Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta, California, United States

California’s northeast corner—sometimes referred to as "Upstate California"—is an outdoor-lover’s paradise, with scenic volcanoes, hushed forests, and trout-filled rivers. Expect to find houseboats anchored in cool lakes, countless campgrounds, and trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta, California, United States

This relaxed Northern California town lies at the foot of its namesake, Mt. Shasta, a mighty volcano with a towering elevation of 14,179 feet and prodigious girth to match its height. In Mt. Shasta City, it’s impossible to ignore the volcano’s presence. Almost every street offers an eyeful of its hulking pyramid, which is often crowned with snow and ice deep into summer.

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta, California, United States

Soaring to 14,179 feet high, Mt. Shasta scrapes the turquoise-blue sky, north of Redding—acting as a totem from almost anywhere in the northern part of the state. And while some mountains climb gradually, this one rises from surrounding flatlands with such towering, snow-capped majesty that it seems almost unreal.

Redding

Redding, California, United States

This leafy urban center—located about 160 miles north of Sacramento—harbors surprising gems within its city limits. Discover a buzzing downtown packed with brewpubs and bistros, tour an amazing eco-museum on the Sacramento River, catch a concert at an Art Deco theater, and explore an extensive trail system. Plus, you can play outside all year long because Redding boasts more than 300 days of sunshine.

McCloud, CA

See the three separate tiers at McCloud Falls, part of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Each of the waterfalls is uniquely beautiful—although the middle cascade is the most photographed—and can be seen on a 3.8-mile round-trip hike. On a steamy day, cool off in one of the refreshing swimming holes of the lower and middle falls.

Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake, California, United States

There’s plenty of room to move on this 30,000-acre reservoir, the largest in California. Located 10 miles north of Redding, a typical summer day finds the crystal blue waters sprinkled with fishing boats, jet skis, inner tubes—almost anything that floats. Some 370 miles of shoreline wrap around mirror-smooth coves ideal for anchoring.

Shasta

Shasta, California, United States