Explore Secret California

by Lisa Taggart

Where to stay and what to do in the North-Eastern corner of the state.

For great sights, un-crowded attractions and new discoveries head into Shasta, Siskiyou and other isolated counties of Northeastern California.

Read about a Mother-Daughter road trip through this poetically beautiful landscape.

Dramatic 120-foot Burney Falls flows all year, fed by underground springs in the surrounding basalt cliffs.

Dining:

Pack picnic foods before you go or check out these options:

 

Brown Trout Cafe Gallery & Gifts: A gift and garden shop with coffee and bagels $; breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.  5841 Sacramento Ave.,

Dunsmuir 530/235-0754

 

Sengthong's Restaurant;

Delicious Thai choices $$; dinner daily.  5855 Dunsmuir

Ave., Dunsmuir 530/235-4770

  

Drakesbad Guest Ranch nestles among the trees at Lassen Volcanic National Park

 

For general information contact the Shasta Wonderful Cascade Association 530/365-7500

 

Three Beans Coffee House & Bakery; Espresso and good pastries. Closed Sun - Mon 150 Main St. Chester 530/258-3312

 

Attractions:

Dunsmuir City Park and Botanical Gardens: On Dunsmuir Avenue near Pioneer Way. Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 800/586-7684

 

Lassen Volcanic National Park; A drive through the park offers stupendous views of valleys and lakes around Lassen Park, $10 per vehicle 530/595-4444

 

LavaBeds National Monument; Caving and hiking in a little-traveled monument, formed from volcanic eruptions over thousands  of years.  Good exhibits at the visitor center.  $10 per vehicle; flashlights provided.  530/667-8115

 

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park; Lovely 129 foot waterfall,  with a 3 mile paved trail leading to its base.  $6 day use. 530/335-2777

 

Medicine Lake. Lake access normally begins in Mid-June, campground opens in July.  Call ahead.  $7 per vehicle Modoc National Forest 530/667-2246

 

Sengthong's Blue Sky Room; Call for performance schedule and prices. 5841 Dunsmuir Avenue, Dunsmuir 530/235-1046

 

Published June 2006. Content taken wholly from Sunset Magazine.