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Redding, California

For the best Trails and Outdoor Activities, Redding, California is a must-visit. One of the top trails in this area is the Sacramento River Trail, a scenic path that takes you along the river's edge, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape. This trail is of moderate difficulty, suitable for most fitness levels. For a more challenging hike, try the Clear Creek Greenway, where you'll navigate through rocky terrain and pass by the unique rock formations of Quartz Hill. If you're looking for water-based outdoor adventures, Whiskeytown Lake is perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding. In the surrounding area, the Lassen Volcanic National Park offers stunning volcanic landscapes and a variety of trails. These are just a few of the best outdoor activities and attractions in and near Redding.

Top Spots in and near Redding

  • Redding, California

    Arboretum Loop Trail

    3.5
    2.07 mi / 43 ft gain
    Arboretum Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Redding, California.
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  • Redding, California

    Hilltop Trail Head to Sundial Bridge

    4.0
    2.27 mi / 167 ft gain
    Hilltop Trail Head to Sundial Bridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Redding, California.
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  • Redding, California

    Camp at Shasta Campground

    Shasta Campground offers 27 tent/trailer campsites, picnic tables, paved loop road, vault toilets, OHV staging area, potable water, and fire rings. To get to the campground head along Keswick Reservoir, below Shasta Dam.  Take I-5 north from Redding about 10 miles to Shasta Dam Blvd.  Follow Shas...
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  • Shasta County, California

    Hike Kanaka Peak

    4.5
    3.5 mi / 1100 ft gain
    Head to the Peltier Bridge Campground after entering Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and then go 1.1 miles along the road through the campground until you reach the trailhead for Kanaka Peak. The road from the campground is open from late spring to late fall, otherwise hikers will need to pa...
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  • Shasta County, California

    Hike to the top of South Fork Mountain

    5 mi / 4181 ft gain
    Starting from the Kanaka Peak Trailhead, follow the Kanaka Peak Trail all the way, continuing on past the Peltier Trail Junction and the Kanaka Cutoff Trail Junction until the trail begins to head east (about 2-2.5 miles from the trailhead) and there is a gently sloping hill on your right that is...
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  • Igo, California

    Hike to Brandy Creek Falls in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

    5.0
    3 mi / 500 ft gain
    My favorite hike in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. From the visitor center you will take Kennedy Memorial Drive towards the dam, make a left at Brandy Creek Road. At a junction for Sheep camp/Shasta Bally make a left. You will arrive at the trailhead. This hike follows a beautiful stream t...
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  • Redding, California

    Houseboat Lake Shasta

    1 mi / 1 ft gain
    Lake Shasta sits at the foot of infamous Mt Shasta, past the major Northern California city of Redding. From the Bay Area you can count on at least a 3.5 hour drive to get to waters edge, but the drive goes by quickly just cruising on HWY 5. There are multiple Marinas on Shasta but the largest is...
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  • French Gulch, California

    Hike to Crystal Creek Falls in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

    0.6 mi
    From Redding pass the visitor center on highway 299 and pass the lake. Make a left turn on to Crystal Creek Road. Follow this road for about 2 miles. There will be signs to make a left turn to Crystal Creek Falls. This is less of a hike and more of a walk. The trail is paved. It is less than a ha...
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  • French Gulch, California

    Hike to Whiskeytown Falls in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

    2.8 mi / 787 ft gain
    Coming from Redding pass the visitor center and heading down highway 299. Make a left turn on Crystal Creek Road. Drive about 3.75 miles and on your left will be the Mills Creek Trailhead. Start hiking. You will start headed downhill towards the creek. You will cross Crystal Creek on a footbridge...
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  • Round Mountain, California

    Explore Potem Falls

    3.7
    0.5 mi
    Park in the pull-out on Fenders Ferry Road. There you will find the Potem Falls trailhead. The hike is only 0.5 miles long--you'll likely spend more time enjoying the falls than getting there! Bring your swim gear if you want to jump in the pool. Trail is dog friendly and open March-October. 
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Camp at Hayward Flat on Trinity Lake

    We drove all around Trinity Lake and this was the best campground we found! Located right on Trinity Lake you will find Hayward Flat Campground.  From Weaverville California you will follow highway 3 north about 20 miles. Then take a right on Hayward Flat road two miles. Boom, you are there.  The...
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  • Douglas City, California

    Camp at Steel Bridge Campground

    Steel Bridge is located along the Trinity River.  About three miles east of Douglas City on State Highway 299, turn north onto Steel Bridge Road and go about 2 miles to the campground.This campground is open from Mid-May until winter weather forces closure.  The campground is home to 12 camping s...
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  • Douglas City, California

    Camp at Douglas City Campground

    The campground amenities include 20 tent/trailer campsites, group picnic area, picnic tables, telephone, beach, paved loop road, flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. MAX trailer length is 28 feet.Douglas City is located along the Trinity River. Follow State Highway 299 to Dougl...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Backpack Stony Ridge in the Trinity Alps

    16.5 mi / 4500 ft gain
    The Trinity Alps has miles and miles of beautiful trails, but one of the more stunning sections is the Four Lakes Loop. There are two main trail heads that access the trail. Long Canyon Trail and Stony Ridge Trail both are both beautiful but Stony Ridge is the more popular route yet strenuous. To...
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  • Trinity Center, California

    Backpack Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lake

    25 mi / 4448 ft gain
    The Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes trail features many beautiful lakes, meadows, and an area that resembles a jungle. Dogs are able to use this trail. This trail can be done as a day hike, an overnight, or a three-day backpacking trip. If you choose to make it a three day, the meadows ...
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  • Montgomery Creek, California

    Hatchet Falls (Lion Slide)

    2.5
    About 45 min outside of Redding, California is this breathtaking waterfall, with being a relatively short hike makes it fun for all ages. The hike takes about 5 minutes from the road. Finding Hatchet Falls (aka Lion Slide) from the road are another story, with these falls not being marked anywher...
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Camping and Lodging in Redding

Summit Lake Stock Corral
Shasta County, California

Summit Lake Stock Corral

Shasta Campground
Redding, California

Shasta Campground

Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area (Whiskeytown Nra)
Whiskeytown, California

Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area (Whiskeytown Nra)

Brandy Creek Primitive Campground
Shasta, California

Brandy Creek Primitive Campground

Sheep Camp Primitive Campground
Igo, California

Sheep Camp Primitive Campground

Dry Creek Group Campground (Whiskeytown Nra)
Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity Nra

Dry Creek Group Campground (Whiskeytown Nra)

Guides, Insights and Stories from Redding

An Epic 3 Days of Backpacking in the Trinity Alps

An Epic 3 Days of Backpacking in the Trinity Alps

Benjamin Canevari