McCloud, a small town in Northern California’s Shasta Cascade region, is gaining attention for its history and outdoor attractions. With a population of about 1,100 residents, McCloud is located roughly three and a half hours from Sacramento and nearly 300 miles northeast of San Francisco. Despite being just 15 minutes off Interstate 5, the town remains relatively unknown to many travelers.
Outdoor travel writer Ann Marie Brown highlighted McCloud’s appeal during an appearance on the California Now Podcast. She emphasized the significance of Mt. Shasta to the community: “It really is the heart and soul of McCloud,” she said. The volcanic mountain, which rises to 14,180 feet, can be seen from every street in town. Brown recommends driving up Mt. Shasta for scenic views even if visitors do not plan to hike.
McCloud has a history rooted in the lumber industry that lasted more than a century until the last mill closed in 2002. However, Brown noted that historic buildings remain and have been repurposed into hotels and restaurants. She suggested visiting the McCloud Mercantile—formerly the lumber company store—which now includes businesses such as the McCloud Mercantile Hotel: “It’s a wonderful place to spend the night,” she said, describing its blend of historic charm and modern renovations.
Another lodging option is the McCloud Hotel, built in 1916 as housing for lumber workers. Brown called it “a fantastic place to stay and really get a feeling for what McCloud used to be like.” For dining, she recommended Sage Restaurant at the McCloud Hotel for special dinners, Siskiyou Brew Works for craft beer and pizza, and Floyd’s Frosty for casual treats like root beer freezes: “Every now and then, you just want to have a root beer freeze, right?”
Outdoor activities are available year-round in McCloud. Hiking and fly-fishing are popular at The Nature Conservancy’s McCloud River Preserve while winter sports enthusiasts visit Mt. Shasta Ski Park nearby. Brown encouraged exploring three waterfalls along the McCloud River via an easy trail: “If you’re staying in McCloud, the waterfalls are must,” she said.
