Whiskeytown NRA, Mine Loop

Exact location: Starting at the Whiskeytown Visitor Center, drive south on Kennedy Memorial Drive towards Whiskeytown Dam. Just before the dam the left fork which becomes Paige Bar Road. The trailhead and parking lot are about one mile farther on the left in a large parking lot.

Hiking distance: Up to 4 miles.

Elevation (consider snow in winter and heat in fall/spring): Valley.

Natural highlights: An interesting trail through an area with mixed impact from the Carr Fire. Travels through mixed oak and pine woodland along a creek at times and potentially up a hill with a view. 

 

Spattercone Trail, north of Lassen NP (Open most of the fall, maybe late May)

Exact location: Take Hwy 44 for 59 miles from Redding. You will go past the entrance to Lassen National Park. It’s on the right across from Hat Creek Campground, about 1.5 miles before Old Station.

Hiking distance: 1.7 mile loop

Elevation (consider snow in winter and heat in fall/spring): Mountains (4500’)

Natural highlights: A fascinating trail through the origin of the Hat Creek Lava Flow.  See spatter cones, craters, and a beautiful view of the Hat Creek Valley. Mostly sunny with a few small trees. 

 

Clover Creek Preserve 

Exact location: Clover Creek Preserve is off Shasta View Drive (across from Venus Way) in Redding.

Hiking distance: 2+ miles

Elevation (consider snow in winter and heat in fall/spring): Valley floor.

Natural highlights: Exposed trails wind through natural grass, blue oak, and valley oak along the edges of ponds that attract wildlife. 

 

Anderson River Park 

Exact location: From Stingy Lane in Anderson, take Rupert Road and turn left into KC Grove.

Hiking distance: 1.5 to 4 miles.

Elevation (consider snow in winter and heat in fall/spring): Valley floor.

Natural highlights: This flat trail offers many possible options through forests and fields, along several ponds and the Sacramento River. 

 

Lassen NP - Manzanita Lake (Open fall only)

Exact location: From Redding travel 47 miles east on Hwy 44 to the entrance to Lassen National Park. Go 1.1 miles to the large parking lot for the Loomis Museum. 

Hiking distance: 2 - 4 miles.

Elevation (consider snow in winter and heat in fall/spring): Mountains (5,800’).

Natural highlights: Trail options include hiking around the edge of beautiful Manzanita Lake and/or Reflection Lake and Lily Pond. Mostly forested. 

 

Lassen NP - South Entrance (Open fall only)

Exact location: From Red Bluff take Hwy. 36 east about 45 miles to Hwy 89. Turn left on Hwy. 89, which ends at the parking lot for Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.

Hiking distance: Varies. 1 - 4 miles. 

Elevation (consider snow in winter and heat in fall/spring): Mountains (6,700’).

Natural highlights: The area offers access to a small thermal area and trails along Mill Creek or, for the adventurous, Ridge Lakes, through a mix of forest and meadow. 

 

Battle Creek Wildlife Area

Exact location: The school meets in the Coleman Fish Hatchery parking lot. From I-5 in Anderson, take exit 667 for Factory Outlets Drive/Deschutes and travel 2 miles east on Deschutes Road. Turn right onto Balls Ferry Road. In 3 miles turn left on Ash Creek Road. After 1.2 miles and turn right onto Gover Road.

Stay on Gover Road for 1.5 miles and turn left onto Coleman Fish Hatchery Road. Find CFH in 2 miles, on the right.

Hiking distance: 2 miles one-way or 4 miles RT. 

Elevation (consider snow in winter and heat in fall/spring): Valley floor.

Natural highlights: The trail alternates between meadow, grassland, and forest with some views of the creek. 

 

Sacramento River Bend Area

Exact location: From I-5, just north of Red Bluff, CA, take the Jelly's Ferry exit and head east. Turn right on Bend Ferry Road and follow the road to the recreation sites and trailheads. We meet at the first large parking lot on your left (Bass Pond). 

Hiking distance: Varies. This is a huge area with miles of options.

Elevation (consider snow in winter and heat in fall/spring): Valley floor.

Natural highlights: Streams, ponds, volcanic fields, and meadows. This area is large enough for several days of experiences and lessons.