Members of a mule train party who were passing through the area on their way to the Scott Valley gold fields from southern Oregon founded Yreka in 1851. Abraham Thompson discovered gold near a ravine in the flats that were later to be called "Thompson's Dry Diggings."
There are many motels, restaurants and other services available in Yreka to cater to travelers and visitors alike. Stay in town and explore the outlying areas. Yreka has many interesting attractions for visitors. Visit historic Miner Street, lined with buildings dating to the mid-1800. Visit Third Street, lined with gorgeous Victorian-era homes or the Siskiyou County Museum.
Yreka is located in Siskiyou County (of which it is the county seat) north of Redding between Weed and the Oregon state line along Interstate 5 near the Scott River and the Iron Gate Reservoir.