

Where to stay for cheap in Siskiyou County

Discover Siskiyou has a handful of affordable accommodations for those interested in exploring the region while minimizing overall spending.

Affordable hotels and motels can be found on the Discover Siskiyou website, as well as detailed lists of available campsites and RV parks. Highlights include the Klamath Ranch Resort, Railroad Park Resort Campground and Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort.

For discounts and special prices on lodging, visit Discover Siskiyou’s dedicated resource page.

Rabble News is an independent online news publication founded in 2026 by veteran journalist Travis Schlepp.

The online blog features stories from the “quality-of-life beat” — stories that examine how transportation, travel, housing, affordability, infrastructure, culture and lifestyle trends affect people’s daily lives.

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