After spending a week at the McCloud Vacation Home this summer, I find myself trying to figure out when my family & I can return. This classic mill house has been thoughtfully remodeled with many beautiful and insightful touches. Our party of seven was joined at the last minute by two additional overnight guests. The home easily accommodated everyone. John, the owner, went beyond my expectations answering questions about his home, the area and a multitude of activities giving me specific lists of hiking trails and leading me to Charlie, the owner of McCloud Outdoors. We loved our hikes along the McCloud River Trail, at Castle Crags and Castle Lake. Our favorite day was spent canoeing/kayaking on Lake McCloud where we paddled to the original Hearst Castle. As we neared the castle the water turned a crystal-clear, Caribbean blue just before the castle appeared dramatically around the next bend. We were greeted along the way by a bald eagle, several osprey and many sizeable trout. The evening was topped off with delicious ribs grilled at the house and finally by three perfect shooting stars viewed from the picnic table in the backyard.