Etna is a small town of approximately 750 people roughly twenty five miles to the south west of Yreka Siskiyou County (Northern California). The elevation is about 3500 feet in altitude in the green, grassy Scott Valley. In addition to more natural beauty than is healthy, Etna also features a gas station, grocery store, hardware store, second hand store, a bar, a theatre(stage), a public swimming pool, and many churches. Etna was formerly a gold mining and timber town. Farming is another common occupation in the area and some farmers/ranchers are opening their operations or activity to bring visitors to a farm or ranch.
You can get to Etna by air, car and foot. The nearest large airport is located in Medford, Oregon, however, private pilots may use the Scott Valley Airport, located in Fort Jones (approximately 12 miles north). Hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, leave Etna Summit and, follow the road down the mountain. Etna is very hiker friendly and often hikers can catch a ride to Etna…and leaving to get back on the trail again.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Etna and the surrounding area. Surrounded by national wilderness, you may inquire at the Forest Service building in Fort Jones to get a map of places to camp. If you want to pitch a tent, you may get a pass (for a small fee) from the City Hall to camp in the city’s beautiful park. The park is located next to the tennis courts at the high school. The public pool is open from early June until mid August and boasts Free Swim Days all summer long.
If fresh (cold) creek water is your style, you can take a swim in Etna Creek.
Need a place to stay? The Etna Motel, Collier Hotel and Alderbrook Bed and Breakfast offer choices for your visit. When you are hungry, there are also plenty of choices. Dotty’s Burgers, Bob’s Ranch House, Wildwood Crossing offer meals. Etna Brewery, Denny Bar Distillery and Paystreak Brewing also offer sandwiches, pizza and other meals, as well as great libations. Grain Street Bakery or South Fork Baking Company can take care of your desire for bread, pastries and donuts
Get there early…..both are often sold out.
Elevation: 3500 ft.
Population: 770
Rainfall annually: approximately 23 inches
Snowfall annually: average 11 inches
Summer High Temp: 87-93 degrees
Summer Low Temp: 47-54 degrees
Winter High Temp: 48-60 degrees
Winter Low Temp: 31-34 degrees
Zipcode: 96027
City Website: