Redding California

Must-See Icons

Mount Shasta, an imposing sight at 4,322 meters, is one hour north of Redding and is the place for families to snow ski in the winter and hike in the summer. Mount Shasta is a great location for soon-to-be serious mountain climbers to begin the sport.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is one hour east of Redding. If you’d like to drive through, most years the park is open June through September, and depending on snowfall, it may open as early as May and stay open as late as October. You can visit the museums and enjoy ranger-led hikes year-round.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is a sight to see, with falls that never dry out, even in August. Spend a fun afternoon hiking around the falls and picnicking at Lake Britton, which is fed by streams stemming from the falls.

Lava Beds National Monument is about three hours northeast of Redding in both Siskiyou and Modoc counties. The volcanic caves of the area can be explored by anyone. Bring your sneakers, flashlight and a light sweatshirt; the caves are cool compared to the outside air.

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is home to Whiskeytown Lake, where you can take free ranger-led kayak trips, hike to various waterfalls or explore single-track bike trails. Interested in riding horseback or just want to see horses? Spend some time along the equestrian trails at Whiskeytown.

Local Charms

Whether you’re traveling with family and friends or alone, you will want to spend some time in Redding exploring Lake Shasta Caverns, Shasta Dam, Turtle Bay Exploration Park and the Historic Cascade Theatre. From June through August, Redding offers free movies in its various local parks; bring a chair or blanket and watch movies with the locals.

Another favorite pastime is to walk the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail starting at the Sundial Bridge, a cable-stayed, glass-bottom pedestrian bridge designed by “starchitect” Santiago Calatrava.