Things to do in Northern Mountains
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Lassen Peak
Lassen Peak, the world's largest plug-dome volcano, rises 2000ft over the surrounding landscape to 10,457ft above sea level. Classified as an active volcano, its most recent eruption took place in 1915 when it blew a giant cloud of smoke, steam and ash 7 miles into the atmosphere. The national park was created the following year to protect the newly formed landscape. Some areas destroyed by the blast, including the aptly named Devastated Area, northeast of the peak, are recovering impressively.
Hwy 89, the road through the park, wraps around Lassen Peak on three sides and provides access to the geothermal areas, lakes, picnic areas and hiking trails. It's only possible to…
reviewed
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Mossbrae Falls
There's a small waterfall up a forest path from the riverside gardens, but Mossbrae Falls is the larger and more spectacular of Dunsmuir's waterfalls. To get there from Dunsmuir Ave, turn west onto Scarlett Way, passing under an archway marked 'Shasta Retreat.' Park by the railroad tracks (there's no sign), then walk north along the right-hand side of the tracks for a half-hour until you reach a railroad bridge built in 1901.
Backtracking slightly from the bridge, you'll find a little path going down through the trees to the river and the falls. Be extremely careful of trains as you walk by the tracks - the river's sound can make it impossible to hear them coming.
reviewed
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California Theater
On Dunsmuir Ave at downtown's north end stands what was once, and soon-to-be-again, the town's pride: the California Theater. In a grassroots community effort this long-defunct, once-glamorous venue is being carefully restored to its original glory. First opened in 1926, the theater hosted stars like Clark Gable, Carol Lombard, and the Marx Brothers. Today the lineup features musical performances, theater groups and comedians, as well as films.
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Sundial Bridge
Resembling a run-aground (and wildly off-course) cruise ship, shimmering-white Sundial Bridge spans the river vista. Completed in 2004, this impressive glass-deck pedestrian overpass connects Turtle Bay Exploration Park to the north bank of the Sacramento. Designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the bridge/sundial now attracts visitors from around the world who come to marvel at this unique feat of engineering artistry.
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Café Maddalena
This café put Dunsmuir on the foodie map. Though original owner, Maddalena Sera, no longer runs the café (rumor has it she is now Francis Ford Coppola's personal chef), Bret LaMott (of Mt Shasta Trinity Café fame) maintains the restaurant's stellar reputation. The menu features southern European and North African specialties and the wine bar is stocked with rare Mediterranean labels.
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Salt H20 Café
Dinner here is… different. The menu, like the decor (walls smothered in fishing nets, paintings, posters, snapshots, sea creature cutouts…), discombobulates. Parts of the seven-course offering are superb (cedar-plank salmon); others are lily-gilding confusions (sweet coconut covered oysters). Edible orchids (not gilded) are part of the meal, as are rich desserts.
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Jack's Grill
This funky little old-time place is popular with locals (and curious visitors who wonder what all the fuss is about). All the fuss is about steak - big, thick, charbroiled chunks of it. Regulars start lining up for dinner at 16:00, when cocktail hour begins. There are no reservations, so it easily takes an hour for seating… hey, no wait at the bar.
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Brown Trout Café & Gallery
This is a casual, high-ceilinged, brick-walled, wi-fi hangout with a light satisfying menu. Enjoy excellent espresso drinks including Mexican mocha. Lunch highlights include specialty sandwiches (eg veggie with pesto or Jamaican jerk chicken) and salads (pear and blue cheese… yum). There's a short wine and microbrew list too.
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Cornerstone Bakery & Café
Serves smooth, strong coffee, espresso and chai. All baked goods - including thick, gooey cinnamon rolls - are warm from the oven. There's an array of veggie (as well as non-veggie) dishes to choose from including creative omelettes (like cactus), soups and salads; the wine list is extensive as is the dessert selection.
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Mi Pueblito
At the corner of Larkspur south of downtown, and hidden among the many chain giants, this bright, friendly, family-run restaurant serves fresh and authentic Mexican food. The huarraches (a sort of cornmeal turnover stuffed with beans, onions and cheese) are very good; the burritos are fat and juicy.
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Joss House State Historic Park
Joss House State Historic Park, in the center of town, holds the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California - it dates from the 1870s. Its Taoist shrine features an ornate altar, more than 3000 years old, that was brought here from China. Tours depart from 10:00 until 16:00 on the hour.
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Noelle's Garden Café
The best (and pretty much only) place for breakfast. There's seating inside the cheery house as well as on the adjoining vine-trellised deck. It has many lunch choices - soups, sandwiches, salads - with lots of veggie options. The breakfast burrito is especially good.
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Angelini's Italian Restaurant
At the time of research this upscale new eatery had yet to open but the last bricks were being laid on the back patio's wood-fire oven. The proposed menu promised fresh pasta, steaks, pizza, seafood and a short but varied wine selection.
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La Grange Café
Spacious, yet intimate, this celebrated multi-star restaurant serves exceptional light, fresh and satisfying fare (fish, poultry, pasta and big fresh salads). There's a very friendly atmosphere, both in the pub and salon dining room.
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Siskiyou County Museum
Sever blocks south of the courthouse, the exceptionally well-curated Siskiyou County Museum brings together pioneer and Native American history. An outdoor section has several historic buildings brought from around the county.
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Ruddle Cottage
The most notable and original gallery in town is Jayne Bruck-Fryer's. The artist makes every ingenious creation here - sculptures to jewelry - from recycled materials. The pretty fish hanging in the window?… Dryer lint!
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The Red House
Airy, bambooey, light - definitely well feng shuied. This inviting spot serves light snacks, coffee, espresso and a wide selection of teas. If you're in a hurry (rare in Weaverville), there's a drive-thru window.
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Redding Aquatic Center
West in Caldwell Park is the Redding Aquatic Center. This hugely popular center has an Olympic-size pool, another vast recreation pool and a 160ft-long water slide. The opening hours are subject to change.
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Mamma Llama
Excellent chill spot. Roomy and relaxed. You can get espresso, browse through the selection of books and CDs or make yourself at home on the couch. There's wi-fi throughout and occasional live music.
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Señor Rosas
Run by a couple of gringos, this taco joint isn't authentic, but it's genuinely delicioso. Ingredients are fresh and organic and there are more than a couple of veggie choices on the menu.
reviewed
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Carnegie's
This hip and homey split-level pubby place serves the healthiest food in town (eg big fresh salads, homemade soup). There's a good selection of beer and wine too. Friday nights get a little rowdy.
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Rene Joule Patisserie
Across from the Cascade Theater, this laidback little café is an excellent choice for breakfast, whether it be gourmet coffee and an oven-fresh muffin or the featured morning egg dish.
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JJ Jackson Memorial Museum & Trinity County Historical Park
The JJ Jackson Memorial Museum & Trinity County Historical Park has gold-mining and cultural exhibits, plus vintage machinery, amazing memorabilia and an old miner's cabin outside.
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Village Grind
- Yreka, USA
- Restaurants › Café
This attractive wood-floor, local-art-on-the-walls espresso bar and café adds a little urbane dash to downtown. Nice light meals - omelettes, salads, pizzas. Wi-fi friendly.
reviewed
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Chu's Too
Though billed as Chinese, more than half the menu is Japanese. Along with all the sweet-and-sour standards there's an impressive fresh-caught array of sushi offerings.
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