Cities and Towns in Siskiyou County, California

Founded in 1852, Siskiyou County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. Historically, Siskiyou County was formed from Shasta and Klamath. The city of Yreka is the county seat. With FIPS code of 93, Siskiyou County has a population of 44,118 and area of 6,287 square miles (16,283 km²).

List of all cities in Siskiyou County, CA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Callahan, CA 96014 530
Dorris, CA 96023 530
Dunsmuir, CA 96025 530
Edgewood, CA 96094 530
Etna, CA 96027 530
Forks of Salmon, CA 96031 530
Fort Jones, CA 96032 530
Gazelle, CA 96034 530
Greenview, CA 96037 530
Grenada, CA 96038 530
Happy Camp, CA 96039 530
Hilt, CA 96044 530
Hornbrook, CA 96044 530
Horse Creek, CA 96050 530
Klamath River, CA 96050 530
Lava Beds National Monument, CA 96134 530
Macdoel, CA 96058 530
McCloud, CA 96057 530
Medicine Lake Lodge, CA 96134 530
Montague, CA 96064 530
Mount Shasta, CA 96067 530
Newell, CA 96134 530
Sawyers Bar, CA 96027 530
Scott Bar, CA 96085 530
Seiad Valley, CA 96086 530
Somes Bar, CA 95568 530
Tionesta, CA 96134 530
Tulelake, CA 96134 530
Weed, CA 96094 530
Yreka, CA 96097 530

Major Cities and Towns in Siskiyou County, California

Yreka

Area, Population, and Geography

  • Area: 10.1 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 7,500 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 96097
  • Latitude: 41.7350° N
  • Longitude: 122.6340° W

City Location and History

Yreka, the county seat of Siskiyou County, is located in the northern part of California, just off Interstate 5, near the Oregon border. Nestled in the Shasta Valley and surrounded by mountains, Yreka is rich in history, particularly from the California Gold Rush era. The city was established in 1851 after gold was discovered in the nearby streams, quickly transforming it into a bustling mining town. Its name, believed to have been derived from the Shasta word for “north mountain” or “white mountain,” reflects its proximity to Mount Shasta, one of California’s most iconic landmarks. Yreka’s historic downtown area, with its preserved 19th-century buildings, offers a glimpse into its gold rush past and remains a focal point of the community. Today, Yreka serves as a regional hub for government, healthcare, and commerce within Siskiyou County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Yreka is served by the Yreka Union High School District, with Yreka High School being the primary secondary institution. The city’s major landmarks include the Siskiyou County Courthouse, a historic building that still serves as the center of county government. The Franco-American Hotel and the Greenhorn Park are also notable sites, with the park offering trails, a lake, and remnants of the gold mining era. The nearby Mount Shasta provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and mountain climbing. Yreka’s historic district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features numerous antique shops, museums, and restaurants that celebrate its rich heritage.

Mount Shasta

Area, Population, and Geography

  • Area: 3.8 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 3,300 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 96067
  • Latitude: 41.3099° N
  • Longitude: 122.3106° W

City Location and History

Mount Shasta is located in southern Siskiyou County, nestled at the base of the majestic Mount Shasta, a potentially active stratovolcano that rises to 14,179 feet. The city was founded in the late 19th century as a result of the railroad expansion, which brought settlers to the area. Originally a timber and railroad town, Mount Shasta quickly became known for its stunning natural scenery and as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the surrounding mountains and forests. The town’s name reflects its close connection to Mount Shasta, a sacred site for Native American tribes and a magnet for spiritual seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Over the years, Mount Shasta has developed into a small yet vibrant community, known for its tourism, arts, and wellness industries.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mount Shasta is served by the Mount Shasta Union School District, with Mount Shasta High School being the primary secondary school. The city’s major landmarks are closely tied to its natural surroundings, with Mount Shasta itself being the most prominent feature. The Mount Shasta City Park, home to the headwaters of the Sacramento River, is a popular spot for picnicking and hiking. Another significant site is the Sacred Mountain Spa, reflecting the town’s focus on wellness and spirituality. The city also hosts annual events such as the Mount Shasta Fourth of July celebration and the Mount Shasta Summit Century bike ride. The Shasta-Trinity National Forest, which surrounds the town, offers year-round recreational activities, including skiing at the Mount Shasta Ski Park in the winter.

Weed

Area, Population, and Geography

  • Area: 4.8 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,700 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 96094
  • Latitude: 41.4222° N
  • Longitude: 122.3869° W

City Location and History

Weed is located in the northern part of Siskiyou County, just west of Mount Shasta and along Interstate 5. The town was founded in the early 20th century by Abner Weed, who established a lumber mill here, taking advantage of the strong winds in the area that helped dry lumber more quickly. The town’s name, though often a source of amusement, honors its founder. Weed grew rapidly as a lumber town, becoming one of the largest lumber producers in California. Over the decades, as the lumber industry declined, Weed diversified its economy, but it has maintained its identity as a small, close-knit community. The town is also known for its stunning views of Mount Shasta and its access to outdoor recreation.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Weed is served by the Siskiyou Union High School District, with Weed High School being the main educational institution in the area. Landmarks in Weed include the Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum, which showcases the town’s rich logging history. The College of the Siskiyous, located in Weed, is a significant educational institution in the region, offering various degree programs and contributing to the local economy. The town’s proximity to Mount Shasta provides residents and visitors with access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing. Weed also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Weed Carnival and the Mount Shasta Lavender Farms Festival, celebrating the area’s natural beauty and community spirit.

Dunsmuir

Area, Population, and Geography

  • Area: 1.7 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,600 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 96025
  • Latitude: 41.2113° N
  • Longitude: 122.2709° W

City Location and History

Dunsmuir is located in the southern part of Siskiyou County, along the upper Sacramento River and nestled in a narrow canyon of the Shasta Cascade region. The town was established in the late 19th century as a railroad town, originally named “Pusher” for the engines that helped trains ascend the steep grades nearby. It was later renamed Dunsmuir in honor of Alexander Dunsmuir, a wealthy Canadian coal baron who contributed significantly to the town’s development. Dunsmuir became known as a popular stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad, attracting tourists with its scenic beauty, particularly its abundant fishing opportunities in the Sacramento River. Today, Dunsmuir retains much of its historic charm, with many buildings from the early 20th century still standing.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Dunsmuir is part of the Dunsmuir Elementary School District, with Dunsmuir High School serving as the primary secondary school. The town’s major landmarks include the Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens, which offer a tranquil setting along the Sacramento River, and the Dunsmuir Museum, located in the historic Amtrak Depot, which highlights the town’s railroad history. The city is also famous for its natural attractions, such as Mossbrae Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation, and Castle Crags State Park, which offers stunning views of the rugged granite spires and Mount Shasta in the distance. Dunsmuir’s rich history, combined with its access to outdoor recreation, makes it a unique destination within Siskiyou County.

Fort Jones

Area, Population, and Geography

  • Area: 0.8 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 700 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 96032
  • Latitude: 41.6082° N
  • Longitude: 122.8417° W

City Location and History

Fort Jones is a small town located in the Scott Valley of Siskiyou County, about 20 miles southwest of Yreka. The town was named after the historic Fort Jones, a U.S. Army post established in 1852 to protect settlers from conflicts with Native American tribes. The fort was abandoned in 1858, but the community that grew up around it continued to thrive as an agricultural and ranching hub. Fort Jones was officially incorporated in 1872 and has retained its rural character over the years. The town’s economy has traditionally been based on farming, ranching, and logging, with a strong sense of community and pride in its history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fort Jones is served by the Scott Valley Unified School District, with Fort Jones Elementary School providing education for younger students, while nearby Etna High School serves the older students. The town’s main landmarks include the Fort Jones Museum, which showcases artifacts from the town’s early days and Native American history. The nearby Marble Mountain Wilderness offers extensive opportunities for hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town also hosts annual events such as the Scott Valley Bluegrass Festival, which draws visitors from across the region. Fort Jones’ small-town charm, combined with its rich history and scenic surroundings, make it a beloved community in Siskiyou County.

Map of Cities in Siskiyou County, CA

Map of Cities in Siskiyou County, CA