Rustic Lodge at the Foot of Mount Shasta

Many know about the strange stories behind the Bermuda Triangle and Stonehenge, but California's Mount Shasta holds its own as one of the world's most mysterious places. It’s a dormant volcano so huge that 19th-century naturalist John Muir described it as "the pole star of the landscape.” For decades, Native American tribes, Buddhist monks, and mystics have visited the mountain, which is marked by crystal caves, frequent UFO sightings, and a rumored underground military base. Beyond its mysteries, there is gorgeous scenery. Mount Shasta Hotel and Lodge is located near Mount Shasta, on the edge of Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Surrounded by 100-foot-tall evergreens and mountains, the 42-room hotel exudes the feel of a mountain log cabin, from its knotty pinewood paneling to the bearskin rug in the common room. The onsite restaurant has a frontier spirit; its walls are covered with old black-and-white photos of the area, as well as fishing, hunting, and farming paraphernalia. Settle at the booth underneath the mounted moose head to enjoy one of the pub’s eclectic dinner choices, which range from sushi rolls to Grandma's pot roast to smoked-gouda mac 'n' cheese.

In the morning, fuel up with a continental breakfast served daily in the property’s historic stone house. Despite its rustic nature, the hotel has plenty of modern-day comforts: there’s an indoor fire pit, and deluxe rooms feature flat-screen TVs and down duvets.

Mount Shasta, California: Mountain Town near Pine Forests, Rivers, and Waterfalls

The town of Mount Shasta is located in northern California about 60 miles south of the Oregon border. An idyllic landscape of pine forests, mountain streams, and waterfalls unfurls in the shadow of the town’s namesake landmark, Mount Shasta. Standing at more than 14,000 feet above sea level, the dormant volcano is the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range and the principal draw for visitors. Dozens of paths—ranging from easy, low-elevation trails to arduous glacier climbs—attract thousands of hikers every year. The rivers, streams, and lakes surrounding the mountain make for some of the best freshwater fishing in California, and the nearby Mt. Shasta Ski Park encompasses 425 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding. Whether you visit in the winter or the summer, keep an eye out for wildlife, including mountain lions, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons.

Recreation options aren’t just limited to Mount Shasta. You can go whitewater rafting on the Upper Sacramento River, explore dozens of caves formed by lava flows at Lava Beds National Monument, and hike through Castle Crags State Park. Some spectacular waterfalls are sprinkled throughout the region, including McArthur-Burney Falls, whose 129-foot cascade flows strong all year long.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.