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
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Forks of Salmon, California
Hike to the Caribou Lakes, Shasta-Trinity Alps
4.016 mi / 3000 ft gainHike through the most majestic and unforgettable mountain ranges, alpine terrains, glacier lakes outside of the Sierra Nevada in Northern California. Yes, it's a long drive there and a lengthy hike, but if you have any doubts about whether this is worth the effort, just go! I struggled with the s...Read more -
Dunsmuir, California
Heart Lake Trail From Castle Lake
5.02.46 mi / 719 ft gainHeart Lake Trail From Castle Lake is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Dunsmuir, California.Read more -
Dunsmuir, California
Hike to Heart Lake in the Klamath Mountains
4.52.2 mi / 600 ft gainScenes like this are rarely so accessible. Heart Lake is nestled in a bowl below Castle Peak, on the edge of the Castle Crags Wilderness just west of I-5 and the city of Mt. Shasta. The parking lot and trailhead are both located on the shore of Castle Lake, a much larger lake that is stunning in ...Read more -
Dunsmuir, California
Mossbrae Falls
5.03.01 miDisclaimer: Hiking to the falls is trespassing. Fines can be as much as $300. If you choose to hike to the falls, you're doing so at your own risk so please be cautious and cognizant of your surroundings. If you live anywhere near Northern California or Southern Oregon, you may have heard about ...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Visit Sulphur Works at Lassen Volcanic NP
4.02 mi / 200 ft gainLassen Volcanic National Park is a wonderland of lush pine forests, arid rocky terrain, boiling lakes, snow-capped peaks, and extremely diverse wildlife. I recommend at least a week to explore this underrated national park, but if you are only driving through, you can still enjoy some of the won...Read more -
Tehama County, California
Brokeoff Mountain Trail
4.06.93 mi / 2474 ft gainPeaking above the volcanic valley at 9235 ft, Brokeoff Mountain is only second in height to Mt. Lassen in the national park they share. Brokeoff was once a part of a larger volcano called Mt. Tehama that erupted, eventually leading to its collapse. The event left a rugged volcanic rim, now con...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Bumpass Hell Trail
4.72.71 mi / 502 ft gainDue to hazardous snow and ice, Bumpass Hell Trail closes during the spring and may not open until July. From the Bumpass Hell Parking Area, the trail traverses the rocky slopes of Bumpass Mountain. The trail slowly ascends 200 feet with views of the valley to the west and Lassen Peak to the nort...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Lake Helen in Lassen Volcanic NP
5.0Lake Helen is a glacial lake in Lassen Volcanic NP. The park's winter season starts in October and runs through June. Lake Helen can be found thawing mid-June. The turquoise blue of the water comes from the minerals in it, and is mesmerizingly beautiful when thawing in pools over a snowy Lake ...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Summit Mt. Lassen via the Northeast Face
5.08 mi / 4000 ft gainThis route is perfect for those with some mountaineering skill looking to challenge themselves on either a long day climb (10-12 hours) of one of California’s most iconic peaks. 1: The approach (1500 feet of elevation gain) For the best chance of summiting, start very early, around 2-4 am. Most ...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Lassen Peak
4.44.66 mi / 1936 ft gainOne of my personal favorites and a hidden gem of California that keeps circling my mind is the Lassen Peak Trail. Don't let the trail map (2.5 miles one way) deceive you and make you think this is a short trail. The elevation gain is is 2000 feet from the parking lot to the end of the peak. The a...Read more -
Burney, California
Burney Falls
4.90.97 mi / 82 ft gainBurney Falls can be seen right from the parking area, but this scenic loop is a great hike for all levels of hiking ability. Heading out on this trail will take you to the base of this 129 foot tall waterfall. The Hike Burney Falls has a 1.3 mile loop trail that takes approximately 30 minutes ...Read more -
Shasta County, California
Devastated Area Interpretive Trail
2.00.5 mi / 16 ft gainDevastated Area Interpretive Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Old Station, California.Read more -
Old Station, California
Bumpas Hell to Cold Boiling Lake
4.05.32 mi / 1007 ft gainBumpas Hell to Cold Boiling Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Old Station, California.Read more -
McCloud, California
Middle McCloud Falls
4.82.49 mi / 243 ft gainJust 4 hours north of San Francisco, McCloud Falls offers a quick hike and swimming hole for those looking for something less crowded than Burney Falls. McCloud Falls has 3 tiers, but the middle section offers the best views by far. Getting Here To get here, park at the Fowlers Campground which...Read more -
Burney, California
Northshore Campground
The name of the campground, Northshore Campground, speaks for itself. It's located on the northern side of Lake Britton, across the water from the main state park camping area. This is nice for us as it's easier to get a spot, and it's much quieter. Campground Reservations It's a PG&E campgr...Read more -
Forks of Salmon, California
Grizzly Lake via China Gulch Trailhead
4.414.6 mi / 5112 ft gainGrizzly Lake is in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The lake is know for its brilliant waterfall flowing from the lake's surface straight off the side of a cliff and roughly 600 feet down to the meadow below. Grizzly lake is located in some of America's most amazing and remote alpine wilderness, incl...Read more
