Upper Sacramento River
One of the best wild trout rivers in California, running through a canyon most people drive straight past on I-5. A license is required and a local guide is highly recommended.
Exploring the Upper Sac
Just south of Mount Shasta, the Upper Sacramento River is one of California's legendary trout streams. Born from the cold, spring-fed waters below Lake Siskiyou and tumbling south 35 miles toward Lake Shasta, the "Upper Sac" is a classic freestone river: riffles, pools, and pocket water winding through a forested canyon beneath the peaks of Castle Crags. It's famous among anglers for its hard-fighting wild rainbow trout, and it's refreshingly accessible; pullouts along the canyon make it easy to find your own quiet run.
The water around Dunsmuir, about ten minutes south of the Inn, is especially forgiving: gentle, wadeable stretches that make a perfect classroom for a first cast, yet rewarding enough to keep seasoned anglers coming back. Whether you're chasing trout or simply want to spend an afternoon by the water, the river is an easy and beautiful side trip from your basecamp in Mount Shasta.
Fishing licenses are required, and guides are highly recommended. The best place to begin is always with our friends at Ted Fay Fly Shop, California's oldest fly shop, located in Dunsmuir just blocks from our sister property, The Angler Lodge.
(Image Credit: Sacramento River Watershed Program)
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Gourmet burgers, award-winning microbrews, and world-famous sticky buns. Handcrafted, built from scratch, and loaded with combinations you won't find anywhere else. Close to our sister property, The Angler Lodge, in neighboring Dunsmuir.
A growing network of flowy, multi-use trails fanning out from the edge of town toward the mountain — open to bikers, hikers, and runners alike. With everything from beginner-friendly singletrack to bigger backcountry rides, it's Mount Shasta's mountain biking playground, and it's only getting better.
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Tell us your day.
We'll plan the rest.
From summit logistics to a quiet picnic spot we don't put on the map — the front desk has been doing this for years. Send us a note before you arrive, or stop by when you check in.