"Jefferson is the state that never was and never will be but that has lived in men's minds for a…read morehundred years." So quoth one resident from the region encompassing part of Southern Oregon and Northern California that locals call the State of Jefferson. If you have ever had occasion to traverse this largely unspoiled, sparsely populated, Heaven-sent, beautiful geographical region, you will understand why residents proudly and defiantly describe themselves as the 51st state in the Union. The history of a movement to secede from the rest of the United States is well-documented on the Web in State of Jefferson websites, Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Jefferson), and has made its way into the collective consciousness of the local population enough to garner recognition by media outlets in the area. For instance, the region's NPR affiliates are referred to as Jefferson Public Radio (http://www.ijpr.org) and The Pioneer Press, an area newspaper published in Fort Jones, California, stakes its claim as "The official newspaper of the State of Jefferson". The sheer beauty and remoteness of parts of this hypothetical state, exemplified by the view of the snow-covered mountaintop of the extinct volcano Mt. Shasta, are enough to convince most skeptics that the State of Jefferson is its own special place that deserves a name of its own and is worth visiting at least once in one's lifetime.

Over the rich history of the United States, various successionist movements have come and gone (or…read morenot). In fact a few of my Texas friend actively look forward to the day when the Lone Star State goes it's own way, but only after they get their first In-N-Out Burger franchise. Up here in the far reaches of Northern California is the State of Jefferson, with Yreka as its Capital. It's a beautiful drive and somewhere along I-5, there's actually a sign on top of a barn that announces your arrival. There is no border patrol, unless you count the Ag Inspection Station at Hornbrook. The State of Jefferson was a dream, that Northern California and Southern Oregon shared, to succeed in creating a new state. The concept of the State of Jefferson started 1852 when a bill was introduced in the California State Legislature meeting at Vallejo. This bill died in committee and the proposal was never acted upon. After Oregon was incorporated as a state in 1859, miners in the area refused allegiance to either state government and declined to pay taxes. During the Civil War some settlers were interested in creating a northern haven for slavery, but fortunately this failed. By 1941 the dream was sparked again when certain counties in California and Oregon decided that they were not being fairly represented by Sacramento and Salem. This was a region that earned a living off the lumber, fishing, and other harvesting businesses in the area and they felt the government was not distributing infrastructure funding equally to the area. In particular, poor road quality and lack of bridges made it difficult to earn a living in this remote area. They wanted to break away and from their own state to improve their lifestyles by governing themselves with their own laws. And the Jefferson State of Mind lives on today.....

A small walk uphill directly off the 1-5 exit 6/mt Ashland exit. Private property sign. Lots of…read morehuman feces and litter but cool once you get up there and walk around.

This is one of those little places every local should experience- and if you're just passing…read morethrough it's right off the I-5- it's a little walk that would be good for stretching your legs- letting your dog out etc- and it's really interesting to see the train tunnel through the mountain up close- I love all the old buildings they are covered with graffiti but that somehow makes them look even more awesome against the forest backdrop- they are really amazing to check out- great short hiking trail with an interesting ending and lots of historical significance- just beautiful- a must see and a great experience *sidenote- rumored to be haunted because as the site of the last "great" train robbery in the west- 4 were killed- it was also rumored that the dynamite the robbers used to open the safe also burnt up the cash so started their curse

I've been to where lava flows were before but never have I walked/climbed through where lava tubes…read moreactually are before. This was definitely an experience if you haven't done it! $15.00-25.00 to bring your horse, bicycle, motorcycle cycle, car or RV into the park. Doesn't matter how warm outside as the caves are cool to freezing with ice depending on which cave and how far down it goes. Headlamps/flashlights are needed but headlamps easiest so you can use both your hands. The fantastic Park Rangers will not only give you expert advice on what caves are best suited for you but the history about this amazing park. Skull Cave before you get to the visitors center was my first cave. After descending the short rock staircase then a rock floor then to a metal landing and down the metal staircase lower and lower into the cold dark earth. At the bottom is a Skull, bones and ice. The hand rails were freezing. Wish I would have brought my gloves. The visitors center can help with what caves are where and offer helmets, flashlights and other needs via borrow, rent or buy. Closed shoes, knee pads, etc for tight caves recommended. The others I tried weren't near that cold but still really incredible in different ways. To see all the melting of rock and burn scars through these tubes is spectacular. Our earth is alive and so amazing. There are some bathrooms at some of the sites but not all so take advantage. Also, make sure to wear clothing you've never worn in other caves. Transfer of biologicals is real and could very negatively effect the bats in here. An awe experience and I highly recommend it. Some spaces also might be a bit small in case you're claustrophobic. Many are not tight but pitch black. Better than any Halloween haunted house with the creep jumping out at you. A park experience not to miss!

Most Californians don't even know this place exists, and that's a genuine shame. Lava Beds sits…read morenear the Oregon border and holds over 800 lava tube caves -- some small enough to belly-crawl through, others you can walk through upright. Above ground, the Schonchin Butte Trail (1.8 mi) climbs to a fire lookout with massive panoramic views of the high desert. There's also Native American rock art at Petroglyph Point! Spring wildflowers fill the basalt fields, and the dark skies here at night are about as good as it gets in the state.

This is a great place for a photo op of Mt. Shasta, may it be you are coming or going. There is…read moregreat information about the history of the Mountain as well as benches if you just want to stop and take a minute to enjoy the beauty. I have stopped here on countless occasions when traveling between Oregon & California

A little pit stop off southbound highway 97. Totally worth the stop. I can only imagine how much…read moremore grand and beautiful it would have been if the top was not covered. Definitely want to come back and explore it in the Spring or Summer.

A private buisness located near a rustic public venue of an open airy barn house style market place…read moreassociated with orchard laborors who harvest fresh fruits growing a craft of elitely unique wines and blends. Their on site spacious tasting room opens Friday afternoons and local musicians, libations vendors gather here to enjoy the views, the weather, the clear air, and celebrations of life.

Like the idyllic setting for a wedding in September. Plenty of privacy and easy parking. Sorry to…read moresay not many indoor venues can compare to a nice outdoor afternoon and evening next to a winery and orchard. Thankfully, there are also cottages on the property to rent for getting the wedding party ready, etc.

Crossing the Oregon-California border was one of those simple moments that made our road trip even…read moremore memorable. The last town you pass through is Ashland, then you climb up to the summit, and as you start coming back down boom there's the Oregon/California border sign. There's a nice, spacious parking area where it's easy to pull over. We popped the trunk on the car, toasted a couple of bagels with cream cheese, brewed a fresh pot of coffee, and shot a fun little video together. It turned into one of those unexpected moments that ended up being a highlight of the trip. If you're traveling up or down the West Coast, I definitely recommend stopping here. It's a great place to stretch your legs, grab a photo with the state sign, and make a memory. Five stars!

Driving south from Oregon into California on I-5, I think I heard my wallet cry as I crossed the…read moreborder. Yes, fuel is more expensive in the Golden State than it is in the Beaver State. So fill up if you can before you cross over. There is not a good place to stop here. It looked too dangerous to me. There is an Agricultural Checkpoint in Hornbrook. They might or might not be checking passenger vehicles. My Sprinter van was waved through without being stopped. [Review 20951 overall - 484 in California - 1936 of 2023.]

The water is hypothermia inducingly cold, the walk is treacherous and the falls aren't that…read moreexciting. You can take the long route which requires a lot more walking near the train tracks or attempt the river crossing which could end with you swept miles downriver or drowned. At any moment they could let water out of the down to send a surge down the Sacramento River and send you off through rocks and rapids below the falls. The trains come through fast and around blind corners and the roar of the river masks the sound of the train. It is a dangerous hike and people have died there. I don't recommend it for day trippers or casual tourists. Advanced hiking skills required and extra attention to safety and strong swimmers only. Even in mid August the water is high and freezing and the river crossing is very slippery and dangerous. If you know what you are doing and manage the trek there and back you will have seen one of the areas smaller but pretty waterfalls. There is talk of building a trail with a pedestrian bridge to the falls so once that is done it will likely be overrun with day trippers. I recommend going now but be careful.

A must visit in Dunsmuir! Live the cascading waterfall so majestic , calm and mesmerizing ! It's…read moreour second time here and definitely be more visit in the future ! We had the whole waterfall to ourselves

Great place super cool tour unique. If you are traveling in this area these caves are a must!!…read moreBeautiful

Older folks beware. The your route is heavily constricted and the tour groups can be too large. You…read moreend up cheek to jowel on low ceiling staircases unable to move. Our tour guide was passionate but very young, I judged her incapable of responding to an emergency. We bailed early but I don't think they warn you enough about what this tour entails. Hard pass.

Hanley Farm is one of those local historic places that has a lot going for it but doesn't seem to…read morelive up to its potential. It is scenic, a great location, ample parking on site or nearby, but more often than not the gate is locked and they are closed. They have been hosting seasonal events lately - a scarecrow festival, a wreath making day this weekend - but they seem to have a scaled down volunteer staff to coincide with the limited hours. It's too bad! This place could be a great spot for the community.

Things have looked up over the past few years! This month there are two popular, annual events…read moreplanned - May 9 & 10, Heritage Plant & Garden sale, with special treats for Mother on Mother's day. Plus, scavenger hunt, food, historic Hanley House tours, garden tours, etc. Then, May 30, the Children's Heritage Fair; the entire family will enjoy stories, food, Heritage animals, crafts, etc. Then, June 20, 2015, the farm is hosting the Artists Day and Crafts fair. In July Living History Day. Learn more about on-going events at the farm on Facebook and our SOHS Website . Also, the farm is available for weddings, private parties, etc. Call the Southern Oregon History Center for information - (541) 773-6536 x202.