Best Hikes out of Redding, California

Guest post by Jess of OutdoorPursuits.com.

Note that this good article includes sponsored gear links.

Redding is a hot spot for adventurers all over the world, due to its sheer beauty, fresh air, and much more. However, with so much to offer it can be difficult to narrow down options.

1.    Burney Falls Loop Trail

You don’t need us to tell you just how breathtaking these mythical-looking falls are; just refer to former president, Theodore Roosevelt, who described them as the “8^th wonder of the world”. While the falls can be seen from the parking area, the 1.3-mile hiking loop is going to take you right to the base of the 129-foot sight to behold.

No matter what experience/fitness level you’re at currently, you’ll be able to take this hike. Due to this, it’s a popular choice for families. If you’d like to stay overnight, there are plenty of cabins and campground sites.

2.    Lassen Peak

If you’re looking for something more challenging or more of an all-day hike, then check out Lassen Peak. The roundtrip distance is 5 miles and can take anywhere from 3-5 hours on average.

The trail starts right at the parking area, all the way to an elevation of 8500 feet. If you’re into history, you may know that it was the culprit of eruptions in 1914-1917.  The still-existent odor of hydrogen sulfide near the top will provide you with a little reminder that it’s still an active (though dormant) volcano.

3.    Castle Lake

What’s better on a sunny, summer day than a strenuous hike and a refreshing dip? Located in Castle Crags Wilderness, it begins at the lake, winding up to Mount Bradley, offering incredible vistas of Mount Shasta and the rest of the Cascades which surround you.

This is another challenging adventure, so make sure you’re confident and have quite a bit of stamina. You’ll find many steep climbs summing up to around 2,300 feet in elevation gain. It will be more than worth it. Just remember to pack along something to swim in and some water shoes as it can get a bit rocky!

4.    Kings Creek Falls

If you’re looking for something moderate, give Kings Creek Falls a shot. Located 64 miles from Redding, the adventure totals 2.8 miles.

The 30-foot falls cascade over glistening layers of black volcanic rock, which makes the journey more than worth it. Just remember to bring a waterproof backpack in case you decide to get up close and personal with them.

The return also offers the chance for a scenic loop which travels along the creek by means of a steep staircase of stone. It’s a bit more difficult, but it sure is beautiful!

5.    Keswick Trails

Located east of the Keswick Reservoir, there are over 25 miles of tracks which connect the dam to the Sacramento River Trail. Much like our first adventure, the Keswick trails are perfect for all ages and entire families.

The Hornbeck Trail is quite possibly the most popular of the bunch, following the path of a historic mining railroad right on the side of the serene river. This rail line was used up until the early 1900s to carry loads of quartz naturally found in the area, for copper smelting at Kennett.

Some other favorites are the Upper and Lower Sacramento Ditch Trails, which follow along an old water ditch. That may not sound too appealing, but it’s actually really pretty out there. This one has moments where you’ll encounter steeper terrain, though, so they may not be suitable for very young children.