$100–150

To get a real sense of life in this remote region, book one of the rooms in the Shasta MountInn Retreat & Spa (203 Birch St., 530/926-1810, www.shastamountinn.com [1], $138–195). The big white farmhouse exterior fits perfectly into its semi-alpine setting, while the rooms ooze country charm and modern comforts.

Each of the four rooms has its own private bath and high-end memory foam mattress, which tempts guests to loll about in bed all morning rather than heading downstairs for a healthy continental breakfast and a cup or two of organic coffee.

The “spa” part comes in with on-site massage therapy services and a funky barrel-shaped redwood sauna. And if you’re serious about taking a spiritual retreat into the local woods and waterways, your hosts can guide you to the sacred spots that dot this area, or you can strike out on your own to find your own holy places.