Hiking Trails & Waterfalls

Imagine this: you’ve finally escaped the dreary indoors that kept you stir crazy over winter.You’re breathing fresh air, stretching your legs on a trail, listening to birds serenade you as you come upon the soothing sounds of cascading water. As you peek around the bend, you come across one of the 50 waterfalls that surround Redding.

Yep, it was all worth it. Redding is set in the heart of the region and is the ideal launching point for your waterfall getaway. You can adventure to four unique waterfalls reaching up to 220 feet in height just eight miles west of downtown Redding in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. or dozens of other waterfalls to venture to around Redding. The majestic 129-foot Burney Falls is a must-see, even President Theodore Roosevelt once called it the “eighth wonder of the world.” Other than the impressive height, what makes the falls distinctive is that it pumps 100 million gallons of water per day from underground springs, and you can see them pouring out from the cliff on the sides. A little farther north are the three diverse McCloud RiverFalls. Lower Falls is a 12-foot broad plunge into a large pool surrounded by sunbathing rocks, Middle Falls is the largest and most impressive with a 44-drop that stretches 120 feet wide and is one of the widest waterfalls in California, and Upper Falls is unique with the swift river escaping a narrow gorge to crash down to the pool below. Either hike the trail that connects the mall or drive to the trailhead for each one.

Whether you spend a day or an entire weekend exploring the waterfalls surrounding Redding, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, take along a light jacket, don’t forget your camera, and always remember to tread lightly!