California is brimming with both little towns and big cities that are loaded with fascinating history. And a lot of it started during the Gold Rush Era that began in the 1800s. Each locale offers a distinctive window into that time which helped shape the Golden State into what it is today. One of those little towns is Yreka in Northern California.

Yreka is located in the northern part of the state approximately an hour from the Klamath National Forest, and an hour and a half north of Redding.
John Elk/Getty Images
Historical accounts differ as to the origin of its name. Some say it came from a Native American tribe and means "white mountain" or "north mountain." Others believe it came about from a spelling error. And still, others contend that a "bakery" sign was missing the "b," then read backward by someone. Whatever the real origin, the name stuck.
The main street here is Miner Street, which is fitting because there were so many that came here during the Gold Rush era to try and make their fortunes.
Historic Downtown Yreka/Facebook
The first to discover the shiny golden nuggets in the area was said to be a mule train packer named Abraham Thompson. Once the word got out, Thompson was joined by almost 2,000 other fortune hunters, transforming the previously unknown and virtually non-existent region into a thriving boom town.
All around town, you can find enthusiastic costumed docents sharing Yreka’s history with visitors from all over the state and beyond.
Historic Downtown Yreka/Facebook
The Siskiyou County Museum is a 2-½-acre outdoor site highlighting the surrounding county’s rich history dating back to prehistoric times. The West Miner Street-Third Street Historic District, which is still the main thoroughfare here, is a wonderful mix of historic buildings and modern structures.

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Even as Yreka developed and grew over the years, it maintained its small-town Americana feel.
Historic Downtown Yreka/Facebook
The current population hovers at just over 7,000 people and is one of those places where "everybody knows your name."
The Franco-American Hotel was once one of Northern California’s finest and largest lodging accommodations and is now an intriguing museum.
Historic Downtown Yreka/Facebook
Inside you’ll find a gold panning exhibit as well as an antique mining camp that speaks to the significance of the Gold Rush here back in the day.
Stunning sunset views like this one are commonplace from the town.
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One can only imagine that the early miners thought this to be a good sign that they had indeed found a new "golden" life.

Take a look at some of the fun things to do in Yreka:

Chock full of history, possessing a thriving historical district, and still maintaining its original character and charm, Yreka is an ancient California town worth a visit.

Have you been to Yreka in Northern California? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there.

If you love history, you’ll no doubt be fascinated with these other ancient Northern California towns.

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Best Places to Visit in Northern California

William Suphan | May 23, 2023

What are the most charming small towns in Northern California?

The most charming small towns in Northern California include:

  • Grass Valley. This was a Gold Rush town and most of the miners were Cornish. Their culture is still prevalent here.
  • Little River. Located on the coast and next to Little River, this town of under 500 people is a slow-paced, lovely place.
  • Nevada City. This is a small town surrounded by gorgeous green trees and has stayed the same size since 1900.
  • Camino. This area looks a bit like Tuscany and grows apples, pumpkins, Christmas trees, and grapes for wine.

Discover more about the most charming small towns in Northern California. 

What are the best bucket-list places in Northern California?

The best bucket-list places in Northern California include:

  • Burney Falls. This collection of waterfalls is as beautiful as it gets and has been called the 8th wonder of the world.
  • Point Reyes National Seashore. This is a picturesque coastline in Marin County with preserved wildlands.
  • Lava Beds National Monument. These are ancient lava tubes that are so big that they’ve formed caves you can walk into.
  • Russian River. This is a gorgeous river surrounded by lush trees in Mendocino County with light turquoise waters.

Learn more about the best bucket-list places in Northern California. 

What are the best historical landmarks in Northern California?

The best historical landmarks in Northern California include:

  • San Francisco Presidio and National Cemetery. This military cemetery is the site of a former base that was once used by Spain, Mexico, and America.
  • Mare Island Naval Shipyard. This was the first west coast naval facility in World War II and housed nuclear submarines.
  • Old Customhouse. Located in Monterey, this is an adobe building that was built in 1827 and is where California was proclaimed as a state.
  • John Muir House. This is the house where conservationist John Muir lives from 1890 to 1915. He started the Sierra Club and National Park System to preserve natural places.

Find out more about the best historical landmarks in Northern California.

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Yreka, CA 96097, USA