Check out this road trip suggestion list from our 2009 Official Visitors Guide!

The “Extreme, Green, Life is a Highway and I’m Gonna Ride It” Outdoor Adventure Trip
Focus: Experience the wild and invigorating outdoors life available in the Shasta Cascade region: for those who welcome a challenge, live large, and live to tell about it.

• Hike: Lassen Peak by moonlight or the trails at Castle Crags State Park.
• Bike: Biz Johnson Rail Trail 25 miles from Susanville to Westwood.
• Backpack: Access the Pacific Crest Trail or explore the Trinity Alps Wilderness.
• Kayak: Hire a guide service to take you down sections of the Klamath or Trinity River.
• Snowboard: At Mt. Shasta Ski Park during Winter and Spring months.
• Swim: Whiskeytown National Recreational Area has cool clear water ideal for swimming and boating.
• Climb: Take a few days and get familiar with Mt. Shasta. You’ll need to hire a guide service or have some previous experience to reach the peak, but the view from the top will be worth it!

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A current report tells of the large numbers of swans along the Lower Klamath Basin auto tour loop:

Numerous bald eagles were also sighted near by. Bird watching and sighting can be exciting or relaxing. The auto tour enables visitors to listen to music while they drive, and not suffer from cold temperatures. The loop is ten miles.

For more info visit ShastaCascade.com

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There are literally hundreds of miles of un-groomed trails also for back country skiing within the Plumas and Lassen National Forests. From December to April there are groomed trails in Johnsville, Bucks Lake, La Porte, Child’s Meadow and Lassen Volcanic National Park, outside of Chester.

This month on the 23rd there will be a free guided snowshoe hike provided by the Almanor District Ranger Station of Lassen National Forest. Call 530-248-2141 for more information and to get signed up.

Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are available at these locations:
Mountain Hardware in Blairsden, (skis only) 530-836-2589
Sports Nut in Chester (skis only), 530-258-3327
Bodfish Bicycles in Chester, 530-258-2338
Child’s Meadow Resort (skis only), 530-595-3383

“To appreciate the beauty of a snow flake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”–anonymous

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Everyone knows about Mt. Shasta Ski Park, a fantastic, exciting, and affordable location for skiers and snowboarders. It might be the most obvious, considering you can see Mt. Shasta for miles around, but it isn’t all far Northern California has to offer for snow fun.

Try out Coppervale Ski Hill operated by Lassen Community College. They offer Skiing and Snowboarding classes for the public which include the cost of 8 weeks lift tickets, and 8 lessons. It’s a really good deal. The hill is located near westwood. Call for more information: 530-257-9965

Plumas Eureka State Park also has a ski area. The lift isn’t up and running right now, but people use the area as a launching point for cross country skiing and also go out to play on the hill in the snow.

Snowman Hill near McCloud is another free option for sledding and snow play. There are bathrooms in the parking lot and no fee for parking or sledding.

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The winter months area a great time to view bald eagles at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge. From December through February, this area hosts the largest concentration of our national bird in the lower 48. Your best bet to see them during the daylight hours is at the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake Refuges.

The tenth annual Snow Goose Festival runs this month from the 22nd to the 25th, complete with artists, workshops, field trips, and special speakers. January 19th is the last day to register for this event, which is educational, and experiential.
Gray Lodge Wildlife Refuge is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sundown. You can visit the visitor’s museum and pick up a brochure to take a self-guided tour through these waterfowl marshlands.

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