RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Bicycling:
Scott Valley is a great place to bicycle. The loop roads are all great places for casual, easy to moderate rides with the exception of the Salmon River Loop, which has many mountain stretches that make it a difficult ride. Many of the mountain roads make great mountain bike excursions-particularly the Lovers' Camp/Scott River area.

Bird Watching:
Scott Valley is a great spot for bird watching in all seasons. Many of the common western bird species are found here, as well as some of the more unusual. A wide variety of habitats and elevation zones are found in a relatively small area. Well maintained roads provide access from the valley floor to high alpine zones. During spring and fall many migratory species pause to visit. Winter brings tremendous numbers of raptors to the fields along the Scott River. Any of the loop drives will give you plenty of opportunity to stop and observe our birds. Consider a bird watching bike ride in mid-spring as a great way to observe our native birds.

Camping:
Camping opportunities abound in the more remote sections of the area. Along the Scott River you will find the Indian Scotty Campground a great choice. Best of all it is rarely fully booked. It is a fee campground. Please check with the Forest Service in Fort Jones (530-468-5351) for a complete listing of open campgrounds in the area. There are numerous possibilities along the Salmon River. Check out the Carter Meadows campground which has special provisions for horse camping.

Community Activities:
There are numerous organizations and clubs available for your enjoyment. These include youth activities, fraternities, and other organizations for adults and the young alike.

Fishing:
While the great steelhead fishing of former years may not be found in Scott Valley and the rivers in the area, you can still enjoy superb trout fishing in many of the more that 500 miles of pristine streams. Catch and release fly fishing has become a favorite pastime of natives and visitors alike. Before fishing any stream or lake, please make sure that it is an open stream or lake and that you know the catch limit in that particular location. Local sporting goods stores generally can answer questions regarding open lakes and streams.

Gold Panning:
Gold panning can be an enjoyable activity on many of the rivers and streams such as the Salmon, but it is suggested that you verify that a particular area is open for panning. It is a courtesy to check with the landowner or the Forest Service. Many mining claims are in place and as such are not open to the general public.

Hiking:
Hikers make use of all the publicly owned forests in the area. Particular favorites are the Marble Mountain Wilderness to the west of Scott Valley, the Russian Wilderness area to the south and the Salmon River and Salmon-Trinity Alps area. The Pacific Crest Trail runs through the Marble Mountains and Russian Wilderness area. Hiking these wilderness areas is one of the best kept secrets for outdoor enthusiasts in California. There are many day hike possibilities, but you may also take overnight backpack trips into some of these breathtaking areas. There are over a hundred mountain lakes to enjoy. Best of all, these areas are not at extreme elevations. Most trails traversing the area are under 7,500 feet in elevation. Overnight visitors to the wilderness areas are encouraged to check in with the Forest Service.

Hunting:
The Scott and Salmon River areas offer some of the finest hunting in California. Both deer and bear seasons are open in the fall. Some bird hunting is done, but not nearly at the level as in other areas of Siskiyou County. If you are new to the area and you wish to hunt in the wilderness areas, it is suggested that you contact one of the local guides or packers.

Pack Trips:
There are numerous guides and packers who can help make a visit to our mountain areas enjoyable. There are both horse and llama packers. Please check with the Klamath National Forest Service (530-468-5351) to find out which guides and packers hold current permits.

Parks:
There are numerous Forest Service campgrounds throughout the area, along with community parks in both Etna and Fort Jones. The Johnson-Joss Park in Etna is located south of the high school and has a large picnic area. The Fort Jones community park is near the City Hall and there is a playground area.

Snow Fun:
There are great places for family snow fun on many access roads away from the valley floor. Most notable are the top of Scott Mountain, the Salmon Summit and Carter Meadows area. You should find plenty of places to enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snow play. For a new experience you might consider contacting Dogsled Express at 530-467-5627 for guided dogsled and snowcat trips.

Swimming:
There are many swimming holes enjoyed by the locals. It seems each family has its own favorite spots. Two we might mention here are Jones Beach, a designated picnic area on the Scott River and Shackelford Falls on Shackelford Creek that is accessed from Quartz Valley Road. A word of caution-these falls can be dangerous during spring runoff. There is a community swimming pool in Etna open 7 days a week during the summer and an indoor pool at the new Scott Valley Physical Therapy and Fitness Center in Fort Jones.

Tennis:
The tennis courts at Etna High School are open to the public and are lighted. For further information please call the high school at 530-467-3244.

Whitewater Fun:
There are ample opportunities to enjoy rafting and kayaking on the Scott and Salmon Rivers early in the season; however, by late summer the water is usually too low for rafting these rivers. Tubing or float trips are often enjoyed on the Scott River. Much of the Scott River is bordered by farm and ranch land so fencing may be an issue in some areas. The nearby Klamath is known for its rafting opportunities throughout the spring and summer. Please check with the Klamath National Forest Service (530-468-5351) to find out which outfitters hold current permits.

Nearby Activities:
Downhill skiing and snowboarding may be enjoyed at either Mt. Shasta Ski Park or Mt. Ashland-both within an hour and a half drive from Scott Valley.
The Ashland Shakespearean Festival as well as Britt Music Festival in Jacksonville are Southern Oregon events to enjoy.
There are community concerts and theater groups that perform in Yreka or at the College of the Siskiyous in Weed throughout the year. Occasionally there will also be performances in Etna. These events are publicized locally as the time of performance nears.
Water skiing and boating activities may be enjoyed at Iron Gate or Copco Lake, Lake Siskiyou or Trinity Lake-all within a couple of hours drive from any location in Scott Valley.
Another event that we are particularly proud of is the Siskiyou Balloon Faire which airs the last weekend in September. Watch as the sky fills with breathtaking, colorful hot air balloons.

1998 Siskiyou Balloon Faire