Best Things to Do in Redding and Shasta Cascade, California
Last Updated on April 21, 2024
Explore the many waterfalls
Two months ago I recalled some of the best waterfalls in California, and it’s no coincidence that many of them came from Redding and Shasta Cascade. The region boasts over a dozen wondrous waterfalls. Many of them are easily within short driving distance from Redding, and they all share gorgeous views and plenty of photography opportunities. The rumbling of the cascade and trickling waters is a perfect place to heal from the hustle and bustle of the city.Â
I’ve recapped many of these scenes in my reel, but here are some of the easiest treks to the most captivating waterfalls California has to offer:
Lower McCloud Falls
Just an hour and a half away from Redding runs the McCloud River, showcasing three different waterfalls you can find in just half a day. The scenic McCloud Waterfall Trail allows avid hikers to take a 4-mile trail of all three waterfalls in one trip.
You can also ride a car and hike individual trails to the McCloud Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls. The closest of these are the Lower Falls (0.2 miles), followed by the Upper Falls (0.3 miles) and the Middle Falls (0.8 miles).
Middle McCloud Falls
The Middle Falls is my favorite of the three. Something about walking along the smooth-stoned riverbank while staring at the water trickling down on the mossy, wide boulders soothes the soul.
However, all of them are easy to walk to and even have wheelchair-accessible options for disabled trekkers.
Crystal Creek Falls
Within a similar distance of Redding, Crystal Creek Falls is a quiet waterfall with multiple streams running over curved stone, leading down a crystalline, shallow river. The welcoming waters provide a picturesque view for photographers, and I had a great time strolling along the banks. These falls are only 0.7 miles away from Redding and are also easy to get to.
Burney Falls at a distance
I think Burney Falls may be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in California. Two white ribbons of spring water burst out amidst the foliage above Burney Falls, joined in a symphony by lighter streams trickling down the cliff-side rocks beside it. Equally straightforward and only a mile away from Redding, this waterfall offers breathtaking views any newcomer must witness for themselves.Â
Note that the Burney Falls trails will be closed from April 2024 till the end of summer for reconstruction.
Whiskeytown Falls, from the seat of a log
Located in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area around 2.7 miles away from Redding, this waterfall towers over old roads shaped by logs and boulders. While it’s gorgeous and features a good bit of history, the trail up is moderately difficult to climb and poses quite a challenge for newer hikers. Despite all that, the scene waiting above makes it all worth it.
Mossbrae Falls
Mossbrae Falls is named after the spectacular moss structures blooming out from the stone, leading the waters down uniquely curved and life-like curtains. It’s a heavenly view that I just couldn’t leave out of this list, but there is currently no legal or safe trail to access the area. If you do choose to visit the Falls, keep in mind that it’s not currently safe to visit with kids or pets, and you should take extra precautions walking to it. For more updates, feel free to look at this website.Â
Explore the Lake Shasta Caverns
The Lake Shasta Caverns bring fascinating views of the area. Tours feature a splendid boat ride through the lake to the caverns, showing off the glowing teal waters of the lake. There are also bus rides circling the hills above, where you may encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this place home.Â
The highlight of the trip, of course, is the stalactites and stalagmite structures you see once you enter the caverns. These calcite formations have built up for many years into rugged shapes, like the iconic patterns of Gothic cathedrals. Inside the caverns are over 600 steps of this geological magic, sometimes interrupted by bridged pathways outside the caves where you get a full view of the crystalline lake.
The tour takes you around 20 miles north of Redding, and you can catch one every half an hour from 9 AM to 4 PM. The price of admission runs from $25 for children and $40 for adults. You can book your tickets here!
Shasta Caverns from below
Take a hike around the mountains
Many hikers have ventured up and around Shasta Cascade’s many trails to capture the gorgeous views of the mountain. Some of these trails are easier than others, but the strenuous uphill climbs bring majestic sights of the world.
Heart Lake Trail was one of my favorite hiking trails on my trip to Shasta Cascade. Going up from Castle Lake to view the eponymous Heart Lake, it’s a relatively popular route despite its moderate difficulty. I imagine it’s because of the romantic view at the route’s end. As you climb up the rocky steps, you can see the Heart Lake start to resemble the shape it’s named after, surrounded by the evergreens looming around it.Â
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Heart Shaped Trail. Tilt your head to see the heart!
If you’re up to the challenge, you can try taking on the Castle Dome Trail. Located within the Castle Crags State Park and Castle Crags Wilderness grounds, it’s a little over 5 miles in length and is a great area for rock climbing and exploration. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for less able hikers, as it was quite long and difficult to climb at first.Â
Mt. Shasta from the Top of the World
There’s also a well-kept secret among local hikers: the Top of the World trail. Unlike the other trails, you can find this trail within the city of Redding and even drive to the opening. It was moderately difficult to climb, but because it was relatively short, it didn’t feel too challenging–especially considering the panoramic views you get at the end. Â
From here, you can see Shasta Cascade’s mountain ranges all around you, from the tall Mt. Shasta to the distant Trinity Alps. I’m especially proud of the picture I took up there–the gradient of the orange sky blended amazingly with the cool blue of the mountains. I recommend bringing zoom lenses when going up here to get a better shot of the distant range.Â
Mt. Shasta from the Top of the World
Set out to the Lassen Volcanic National Park
The Lassen Volcanic National Park features Shasta Cascade’s many volcanic structures, and the way it’s set up allows travelers a straightforward way to access gorgeous views of the landscape. You can take the scenic route around the park, which lasts around 30 minutes without stops, but you’ll likely want to stop and admire the beauty of nature all around you!
The glittering green waters of Emerald Lake
The park has three mesmerizing lakes around the pathway. Emerald Lake glows as brightly as its namesake and has waters so crystal clear you can see the logs and rocks deep below.Â
Lake Helen against a snow-laden landscape
Similarly splendid, Lake Helen has the deepest blue waters this side of California. You can marvel from the heights of the roadside or wander down to meet the banks below.Â
The Manzanita Lake showcases the park’s most iconic image, with Mount Lassen reflecting off the lake’s surface. It also has some of the widest variety of activities–you can picnic by the lakeside with family, hike along the perimeter, or even kayak on the lake.Â
The bubbling mudspots of Sulphur Works
Volcanic mudpots are the National Park’s main namesake, and you can find most of them in the Sulphur Works just a walk away from the parking lot. These hydrothermal areas bubble with gasses from the Earth, leaving a lasting warmth even as it snows in the surroundings.Â
Bumpass Hell is one of the coolest trails around the park. The land hums and bubbles with mud spots, and the nearby blue waters clash spectacularly with the red stones. The trail is around 3 miles long, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to hike through it due to the road closure. If you plan on visiting, don’t forget to check in on this area’s condition.
There are also a lot of other vista points that you can see here!
Things to Do in the City of Redding
Walk down the Sundial Bridge
The Sundial Bridge is an awe-inspiring pedestrian structure featuring public art installations and fantastic architecture. Built to connect the two halves of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, this magnificent bridge stands over the Sacramento River, offering a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.Â
It’s aptly named after the giant sundial on one of the bridges, which casts luminous shadows throughout the day. Attached to the sundial are metal cables that stabilize the bridge, allowing the main structure to avoid disrupting the river below. You can even see the water underneath through the glass floor.Â
Walking on the bridge during sunset or sunrise gives you an otherworldly view of the sky, but the bridge itself is beautiful no matter the time of day. From the distance, when the sun hits the Earth at just the right angle, you can see the faraway mountains watching over the sea of forestry.
The Sundial Bridge at sunrise
The bridge is entirely free to cross for the public. Crossing it also grants access to Redding’s next great highlight: the Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
Take a kayak trip down the Sacramento River
The Sacramento River runs across Redding and most of Shasta Cascade, and there are a lot of different ways to spend your time here. Kayaking through the river is a beautiful experience, especially during the sunset when the pink skies melt into the dark waters.Â
My favorite spot for kayaking is around Lake Redding Park, where I got to paddle under the bridges. The Headwaters Adventure Co. team was especially helpful in guiding the team through this serene experience.
A kayak into the sunset down Sacramento
There’s a lot more to do in Redding beyond this, though I’ve listed the highlights of my trip there. If you’re looking for more information, check out the Visit Redding website!
