 As the weather turns warmer with the approach of summer, people begin planning for outdoor recreational activities. For those who thrive in the outdoors and are always ready for adventure, Redding offers the perfect opportunity to explore the rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and breathtaking scenery of Northern California.
Centrally located on I-5 at the north end of the Sacramento Valley, Redding (pop. 104,000) is the hub and base camp for many venturing into the surrounding areas. The city is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges, which makes for a beautiful landscape. One doesn’t have to go far to find picturesque outdoor spots. In the middle of the city lies Turtle Bay Exploration Park, which contains perhaps the most interesting architectural feature in the area, The Sundial Bridge. Spanning the Sacramento River, The Sundial Bridge is a pedestriantraffic bridge linking the Turtle Bay Museum with the McConnell Arboretum and 340 acres of restored native riparian habitat.  Designed by world famous architect Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2004, the bridge features a single suspension tower on the north end which doubles as a sundial on the ground below. Walking and biking trails connect to the bridge, allowing the public access to the nine miles of the Sacramento River Trail.
Just minutes west of town lays Whiskeytown National Park. This national park is centered on Whiskeytown Lake, a popular boating, swimming, kayaking, and water-skiing spot. Inside the park are miles of biking and hiking trails. A few mountains in the park reach elevations above 6000 feet. Whiskeytown Falls is well worth the drive and hike to get there. Minutes north of Redding are Shasta Lake and Shasta Dam. Shasta Lake is the third largest lake in California with 365 miles of shoreline. Shasta Dam offers free guided tours daily and there is a park and visitors center nearby. If visitors are especially outgoing, they can explore other features within an hour’s drive of Redding. Lassen National Park is an hour east of Redding on Highway 44. Lassen Peak is visible from the city as is Mount Shasta. Mount Shasta and Castle Crags State Park are an hour north of Redding on I-5. The hike up Castle Crags is breathtaking. Hikers get to see nearby Mount Shasta, the green forested Cascade Range, and the Castle Crags. Redding is a three hour drive north on I-5 from Stockton. For lodging and food, take the Cypress Avenue exit or the Hilltop Drive exit. Hotels line Hilltop Drive. To get to Whiskeytown National Park, take Highway 299 (Eureka Way) west out of town for 10 miles. The information center is located just off the highway on Kennedy Memorial Drive. To get to Shasta Dam and Shasta Lake, take I-5 north to Shasta Lake City and exit on Highway 151 to Shasta Dam. Follow the highway until it ends at the dam.
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