Rafting on the Trinity River is always an adventure. Your adrenaline will be pumping as you navigate around boulders and through rushing rapids; then, in a blink of an eye you’ll be catching your breath, floating through steep canyons on calm and peaceful waters. With 40 miles of class 1 (easy) rafting and 26 miles of class 2-3 rafting (expect to get wet!), the Trinity River is … [Read more...]
#98 – Plumas County Golfing
Any golfer will attest to the habit-forming nature of hitting the links. If you’re hoping to indulge your golf addiction, look no father than Plumas County, which offers golfers ten courses to choose from. Many of them are located in the town of Graeagle, nestled in the mountain valley just one hour north of Lake Tahoe. Here you’ll find four champion 18-hole courses and one sec … [Read more...]
#100 – Western Pacific Railroad Museum
Completed in 1909, the Western Pacific Railroad’s Feather River Route ran between Oakland, California and Salt Lake City, Utah. Because they were competing with the near-monopoly market force of the Southern Pacific Railroad, the engineers and operators of the Western Pacific were forced to be innovative and efficient. They became a driving force, propelling train technology i … [Read more...]
#101 – High Sierra Music Festival
Every 4th of July the town of Quincy, CA welcomes thousands of visitors for the four-day, family-friendly High Sierra Music Festival. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2016, the eclectic festival boasts an impressive line-up of national and international superstars in the jamband, bluegrass, folk and funk traditions. There are several camping areas on the festival grounds. If … [Read more...]
Strawberry Valley Inn, Mt. Shasta
Retreat to Cool Mt. Shasta Strawberry Valley Inn is open year-round and offers monthly specials including a "Stay & Play" ski package, "Sweetheart Massage" package, romantic getaways and spiritual retreats. This charming inn is the perfect home away from home, offering guests the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and take advantage of everything Mount Shasta has to of … [Read more...]
Pine Cove Marina, Lewiston
Fishing Traditions Start Here! Pine Cove is the only marina on Lewiston Lake. They rent patio boats, fishing boats, kayaks and canoes as well as boat slips for your own water craft. Renting a patio boat is a great way to see the lake and fish. At Pine Cove Marina, they sincerely hope that you will come and experience the fantastic fishing, crowd free water and go home with a … [Read more...]
Mount Shasta Resort
Where Heaven Meets Earth Escape to the crisp mountain air to enjoy spectacular golf, fine dining, day spa treatments, and lodging in your fully appointed Chalet. Paradise awaits you - just off of I-5, between San Francisco and Portland. Where: 1000 Siskiyou Lake Blvd., Mount Shasta (google map) More Info, Reservations & Tee Ti … [Read more...]
Holiday Harbor, Shasta Lake
Houseboat Capital of the World Whether you are planning an extended vacation or a weekend getaway you will find what you are looking for at Lake Shasta. Rich in history and rich in recreational opportunities, this region offers something for everyone from exciting water adventure, to breathtaking scenic beauty. You will find it very convenient to explore local attractions … [Read more...]
Hilton Garden Inn, Redding
Sitting on a plateau overlooking the majestic Sacramento River, the Hilton Garden Inn Redding hotel offers convenient access right off the I-5 freeway. Our hotel is a great choice for easy travel around town and to the many Redding area attractions. Complimentary wireless internet access Complimentary shuttle service to and from the Redding Airport Complimentary … [Read more...]
Headwaters Adventure Company, Redding
Kayaks, Stand-up Paddle Board Rentals and Outdoor Adventure Excursions! The touring kayaks have sealed storage compartments for your picnic lunch and cold drinks. Rentals include P.F.Ds. (Personal Flotation Device), Paddles, & Spray Skirts. Headwaters Adventure Company offers weekly hosted kayak excursions on local lakes and caps them off with a freshly prepared hot Dutch … [Read more...]
Fun Factory Snowmobile Rentals, Weed
Snowmobile Rentals and Tours since 1995. Fun Factory Snowmobile Rentals and Tours offers access to over 300 miles of beautiful groomed snowmobile trails, and thousands of acres with open Valleys Vistas and volcanoes in the Tri Forest Snowmobile Trail System. The 14,162' high Mt Shasta and the surrounding mountain ranges offer some of the BEST Snowmobiling California has to of … [Read more...]
Del Loma RV Park, Big Bar
Shaded Camping Right on the Trinity River Del Loma RV Park is located in beautiful Trinity County, California and located right on the Trinity River to allow for great access to fishing and other water activities. Relax in the beauty of Northern California’s 2nd largest Trinity Alps Wilderness Area, and the Wild-and-Scenic Trinity River at Del Loma RV Park and Campground. Off … [Read more...]
Bigfoot Rafting, Trinity County
Action-packed, guided whitewater adventures for first-timers and seasoned veterans on the Trinity, Klamath, and Cal Salmon Rivers Since 1984 Bigfoot Rafting has been the go-to company for tourists and locals alike. The largest and most experienced rafting company in Northern California, they offer daily trips on the beautiful emerald waters of the Trinity, South Fork, Cal S … [Read more...]
Antlers Marina, Shasta Lake
Relax and enjoy the splendor of the outdoors at Antlers Resort & Marina. Antlers has been in the Shasta Lake Vacation business for over forty years. Each year water sport enthusiasts come from California, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon to enjoy houseboating, water skiing, fishing, and boating on beautiful Shasta Lake. If houseboating is not for you, then stay in one of … [Read more...]
#42 – Whiskeytown Sailing Regatta
Soon after President John F. Kennedy dedicated the Whiskeytown Dam in September of 1963, the Whiskeytown Sailing Club launched the annual Whiskeytown Memorial Regatta. Held in May and hosting over 300 participants racing dinghies, centerboards, keelboats and multi hulls, the event is now in its 52nd year. Some sailors are third generation racers. In addition to the regatta, … [Read more...]
#44 – Whiskeytown Waterfalls
Waterfalls, old-growth forests, historic landscapes and sweeping vistas are just a few of the gems you’ll encounter in the recreation area surrounding the Whiskeytown reservoir. While most tourists come to Whiskeytown for water recreation, the park also boasts a 70-mile trail system, including four waterfalls. In fact, the park service even invites visitors to partake in the “ … [Read more...]
#45 – Kayak Tours of Whiskeytown Lake
A great way to learn about the history and wildlife of the Whiskeytown area is through the unique offer of a free, guided kayak tour with a Ranger Station volunteer. The two-and-a-half hour tour will take you all around the magnificent coves and secluded shoreline of this distinctive lake environment. For an even more memorable experience, try the moonlight tour. Tours are … [Read more...]
#46 – Shasta State Historic Park
Shasta City, once the “Queen City of the Northern Mines” during the Gold Rush, was a thriving, cosmopolitan community and one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Northern California. Up to 2,000 mules a day hauled in goods from San Francisco and Sacramento for distribution to the gold mine camps. In 1872 the railroad came through and built its terminus in Redding instead of … [Read more...]
#31 – NorCal Trail Rides
Take on the great outdoors in a way only an experienced wrangler can show you — by horseback. NorCal Trail Rides offers safe, comfortable trail rides for all ages along the scenic Sacramento River, with ample wildlife viewing opportunities. They have a morning and an afternoon ride every day of the week, year-round (call for times), and supply everything you need for a relaxed t … [Read more...]
#32 – Coleman National Fish Hatchery
Everyone knows there’s great salmon fishing in Northern California. One of the primary reasons is the Coleman National Fish Hatchery on the Battle Creek tributary of the Sacramento River. This enormous hatchery is the largest in the continental United States, and rears more than 13 million fish every year, primarily Chinook salmon and steelhead. The hatchery is open for s … [Read more...]
#63 – Shasta Dam
three Shastas: Shasta Dam, Shasta Lake and Mt. Shasta. Completed in 1945 as the chief feature of Central Valley Project to provide irrigation to farmers and flood control in the valley, the dam is 602 feet high and 3,460 feet long. Its 6.5 million cubic yards of concrete is enough to build a sidewalk around the equator, 3 feet wide and 5 inches thick. Free tours lasting about … [Read more...]
#62 – Camping Lake Shasta
Imagine falling asleep to the sounds of an owl hooting, water rippling and the wind whispering through the trees. That’s the experience you get when camping on Shasta Lake. There are hundreds of acres and numerous places to stay around the lake, whether at the water’s edge or back among the pines and oaks. Whether you’re looking to rough it in a primitive campsite or looking for … [Read more...]
#61 – Lake Shasta Dinner Cruise
What could be better than a Lake Shasta Dinner Cruise? A majestic lake setting, beautiful sunsets, emerald green waters, and the company of your family and friends, this is definitely an experience you’ll want to enjoy time and time again. Shasta Lake Dinner Cruises depart twice weekly on Friday & Saturday evenings at 6:00pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It’s a great way t … [Read more...]
#60 – Shasta Lake Boating
The first sight of Shasta Lake in the summer is awe-inspiring — the expansive sky-blue water encircled by tall green trees and majestic Mt. Shasta in the background. Renting a boat is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Shasta Lake. The extensive shoreline allows almost endless exploration of inlets, beaches, coves and other out-of-the-way places only accessible by b … [Read more...]
#66 – Shasta Lake Trails
With 365 miles of shoreline, Shasta Lake has a lot to offer hikers, bikers, equestrians and trail runners. Many of the trails are short spurs heading down to the water, carved out by anglers looking to access the best fishing spots, but there are plenty of loops and longer hikes as well. The Samwel Cave Nature Trail takes you on a 1-mile tour through an ancient landscape … [Read more...]
#64 – Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Area
The Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area is located just 10 miles northwest of Redding and offers 200-miles of roads and trails, and over 52,000 acres of off-road-accessible wilderness. Elevation varies from 600 to 5,000 ft., and terrain varies from steep and challenging to rambling and leisurely with sprawling views of Mt. Shasta, Lake Shasta and the Trinity Alps. The … [Read more...]
#65 – Shasta Caverns
Imagine being in a cavern, light glistening off calcite crystals embedded in stone walls made of limestone and marble. Water crashes on rocks as it falls from the ceiling high above your head. The cavern tour begins with a cruise across beautiful Shasta Lake, followed by a ride in a comfortable tour bus offering the most scenic view you can get of the McCloud Arm of the lake. … [Read more...]
#48 – Lassen Peak
Considered most likely to erupt next in the Cascade Range, Lassen Peak (also called Mount Lassen) last erupted between 1914 and 1917. It is a type of volcano called a plug dome volcano. These are are formed by flows of thick, viscous lava that pile up around a vent. The flows themselves are not explosive, but they can cause an eruption when the lava cools and hardens, and … [Read more...]
#47- The Dark Skies of Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is happily situated well away from any population centers with bright city lights. The nighttime glow caused by those artificial lights (even from very small cities) is called light pollution, and it is more than just an annoying condition that makes it harder to see stars at night. Light pollution also disrupts the biological rhythms of nocturnal … [Read more...]
#55 – Hat Creek Volcanic Area, Subway Cave
Located in Lassen National Park, Hat Creek Volcanic Area is the second largest ancient lava bed in the state. 20,000 years ago a river of lava called the Hat Creek Flow crawled northward near Old Station for 16 miles, and covered the floor of Hat Creek Valley. Typical of a lava field, the landscape is a mostly barren expanse of craggy rock but there are two points of interest … [Read more...]
#51 – McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Amid evergreen forests within the Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau is the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. The second oldest state park in California, it is home to the amazing 129 ft. spring-fed Burney waterfall. If you make the trek here, you won’t be disappointed by what President Theodore Roosevelt called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Springs above and at the fa … [Read more...]
#52 – Lake Britton
For a nice afternoon on the water in the mountains outside of Burney, go to Lake Britton. The recreation opportunities are seemingly endless on this picturesque lake that was created from damming the Pit River. The North Shore and Dusty Campgrounds are on PG&E land, and there are also RV camps near by. It’s a paddler’s paradise with kayak fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, … [Read more...]
#54 – Hat Creek Radio Observatory
Unlike optical telescopes, radio telescopes can detect “invisible” light, or naturally occurring radio emissions from stars, planets and other bodies outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. The Hat Creek Radio Observatory is ideally located in a remote valley surrounded by mountain peaks that block “noise” from television, cell phones and radios here on earth. Founded in the 1950s, i … [Read more...]
#57 – Fort Crook Museum
For a little museum, Fort Crook really packs a punch! Named for the fort that protected travelers on the Shasta-Yreka Road and the Lockhart Ferries in the 1850s, the Fort Crook museum provides an intimate peek into the area’s history. There are 10 individual buildings that make up the museum including The Fort Crook Cabin, the only known original building remaining from Fort C … [Read more...]
#50 – Wild Horse Sanctuary
In 1978 some public lands around Shingletown, CA were slated for development. Unfortunately, the land was home to 80 wild horses that would need to be euthanized. Rather than allow that to happen, the founders of the Wild Horse Sanctuary created a safe haven for them and set out on a lifelong mission “to protect and preserve America’s wild horses as a living national tre … [Read more...]
#94 – Bizz Johnson Rail Trail
Linking the towns of Susanville and Westwood, the 25-mile Bizz Johnson Trail is part of the national Rails to Trails initiative, which converts abandoned stretches of railroads into multi-use recreation trails. Bike, run, hike, ride a horse or cross country ski along this varied route that follows the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad. … [Read more...]
#96 – Susanville Ranch Park
Susanville Ranch Park is a 1,100-acre multi-use recreation area. The park offers 29 miles of easy to challenging trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, dog walking or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. In the south, the riparian area around Bagwell and Paiute Creeks offers gently sloping trails through open grass meadows and pine forests. It is … [Read more...]
#93 – Litchfield Wild Horse & Burro Corral
Many readers may be surprised to hear that hundreds of wild horses and burros roam the hillsides in the Western United States. There are so many of them, in fact, that herds often destroy farmlands or interfere with livestock grazing. In the past, the methods used to control herd sizes usually involved euthanasia but due to activism on the part of horse lovers, the Wild and … [Read more...]
#95 – Cinder Cone, Fantastic Lava Beds
Before Lassen Volcanic National Park received its national park designation, it was two separate national monuments — Lassen Peak National Monument and Cinder Cone National Monument. Lassen Peak happens to be located in Shasta County (go figure), but Cinder Cone is located in Lassen County, as are several remarkable volcanic features created by it. Cinder Cone is believed to … [Read more...]
#23 – Tehama District Fairgrounds
For a good time, grab your cowboy hat and head down to the Tehama District Fairgrounds. The first annual Tehama County Fair was held October 3 through 8, 1921 to boost agricultural interests in the area. Today the fairgrounds continue the tradition with a year-round schedule of events like the Annual Fair, PCRA (Pro Circuit Rodeo Association) Round-Up Rodeo, Red Bluff Bull and … [Read more...]
#22 – Red Bluff Round-Up & Museum
In 1918 Tehama County cattle ranchers and their hands started gathering together after rounding up their herds, and held a picnic and informal rodeo. These “round-ups” started drawing crowds who wanted to watch cowhands try their luck at riding. From these humble beginnings, today’s Red Bluff Round-Up is a weeklong, community-wide event with bowling tournaments, foot races, a pa … [Read more...]
#27 – Tehama County Museum
Preserving the unique history of Tehama County, the museum is housed in a building with its own extensive story. Built in 1859, it was a school for 21 years, a Masonic Hall for 116, and is now home to an array of exhibits highlighting the county’s colorful past. Everything from mastodon tusks to period clothing, furnishings and photographs is on display. Models of campsites w … [Read more...]
#28 – William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park
If you’ve ever heard California called the “Bear Republic,” that’s largely due to William B. Ide, who, as a pioneer, was a primary figure in the “Bear Flag Revolution” of 1846, proclaiming California independent from Mexico. The “republic” lasted only 25 days, until the U.S. Army defeated Mexican forces in Monterey and claimed California as its own. Although it was short-lived, … [Read more...]
#21 – Black Butte Lake
Picture this: enjoying a perfect day of fishing a warm-water lake for crappie, catfish and large and smallmouth bass with magnificent black volcanic buttes on all sides. Not into fishing? How about wake boarding, sailing or windsurfing? If you prefer on-shore activities, try the 13 miles of hiking, biking or running trails. In spring, fiddlenecks, California poppies, baby blue … [Read more...]
#25 – Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area
Observing diverse wildlife and getting out into the wilderness is what Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area is all about. This woodland area, located 6 miles east of I-5 and 3 miles west of Hwy 99 at Corning, is the perfect place to clear your mind and experience the serenity of nature. You can launch a boat or relax on the sandy beach as the majestic peaks of Mt. Shasta, Mt. … [Read more...]
#20 – “Olive City” Corning
The small town of Corning is also known as “Olive City” due to its many highly acclaimed olive oil producers, olive harvesters, packagers and great gift shops that host tasting bars full of olives, olives and more olives. Olive oil connoisseurs will be delighted by the variety and innovations of the many companies, some award-winning for their personal styles. With hundreds of f … [Read more...]
#30 – Ishi Wilderness
Rugged country awaits visitors to the Ishi Wilderness. Unlike many wilderness areas in Northern California, the low-elevation Ishi Wilderness in the Lassen National Forest rarely sees snow, making it a perfect destination for winter camping, hiking and fishing. Its dramatic landscape is crisscrossed with deep canyons, dotted with caves, marked by lava pillars and branded by … [Read more...]
#79 – Siskiyou County Lakes
Siskiyou County has more than 270 named lakes, and dozens of unnamed ones. They vary in size from larger, well-known bodies of water like Lower Klamath Lake and Tule Lake, to tiny jewels hidden away in pristine alpine settings. Some of the lakes have whimsical or even goofy names. For example, there’s Boozey Lake, Hole in the Ground Lake, Knownothing Lake, Lipstick Lake and F … [Read more...]
#70 – Castle Crags State Park
The dramatic profile of Castle Crags State Park comes from the 6,000-foot-tall, glacier-polished, granite spires (crags) that lend the park its name. The park has dozens of developed campgrounds with showers, flush toilets and potable water, so it’s a great place to set up camp and explore the surrounding area. But even if you never leave the park, there’s so much to do in this … [Read more...]
#71 – Rock Climbing Castle Crags
Rock climbing can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Just you, the rock, your mind and whatever gear you can carry with you to keep yourself and your climbing partners safe. It’s about being in the moment and pushing through to the next sequence of moves. When you finally reach the top of the rock face, there is an amazing feeling of accomplishment. There are many o … [Read more...]
#69 – Railroad Park Resort
Since 1968 the Railroad Park Resort in Dunsmuir has been living the romantic days of railroading. Lounge inside restored antique railroad cars, live the life of a railroader in the Caboose Motel. Find a nostalgic treasure in their gift shop, explore relics like the gear-driven steam logging locomotive, the 1893 Wells Fargo Car or the wooden snow plow and flanger. This one-of-a … [Read more...]
#68 – Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens
Located in Dunsmuir City Park, this 10-acre garden features dogwoods, hostas, ferns, Japanese maples, penstemons and native plants. There’s also a playground for the kids and a picnic area where you can enjoy a bite, surrounded by fragrant and vibrant foliage. During the summer months, the garden stage is host to numerous performances and special events, including the annual “ … [Read more...]
#83 – Town of McCloud
On the southern slope of Mt. Shasta, the quaint town of McCloud has everything needed to keep the traveler well fed, well accommodated and entertained. Though popular in the winter months when there’s easy access to skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, there are also four golf courses and plenty of hiking, swimming, fishing, backpacking, mountaineering, kayaking, … [Read more...]
#82 – McCloud River & Falls
If you enjoy swimming, hiking, fishing or just looking at spectacular natural beauty, then the McCloud River in the Shasta National Forest is your paradise. You can visit three impressive waterfalls on one 4-mile hike. The river is spring-fed and runs cold but it’s a great way to cool off in the hot summer months. The lower falls are perfect for diving and swimming in deep, b … [Read more...]
#73 – Ice Skating
Kids love to skate. Whirling, twirling, gliding effortlessly across the ice...watching their parents fall down. If you’re visiting Mt. Shasta in the winter months, there’s clearly loads to do, but did you know that they also have the only National Hockey League (NHL) regulation-sized outdoor rink in all of California? With Shasta Peak looming in the distance, Siskiyou Ice Rink i … [Read more...]
#74 – Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
If you love hiking and biking in the mountains during the summer months, then cross-country skiing or snowshoeing could be just your thing in the winter. There’s nothing like the feeling of gliding past snow-covered trees and peaks on Nordic tracks or hiking into remoteness on snowshoes. Siskiyou County has abundant public lands that offer snowshoers and cross-country skiers b … [Read more...]
#77 – Hiking & Backpacking on Mt. Shasta
No matter your hiking level, Mt. Shasta provides stunning panoramic views. You can hike for as little as 15 minutes or spend all day rambling as far as you please. It’s even possible to pitch a tent for the night. Of course, the higher you climb on the mountain, the more breathtaking the views. Depending on which trail you choose, you’ll meander by creeks, waterfalls, evergreen … [Read more...]
#75 – Skiing Mt. Shasta
With a height of over 14,000 feet and home to 8 glaciers including the largest in California, and a deep winter snowpack that allows skiing well into summer, Mt. Shasta is one of the premier ski destinations in the United States. The Everitt Memorial Highway provides easy year-round access from the city of Mt. Shasta to trailheads that lead to dramatic slopes, where back … [Read more...]
#84 – Black Butte
Driving on the I-5 between Mt. Shasta and Weed, you can miss the overlapping giant volcanic lava domes called Black Butte. The mountain often takes second billing in the area thanks to the titanic Mt. Shasta, but Black Butte is worth a visit in its own right. If you’re up for it, it’s a 2.5 mile hike with an elevation gain of 1,800 ft. to its summit, where you’ll be awarded spec … [Read more...]
#86 – Pluto’s Cave
The majestic grandeur and almost other-worldly presence of Mt. Shasta have inspired countless fantastic tales, including some about an underground city located beneath the mountain and populated by a species of wee folk called Lemurians. Access to this fabulous city is said to be, as one would expect, through caves, although exactly which cave and where it is located is a … [Read more...]
#87 – Lava Beds National Monument
Developed volcanic caves, history and culture are what you’ll find at the one of a kind Lava Beds National Monument. An enormous shield volcano has created a diverse landscape with over 700 lava tube caves, many of which have been improved for visitors and have easy to follow trails, ladders or staircases, and, in one case, lights. The Ranger Station offers guided tours through … [Read more...]
#76 – Snowmobiling
See some of the most pristine, wild and visually stunning winter scenery in Northern California from a snowmobile. There are four snowmobile parks in Siskiyou County, all with warming huts, restrooms, loading ramps and parking areas. An extensive trail system connects the four parks, with 260 miles of groomed and well maintained trails, and countless other unmarked, natural … [Read more...]
#91 – Cedar Pass Snow Park
Go back in time to the early days of skiing at Cedar Pass Snow Park. This small, community-run ski area in the Warner Mountains is a labor of love, entirely staffed by volunteers. With a total of six runs, the lower half of the mountain is serviced by a rope tow, perfect for beginners and for the more advanced, the T-Bar takes skiers to higher elevations. Though small, the … [Read more...]