McCloud, a small town in Northern California’s Shasta Cascade region, is gaining attention for its history and natural surroundings. With a population of about 1,100, McCloud is located roughly three and a half hours from Sacramento and nearly 300 miles northeast of San Francisco. Despite its proximity to Interstate 5, it remains relatively unknown among travelers.
Outdoor travel writer Ann Marie Brown discussed McCloud’s attractions on the California Now Podcast. She highlighted the presence of Mt. Shasta, which stands at 14,180 feet and can be seen from every street in town. Brown said, “It really is the heart and soul of McCloud.” She recommends driving up Mt. Shasta for scenic views: “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 has a background as a lumber town that lasted over 100 years until its last mill closed in 2002. The historic buildings remain and have been converted into hotels and restaurants. Brown suggests visiting the McCloud Mercantile building: “It’s a wonderful place to spend the night,” she said about the hotel inside. “The hotel is historic but also very modern because it has been renovated.”
Another recommendation from Brown is the McCloud Hotel, built in 1916 as housing for lumber workers. She noted that staying there offers insight into what life was once like in McCloud.
For dining options, Brown pointed to Sage Restaurant at the McCloud Hotel for special dinners and Siskiyou Brew Works for craft beers and pizza. For more casual fare, she recommended Floyd’s Frosty: “Every now and then, you just want to have a root beer freeze, right?”
Outdoor activities are available year-round near McCloud. These include hiking and fly-fishing at the Nature Conservancy’s McCloud River Preserve as well as winter sports at Mt. Shasta Ski Park nearby. Brown emphasized visiting the three waterfalls along the McCloud River via an easy trail: “If you’re staying in McCloud, the waterfalls are must,” she said.
