Things to Do
McCloud Falls - Upper Fall
This is an amazing hike down to the base of the falls. Cool down in the water, climb up the falls and jump in from different points. Bring lunch and have a picnic on one of the boulders and be sure to bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen. It's about 30 min drive from Mt. Shasta City, but well worth it. Best to go on a hot day though, as the water is very cold. But if your brave enough to swim, its awesome. There are falls to climb and several places to jump from depending on your level of bravery.
Juanita Lake Campground
Kern and Bernadette have spent some wonderfully peaceful days on the lake. It's a nice place to spend the day fishing, playing some music and having a picnic. There is a handicap accessible path that takes you around the lake making it easy for everyone to enjoy this beautiful spot. It also has a campground, excellent for those with RVs, or those that want to camp in tents. This place does fill up though, so be sure to book ahead of time online.
Mount Shasta
Cute artsy mountain town. The main street is lined with quirky stores ranging from kitchy to crystals. There are little mom and pop restaurants and some local franchises.
Ashland
A liberal college town known for its Shakespeare festival. It's about an hour and a half drive north of Mt. Shasta City. There is great shopping, good restaurants, and an impressive lineup of shows to see at the various theaters. Best to plan a full day here to really get a sense of how cute this town is.
Crater Lake
It's one of the best dates Bernadette can remember going on with Kern. They hiked up to Garfield Peak, an impressive 8,000 ft summit. Its a difficult climb, but Crater Lake has hikes for all levels. There is also the beautiful hotel where you can have lunch or dinner with incredible views. Its about a 2 1/2 hour drive north from Mt. Shasta City, but well worth the trip!
Heart Lake
Heart lake is a hidden lake in the shape of a heart that's just off the main road to castle lake. It's not as busy or big as castle lake and a great place to swim. There is a sheer cliff on one end of the lake that offers a spectacular backdrop.
Castle Crags State Park
Great for hiking and seeing some incredible scenery. Best to plan a whole day for this beauty. It is about 45 min south of Mt. Shasta city and about 1.5 hours south of Shasta Meadows Ranch.