McCloud

If you’ve never heard of McCloud, a onetime lumber town with around 1,100 residents in Northern California’s Shasta Cascade region, you’re not alone. A good three and a half hours from Sacramento and nearly 300 miles north of San Francisco, McCloud isn’t on the radar of many travelers—even though it’s only 15 minutes off Interstate 5.

But insiders like outdoor travel writer (and lifelong Californian) Ann Marie Brown absolutely adore this Siskiyou County town for its history and natural beauty. Read on to discover McCloud for yourself, with some expert insights from Brown along the way.

MORE: Perfect Shasta Cascade Weekend

McCloud, Located in the Shadow of Mt. Shasta

Rising to 14,180, the great volcanic cone of Mt. Shasta is visible from every street in McCloud, says Brown. But the mountain is more than a backdrop—it’s the heart and soul of McCloud.

As an introduction to the world of Mt. Shasta, Brown recommends driving up the mountain—the road nearly reaches the summit and leads to spectacular views along the way. “It’s a land of crystal-clear water, deep, dense forests, and so much beauty. Just driving up there is a treat, even if you never set foot on a trail.”

McCloud History

McCloud traces its origins to 1892, when A.F. Friday George built the area's first sawmill. In 1897, entrepreneurs George Scott and William Van Arsdale established the McCloud River Lumber Company and built a railroad to connect the mill to the outside world, founding McCloud as a true company town in the shadow of Mt. Shasta.

For nearly seven decades, the lumber company—affectionately nicknamed "Mother McCloud"—supplied residents with steam-heated homes and electricity. The mill itself closed for good in 2002, leaving behind a small, scenic community reinvented around outdoor recreation.

MORE: 5 Scenic Shasta Cascade Hikes

Things to Do in McCloud

As a first stop, Brown recommends the McCloud Mercantile, the old lumber company store that’s now a complex housing a host of businesses. Among them, you’ll find a general store stocked with vintage Americana—think Woolrich blankets, Lodge cast iron, and classic apothecary goods—alongside a candy shop, apparel, and handmade jewelry. Butcher Block, a full-service restaurant open Wednesdays through Sundays, and the McCloud Mercantile Hotel also occupy the historic 1897 building. Beyond the Mercantile, downtown McCloud rewards a slow wander. Main Street is a registered historical district with seventeen buildings designated as landmarks, lined with shops selling gifts, apparel, outdoor gear, wine, and antiques. History buffs can stop by the Heritage Junction Museum, which preserves the story of McCloud's early days. The town also hosts a lineup of annual festivals, including the McCloud Mushroom, Music & Wine Festival, Lumberjack Fiesta, Apple Harvest Festival, and a Victorian Christmas celebration.

Four Seasons of Outdoor Adventure

With hiking and fly-fishing at the Nature Conservancy’s McCloud River Preserve and winter fun along the slopes of the old-school Mt. Shasta Ski Park near town, there’s no off-season for lovers of the outdoors. Brown especially loves visiting the three waterfalls along the McCloud River, which she says are accessible via an easy trail. “If you’re staying in McCloud, the waterfalls are a must,” she says. “They’re all completely different and a way to get a taste for how beautiful this region is.”

Restaurants in McCloud

You won’t go hungry in McCloud, not with fine dining at the McCloud Hotel’s Sage Restaurant, which Brown recommends as the place to go for a special dinner. She also likes the Siskiyou Brew Works for its craft beers and pizza but an even more casual spot, Floyd’s Frosty, is a special favorite. Brown says, “Every now and then, you just want to have a root beer freeze, right?” 

Beyond those local favorites, McCloud's small downtown holds plenty more to explore: 

• Great for a laid-back breakfast or lunch: Bogey's Cafe is a local go-to for hearty, generous sandwiches and breakfast plates and its wide, open-air porch 
• For hard-to-please-everyone families: Butcher Block Grill serves up favorites—think wings, a Cobb salad, mounds of pasta, and impressive burgers—in a former old-school butcher shop 
• For morning caffeine fix or a quick bite: White Mountain Café and Spill the Beans both draw a loyal following 
• For coffee and something sweet, meant to be lingered over: Vintage Cup Coffee Company, tucked inside the McCloud Mercantile, is a cozy spot for organic coffee and fresh pastries

MORE: Siskiyou County

Where to Stay in McCloud

The aforementioned McCloud Mercantile Hotel is a worthy step up from national chains. “It’s a wonderful place to spend the night,” Brown says, “with king beds, feather comforters, and big, high ceilings. The hotel is historic but also very modern because it has been renovated.” tSimilarly, the McCloud Hotel, just a block away, provides another opportunity to soak in a century-plus worth of history during your stay—it was built in 1916 as housing for lumber workers. “It’s a fantastic place to stay and really get a feeling for what McCloud used to be like.” 

Other options are numerous: For a more intimate stay, McCloud River Bed and Breakfast offers a homey alternative just outside downtown, while Shasta View Lodge is prized for its mountain views and easy access to outdoor attractions. 

Travelers looking for more space can find cabins that lean into McCloud's rustic, historic character. Some are tucked into the surrounding forest—sometimes on private acreage with views of Mt. Shasta—and offer a quieter home base just outside the historic district.

More: Listen to the California Now Podcast

Want more McCloud ideas? Listen to this past episode of the California Now Podcast, where Brown shares tips on how best to experience both McCloud’s past and its modern-day attractions.