Story Ideas

Trail Systems Link the Sundial Bridge to the Shasta Dam, Two of Redding's Top Sights

Biking enthusiasts and adventure seekers can see two of Redding's most exciting landmarks, the impressive Shasta Dam and the iconic Sundial Bridge, as well as two other interesting bridges in one half day's bike ride. Using the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail and the Sacramento River National Recreation Rail Trail bikers can start their ride at the Sundial Bridge and end almost 12 miles later looking at snowcapped Mt. Shasta from the top of the Shasta Dam. Bike riders (and joggers) will pass by the McConnell Arboretum and Gardens, the Redding Aquatic Center, and the Salmon Viewing Area at Caldwell Park on their way out to the Sacramento River Rail Trail. After crossing the historic Diestelhorst Bridge, built in 1914, the landscape along the trail opens up and you forget you're in the city at all. The next ground breaking bridge on your route is the Ribbon Bridge, which is the first concrete stress ribbon bridge constructed in the United States. Just past this bridge the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail connects with the Sacramento River National Recreation Rail Trail. This portion of the trail follows the old rail line, and even passes through a rail tunnel built in the 1800's. In the rail road days, this part of the line became known as the "Road of a Thousand Wonders," because of the scenery. These trails provide a unique and interactive way to partake of Redding's main attractions and take in the area's breathtaking scenery.

Redding is One North America's Top Ten Flyfishing Towns

Redding, Calif. was recently listed by Forbes Magazine, in its list of North America's top ten flyfishing towns. The leading financial magazine in the U.S., recognized the Lower Sacramento River as having some of the "most powerful rainbows in the world," the McCloud River for its "leaping rainbows" and Hat Creek and Fall River (all near Redding) for their "very big and demanding trout." Redding, has the Sacramento River flowing through the center of town, and is well known for the huge trout which can be caught just minutes from the hotel district.

Forbes' list of top ten fly fishing towns included: West Yellowstone, MT; Missoula, MT; Roscoe, NY; Redding, CA; State College, PA; Grayling, MI; Calgary, Alberta; Glenwood Springs, CO; Mountain Home, AR; and Ashville, NC. Redding was the only town selected from any of the Pacific Coast states.

Snow Melt Reveals a Hikers Paradise on Majestic Mt. Shasta

In late June the sun has been strong enough for long enough to melt most of the snow from the Mt. Shasta's 14,162 feet. While it is the presence of this snow that makes Mt. Shasta so popular for skiing and snowboarding during the winter and spring seasons, as it melts away it reveals a wonderland of hiking and biking trails for summer adventurers. Mt. Shasta does not have many marked trails, but some of the more popular day-hikes start from the trailheads. From the Bunny Flat trailhead you can hike in any direction you choose. From Horse Camp you can plan your own route either to Hidden Valley, Helen Lake, or maybe just a good hike to one of the ridge tops. Some of the treasures along the trails on the high mountain in summer are the original ski bowl site (destroyed by avalanche in the 1970s), the small library in the historic cabin at Horse Camp, and the rare wildflower-Wilkin's harebell-along the creeks at the South Gate Meadows. This particular flower only grows for a couple of months during the frost-free season and it's so delicate that one step along the side of it will kill it forever. Hikers will make these discoveries as well as their own personal discoveries along the pathways and trails of the Shasta Wilderness.

Lassen Volcanic National Park Offers A Unique and Educational Outdoor Experience

Lassen Peak is the largest plug dome volcano in the world. It last erupted in 1915, with the last major volcanic activity recorded in 1921. All four types of volcanoes in the world plus active geothermal areas are found in Lassen Volcanic's 106,000 acres. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a unique destination for sure, with over 150 miles of trails and a culturally significant scenic highway that provides access to the volcanic wonders including steam vents, mudpots, boiling pools, volcanic peaks, and painted dunes. Other activities in the park include fishing at Manzanita, Juniper, and Butte Lakes, cross-country skiing, free guided snow shoeing hikes, canoeing on Manzanita Lake, visiting Loomis Museum's exhibits or just enjoy the scenic drive. The new "Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center" (Mountain Maidu for Snowy Peak) near the southwest entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park was designed to be a "showcase of sustainability," worthy of earning the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design's highest honor of the platinum rating to demonstrate that "its easy being green." The center serves as an example of where national parks are heading, maintaining the traditions of park architecture, but doing so with low impact and sustainability. Inside, interactive exhibits will take visitors into the "Vulcan's Eye," immersing them in the science, history and drama of Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Backcountry Roads Pave the Way for Excellent Sight Seeing in Lassen County

There are several options for taking the road less traveled in Lassen County, and a driving trip along a scenic Byway is a great way to start. The Buckhorn Road Back Country Byway will take you off the beaten track, and into the rugged high desert where cowboys can still be seen herding cattle on nearby ranges. Wild horses watch warily from a vantage point above the route, and herds of antelope kick up dust as they thunder through the brushland. In the autumn, aspen trees are golden against the brilliant blue sky. The 65 mile byway is gravel, but relatively smooth. It is accessible from late spring through fall and can be easily negotiated by high clearance two-wheel drive vehicles. The Lassen Volcanic Scenic Byway is another great choice for driving the open road. There are several sections to this byway including one that encircles the eastern side of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Drivers will experience the small town charm of Chester, the Americana ambience of Westwood, and the recreational haven of Lake Almanor. If these two drives are just enough to wet your taste buds, check into more backcountry drives and scenic byways-Northern California is covered in them!

What's in A Name? Community Names and Identity in the Shasta Cascade Region

There is a special charm to the rural communities of Northern California. Part of this charm is encased in the special stories and markers of community identity of each place. The namesakes and trademarks of the rural communities in Northern California can reveal much about the history of the area and offer a glimpse into the sources of pride form the local people. There are local stories surrounding community names such as Graeagle, the name chosen in a contest to rename the town of Davies Mill. The name was entered by a young woman who was inspired by the Gray Eagle Creek, simply dropping the 'y'. She won $25 dollars. The town of Paradise is said to have been inspired by the mining community's most popular gambling hall: Pair-o-dice. The communities of Ono and Igo are said to have gotten their names from a conversation between a father and his young son as the father was leaving for work. "I go," said the young boy, and the father replied with, "Oh no!" Surprise Valley was named by the pioneers crossing over from the Black Rock Desert who were surely surprised to find a lush green valley on the other side. Also significant in constructing a community's identity are the buildings and structures they boast about. Redding has the Sundial Bridge, Weed has the Arch over Main Street, and Westwood has the statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.

Get Deeper Into the Great Outdoors By Exploring Regional Caves

Spelunking, or caving, is a popular activity for people who enjoy the outdoors, adventure, and history. More people would enjoy this activity if they knew safe places to get started. Several explored, mapped, and little known caves are available for explorers in the Shasta Cascade region. A locked gate blocks the entrance to Samwel Cave, which can be accessed by boat on the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake. The only way to explore it is to get the key from the Forest Service Station at Shasta Lake, which makes it even more mysterious-like something out of a pirate story or Indiana Jones movie. Rich in history and lore, excavations since the early 1900s have revealed a wealth of fossils and cultural artifacts dating back to the ice age. Wintu Indians believed that grizzly bear spirits lived in the cave; according to legend three maidens were advised by an old woman that they would find strong men in the cave if they bathed in one of the pools. The three entered the cave, but one maiden fell to her death in the darkness. In the early 1900s a team of University of California anthropologists found evidence of the truth in this tale while studying the bottom of the pit. Maps are also available at the Forest Service Station for spelunkers interested in exploring the caves ins and outs. Other caves worthy of exploration in the region are Subway Cave near Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the multiple lava tube caves at Lava Beds National Monument.