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With scenery out of the “Sound of Music” movie, northern California’s Shasta Cascade region includes its very own set of alps (Trinity), alpine lakes and flower-covered mountainsides. When you need to step back to a simpler time, it is the perfect place to remove you from your daily grind.

There’s a catch. Mt. Shasta is fairly close to the Oregon border so you’re not going to access it quickly, especially from L.A. You can drive there in about five hours from San Francisco and four from  Sacramento.

One of the most unique accommodations is the McCloud River Mercantile Hotel, an historic property built in 1897. It was the company store for families of the McCloud River Lumber Company. With only two private owners  in over 100 years, the family that purchased it in 2000 planned to spend four years to renovate the building–it took seven! They uncovered the original flooring and finishes buried under decades of lacquer and paint, artfully restoring authentic woods. They added amenities to guest rooms and suites such as restoration hardware, clawfoot bath tubs, etc.

The hotel is located in the historic downtown district of McCloud, which is  the closest town to the Shasta Ski and Board Park and Mt. Shasta Nordic Center. It is also within 5 miles of  McCloud River, McCloud Waterfalls, and the Pacific Crest Trail. World-class fly fishing, mountain climbing, kayaking, hiking, biking,  nature trails, and scenic beauty are everywhere in this California oasis of healthy living.  Location: 241 Main Street, McCloud, CA. Phone: 530-964-2602,  mccloudmercantile.com