“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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Trinity Lake is a superb vacation destination, from spring bass fishing to summer family fun. Spring Bass fishing is excellent, according to Tim Brady. His nine pound, eleven ounce small mouth bass, caught in Trinity Lake in 1976 still holds the state record. The extra 45 minute drive into the mountains to Lake Trinity is worth it. All the services and amenities are available, with less pressure and fewer people. Stay right on the lake in campgrounds or lakeside cabins. Just about the time that fishermen are moving to the cooler waters of the high mountain lakes and streams, families arrive at Trinity Lake for summer fun. Houseboating is excellent with warm days, and cool mountain nights. Water skiing, jet boating and swimming are great ways to fill vacation days on Lake Trinity.

Photo by: cocoi_m

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When the budgets are tightened and time is limited we still want to have fun! Here are some great free and low cost activities sure to provide fun for the whole family.

FREE

1. Walk across the Sundial Bridge in Redding
2. Watch the sun set from the Diestel Horse Bridge in Redding
3. Go to MarketFest in Redding’s Downtown Library Park
4. Attend Mosquito Serenade in the Anderson River Park
5. Slide down Eskimo Hill
6. Taste olives in Corning
7. Tour Shasta Dam
8. Fish Hat Creek
9. Bike or walk the River Trail in Redding
10. Pick up some produce at various Farmer’s Markets in Chico
11. Walk Clover Creek Preservation Area on Shasta View in Redding
12. Walk the Lema Ranch Trails off Shasta View in Redding
13. Watch the Salmon Run at the Coleman Fish Hatchery
14. Enjoy a day at the beach at Whiskeytown Lake
15. Check out upper, middle and lower falls of McCloud
16. Have a picnic in Bidwell Park Chico
17. Watch the river flow from a vista point along the Sacramento River
18. Barbeque at Caldwell Park in Redding
19. Take a nap at Dunsmuir Park
20. Drink from the headwaters of the Sacramento River in Mt. Shasta
21. Walk through the Ide Adobe State Park in Red Bluff
22. Bike, Hike, or Fish at the Bizz Johnson Recreation trail Susanville

LOW COST

1. Snowshoe in Lassen National Park
2. Hike Castle Crags
3. Rent a kayak at Whiskeytown’s Oak Bottom Marina
4. Play a round of disc golf in Redding’s Enterprise Park/Kid’s Kingdom
5. Go rafting down the Klamath river
6. Hike to a waterfall in Whiskeytown National Park
7. Go ice skating in Mt. Shasta
8. Gather wild lavender at area lavender farms
9. Visit Burney Falls
10. Watch a softball game at Big League Dreams Redding
11. Feed the fish at the Mt Shasta fish hatchery
12. Visit the courthouse in the Shasta State Historic Park Old Shasta
13. Camp on Shasta Lake

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It’s a local tradition to hike to the top of Lassen Peak by the light of a full moon. The peak trail is uncovered the entire length which allows the moonlight to be sufficient for making the trek to the top, and there is snow almost all year round which also reflects the light. The view from the parking lot of the trail head is one of the best, and it only gets better the higher you climb. This hike is of moderate to strenuous difficulty and takes about 4 hours round trip. Lassen Volcanic National Park is located about an hour east of Red Bluff along HWY 36.

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