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 in the Lovers Camp, Scott River area. BIRD WATCHING The 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 relative 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 fields along the Scott River. CAMPING Camping opportunities abound in the more remote sections of the area.  Along the Scott River you will find Indian  Scotty Campground a great choice.  Best of all it is rarely fully booked.  The Forest Service in Fort Jones has a complete listing of open campgrounds.  There are numerous possibilities along the Salmon River.  Carter Meadows campground has special provisions for horse camping.  It is the site of regular camps by the Back Country Horsemen. FISHING Trout fishing is still available in many of the 500 miles of pristine streams.  Catch and release fly fishing has become a favorite pastime.  Many local lakes are well stocked for fishing. GOLD PANNING Gold panning can be an enjoyable activity on many of the rivers and streams such as the Salmon, but you must verify that a particular area is open for panning.  There are many mining claims that are actively being operated and producing gold for the miners. GOLF Every level of golf is available nearby with new courses being added. The courses include: Eagles Nest Golf Course, 22112 Walker Rd, Klamath River, 465 2424 Indian Camp Golf Course, 323 Hill Rd, Tulelake, 667 2922 Lake Shasta Golf Resort, 5925 Country Club Dr., Weed, 9338 3201 McCloud Golf Course, 1001 Squaw Valley Rd., McCloud, 964 2535 Mount Shasta Resort, 1000 Siskiyou Lake Bl., Mt. Shasta, 926 3201, 800-958-3363 Shasta Valley Golf Club, 500 Golf Course Rd., Montigue, 842 2302 Weed Golf Club, 27730 Edgewood Rd., Weed, 938 9971 Yreka Miniature Golf, 2101 Fairlane Rd., Yreka, 842 9128 HIKING Hikers make use of all the publicly owned forests in the area.  Much of the area is off limits to any mechanized travel, its only access is by hiking or horses.  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 the 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 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.   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 in the valley, with much more available throughout the rest of Siskiyou County. PACK TRIPS There are numerous guides and packers who can help you make your trip enjoyable.  Packing workshops are held regularly.  There are horse, mule, and llama packers.  There are many packers holding permits issued by the Klamath National Forest Service. PARKS There are numerous Forest Service campgrounds throughout the area, along with community parks in Etna and Fort Jones. 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 will find many places to enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snow play.  Guided Dogsled and snow cat trips are available from Dogsled Express at (530) 467 5627. SWIMMING There are many swimming holes enjoyed by the locals.  It seems each family has own favorite spots.  Two we might mention 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 operated by the Friends of the Etna Swimming Pool.  The pool is open seven days a week during the summer, with a heater to be installed in 2000.  An indoor pool and spa is operated by Scott Valley Physical Therapy and Fitness Center in Fort Jones. There are many back yard swimming pool throughout the valley. TENNIS The tennis courts at Etna High School are open to the public and are lighted.  There are some private tennis courts. WHITE WATER FUN There are ample opportunities to enjoy rafting and kayaking on the Scott and Salmon Rivers early in the season, but by late summer the water id 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 cause an issue in some areas.  The nearby Klamath is known for its rafting opportunities throughout the spring and summer.  Many outfitters are available for the rivers. NEARBY ACTIVITIES Downhill skiing and snow boarding may be enjoyed at either Mt. Shasta Ski Park or Mt. Ashland--both within an hour and half drive from Scott Valley. The Ashland Shakespearean Festival as well as Britt Music Festival in Jacksonville are near by Southern Oregon  events to enjoy. Water skiing and boating activities may be enjoyed at Iron Gate, Copco Lake, Lake Siskiyou or Trinity Lakes-- all within a couple of hours drive from any location in Scott Valley. THEATER The Scott Valley Theater Company has regular presentations in Etna.  You can join the amateur group and be part of the fun.  There are also other events at the Avery Theater in Etna that include band concerts, singing groups, avant-garde theater, talent shows, children's shows, and others.  There are community concerts and theater groups that perform in Yreka or at the College of the Siskiyous in Weed throughout the year. SCOTT VALLEY CREATIVE ARTS GUILD The Guild was formed in April 1991 by five local artisans who dreamed of having an organization to encourage hand fashioned arts and crafts.  The Guild is now housed in the historic Old Dance Hall Mercantile Building at 11943 Main Street in Fort Jones, phone number (530) 468 5442.  The guild includes arts in oil, watercolor, china, hats, knitting, toys, wood crafting, wind chimes, saw blades, needlework, calligraphy, illustrators, clocks, lapidary, jewelry, cakes, metal sculpture, coat of arms, woolens, tole, matting, framing, Native American crafts, and graphic arts.  The old dance hall was remodeled to house the crafts and similar businesses that now share this interesting building.  The visitor Information Center is also in the building.  The shooting range that used to be in the lower level has been closed.