Snowshoeing

Plumas Country

More and more people are discovering the fun of snowshoeing. Pack your snowshoes and head into the forest for a winter adventure! Don’t forget to bring a camera. Who knows what kind of wildlife and other winter treasures you’ll spot!

In Indian Valley, several unplowed roads and trails offer excellent routes for snowshoers and skiers. A favorite is the road leading out to Antelope Lake, beginning just past Genesee. 

Eureka Bowl downhill ski area, and more advanced terrain suited for telemarking leads to Eureka Peak.

The new Lakes Basin Ski Trail takes off from the Gold Lake Staging Area south of Graeagle in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Open only to non-motorized users, the marked and groomed moderate trail continues 1.5 miles, paralleling Graeagle Creek. Intermediate and advanced unmarked routes are featured elsewhere in the Lakes Basin, which is also a popular destination for snowmobilers.

The Bucks Lake Area near Quincy is a popular winter sports staging area that offers skiers and snowshoers a marked loop trail as well as miles of backcountry groomed and ungroomed trails. Vehicles are excluded on the Bucks Summit Loop Trail, and within the Bucks Lake Wilderness Area, including the trail to Spanish Peak. Skiers share the remaining trails with snowmobilers. Other areas near Quincy include Snake Lake and Argentine Ridge.

The La Porte Area also offers good winter sports terrain and staging areas. During winter, La Porte is generally accessible only from the southern route (from Marysville/Oroville, via Highway 20 and County Road E-21). Skiers and snowshoers can follow groomed snowmobile trails along Little Grass Valley Reservoir and can find other shared trails at Lexington Hill.

If you don’t have your own snowshoes, they can be rented at Bodfish Bicycles and Quiet Mountain Sports in Chester.

For more information about winter recreation opportunities and hosted snowshoe walks, contact the following: Almanor Ranger District (530) 258-2141 or Plumas National Forest (530) 283-2050.

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December 6^th – December 12^th   

SHASTA  

·          Check out the new Christmas Spectacular at the Shasta County Fairgrounds for a chance to see a great Holiday Lights show, vendors, ride a train, even go Ice Skating at their indoor skating rink!

·          Join Turtle Bay Exploration Park for an in depth look at the animal kingdom from a different point of view.  Check out the Scoop on Poop exhibit going on now through January 10, 2010.

·          Bring the kids for Ornament Making at the Atrium off Market St. in Redding Dec. 12^th from 12-5pm 

TRINITY

·          Pack up the family and some Hot Cocoa and go sledding in the Trinity Alps Wilderness.

·          If you feel in the mood for some history then visit the Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park, featuring Chinese art, objects, a Chinese Taoist temple and more.

·          There will be a showing of the Rotary Classic Film Series: Cool Hand Luke at the Trinity Theatre Dec. 13^th 1-3pm

SISKIYOU

·          Come and wander the streets in old town Mt. Shasta while enjoying the picturesque views.

·          Spend an evening on the Shasta Sunset Dinner Train before it’s too late! Their last day will be Dec. 31^st

·          For the fisherman on your christmas list stop into Ted Fay Fly Shop in Dunsmuir.

MODOC

·          The Modoc National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to go and watch the various waterfowl including Canadian geese, ducks, and swans.

·          Drive by and check out the I’Sot Life-Size Holiday Roadside Exhibit in Canby.

·          If you would like to learn some local history then visit the Modoc County Historical Museum

LASSEN

·          Start a new tradition by picking up a Christmas tree permit at the California Welcome Center and head for the snow to cut your own Christmas tree.

·          The Chester Museum and Library holds many historical memories waiting to be discovered

·          Now is the time to head outside and enjoy winter activities such as snow shoeing in Lassen Park with the family. For more information visit www.shastacascade.com

PLUMAS

·          Take your pick this week on how to get into the Holiday Spirit! Check out the Wassail Bowl in Quincy on Friday, then enjoy the Santa Train in Portola on Saturday! 

·          Enjoy bird watching? Lake Almanor has one of the largest populations of wintering eagles and osprey.

·          Going on a sleigh ride is a unique way to experience some of the winter’s beauty. You can contact Giddy-up-and-Go in Vinton at (530) 906-7130 or contact Pitchfork Cattle Co. (530) 993-4636

BUTTE

·    Celebrate Chico Community Ballet’s 30^th season with the tale of The Sleeping Beauty. Performances on Friday and Saturday (12/11 – 12/12) at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday (12/12 – 12/13) at 2:00 p.m.

·    Check out the Christmas Jug Band live in Paradise Saturday at the Paradise Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 7:00p.m,

·          Explore the Bidwell Mansion in Chico with evening Christmas tours (12/12 – 12/13).

TEHAMA

·          Stop by and visit the Christmas Spectacular at the State Theatre in Red Bluff now until Dec. 27th

·          Come and enjoy the wonders of House of Design, one of Red Bluffs hidden secrets.  Open year round, located on 909 Jefferson St.  (530) 527-8844

·          Come bring the family and explore the Sacramento River Discovery Center in Red Bluff!

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“One of California’s best kept secrets is the Shasta Cascade Region in Northern California.”

This area is rich with diversity and serves as a natural crossroad for just about any kind of outdoor recreational activity that can be devised. Within an hour of Redding off of I-5, in any direction, one can experience exhilarating snow capped peaks for anything from Skiing, to snow shoeing, hiking and dog sledding, to rich, deep forests, sprawling grasslands, rolling hills and even desert terrain!

In this well preserved wonderland, there is no shortage of water activities as one has to try hard not to accidentally fall into the many lakes, such as Shasta, Whiskeytown, Almanor, Trinity, Oroville, Lewiston and Eagle among many others that the Shasta Cascade has to offer. In addition to the abundance of lake access, there is a veritable myriad of rivers running through as well. The famous Sacramento River gets its start in beautiful Mt Shasta City and from there, can be followed all the way through the region as it grows and spreads. Trinity, Feather, McCloud, Pit, Susan and Klamath Rivers also amble here and there through the majestic landscape of the 8 different counties of which the region is comprised.

With all that water, there are bound to be fish and indeed, the Shasta Cascade region boasts some of the best fishing areas in the state. Whether you are fishing off of a jet boat, or jumping in with both feet for a little fly fishing, the Shasta Cascade is the angler’s dream! This year has been fantastic for trout and steelhead, with fishermen limiting out daily on the lower Sacramento with as many as 15 trout a day! Check out Anderson River Park for a great place to sit along the river while enjoying the scenery of this lush and beautiful park. Don’t forget to stop by Al Brown’s Guide service in Anderson on the way.

Not an expert Fisherman? Make it a weekend to remember by going out with one of our many professional and talented guides such as those at Salmon King Lodge of Red Bluff, where the friendly and knowledgeable guides can answer just about any question you can throw at them. If you are looking for something a little more off the beaten path, get lost in the beauty of Trinity County while you fish along the Trinity River. Dragonfly Outfitters in Weaverville will be all too happy to help you out with guides or any last minute supplies. Or, head north to Hat Creek near Burney, stopping to see the stunning Burney Falls while you are at it. Redding is your stop for supplies and information with the experts at The Fly Shop and AA Outdoor Adventures Sport Fishing.

Farther north still is the secluded Scott River where you can enjoy a fishing retreat at the Sugar Creek Ranch where you can completely customize your weekend with fishing lessons, guides, meal plans and equipment rentals. No fishing license required!
Still not quite what you are looking for? How about the raging waters of the Klamath River! There, the Marble Mountain Guest Ranch can take care of you with lodging and meals and even the option of horse pack trips to the Marble Wilderness Lakes where you can go on a guided float tube fly fishing excursion!

Whether you are a beginner who enjoys the comforts of full service and satellite TV, or a hardened angler who wants nothing more than to get lost in the wilderness for a couple days to sleep under the stars, the Shasta Cascade is your ticket. Whatever your preference, there is no shortage of options here! For a list of fishing guides visit: www.ShastaCascade.com/fishingandhunting

For a weekly updated fishing report visit: www.ShastaCascade.com/fishing

Photo by: cor23

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The National Parks Service is encouraging visitors to come out and have a vacation at in one of America’s National Parks by waving the entry free at 147 National Parks on three different weekends this summer. Even the Big Dogs like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon are included in the deal. The offer will run three separate weekends in the summer, those being, June 20-21, July 18-19, and August 15-16. Camping and other activities will still have a fee attached, but a free entrance can save up to 25 dollars per visiting car. That makes a difference to people who are able to drive out for a day trip. This is a not to miss opportunity of 2009! All three National Parks in the Shasta Cascade region are included in the deal: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lava Beds National Monument, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

Photo by: kqedquest

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Ruth Lake is located a little off the beaten track in southwestern Trinity County. Camping is available on the lake, with other types of accommodations close by. Fishing is excellent with trout, kokonee, bass, bluegill and catfish plentiful in their respective seasons. Afternoon winds pick up, making the lake a favorite spot for sailors and windsurfers.

Photo by: toddman

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