The Shasta Cascade, California region of Northern California offers pristine views for nature enthusiasts, outdoor excursions for the adventurous, and local charm and convenience for city-lovers.
Redding is the region’s largest city, with a population of around 90,000. Redding offers excellent amenities and close proximity to Shasta Lake, which is home to several marinas, resorts and casinos. Visitors to Redding can enjoy fine dining, cafés and diners, along with various shopping opportunities, such as local antique shops and the Mount Shasta Mall.
Redding also boasts such attractions as the Turtle Bay Exploration Park and the adjacent Sundial Bridge. The park features an aquarium, animal shows and a museum. Sundial Bridge, which spans the Sacramento River, has become the icon of Redding. This sleek, white bridge is supported by cables and by a huge, shore-bound tower that doubles as the world’s largest sun dial.
Winters are mild in the Redding area. In the summer highs often reach the 90s, with nighttime lows in the 60s. However, higher elevations of the Shasta Cascade experience significantly colder weather and frequent snowfall in the winter, so hikers should plan routes in lower regions during snowy months.
For those who love the outdoors, the Shasta Cascade is the place to be. The mountains provide opportunities for caving and climbing, and multiple national parks and forests offer hundreds of miles of trails. The Sacramento River Rail Trail is perfect for day hikers. This eleven-mile trail runs between the city of Redding and the Shasta Dam and is open to both pedestrians and bikers. Also near Redding is the Swasey Recreation Area, where visitors can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and excellent views of Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen, two snow-capped volcanoes located about 75 miles north of Redding. Outfitters in the city of Mount Shasta, near Mount Shasta’s base, offer guided tours and expeditions.
The Shasta Cascade also presents great fishing opportunities. The region’s lakes and rivers contain a wide variety of fish including bass, trout, salmon, and steelhead. In fact, the Sacramento River is listed as one of the five best tail water trout fisheries in the world.
Scenic highways offer an alternative way to experience the beauty of the Shasta Cascade. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway explores the Shasta Cascade’s breathtaking scenery, created by volcanic and glacial action.
In the Shasta Cascade, visitors can enjoy the comforts of home and the wonder of nature. The Cascade holds adventure for everyone.
