Climb Descend Repeat -in and around Redding

Here’s a locally produced film of a couple of mountain bikers enjoying some local trails around Redding. The terrain will look familiar to northstate viewers, even if you haven’t actually been on these particular trails. Nice production. Nice riding.
We boast an amazing system of trails throughout the Redding and Shasta region. A strong culture of riding has naturally followed. You can learn more from the good folks at Ride Redding, who are committed to promoting all aspects of our local bike community.

Riley rides Redding

In Redding, we are blessed to have Whiskeytown National Recreation Area literally a few minutes drive to the west. In addition to being home to a beautiful lake, the area has numerous trails to explore. Below, my friend and colleague Riley Johnson of Shasta Home Inspections quietly rides a single track section of the famous 10 mile Chimney trail in this brief video. Check it out:
It offers a glimpse into the adventure, but also the serenity of the ride. There are lots of trails at the park. This website details local trails and offers an interesting 3D view of the path. 5 miles uphill, and 5 miles downhill.
Chimney trailHere’s how the area looks from across the lake.
Whiskey in Winter 1280
Thanks for sharing, Riley. Beautiful riding all around us. It’s Really Redding.

Turtles on the trail

Just a lovely few Spring days here recently. Took some photos around Turtle Bay.
Turtles1
Turtles2
Talon Sundial -smTurtles3Another fine Spring. It’s Really Redding.

Siskiyou Wanderers set out on the trail for fun

Not all who wander are lost, or so the saying goes. For those Redding folks who’d like to see more of fabulous Siskiyou County, there is a group of hikers. And they have a website:
Siskiyou Wanderers websiteOur unseasonably dry Winter makes for some tough sledding as of now. But it’s great for hikers. Looks like they have about a dozen great hikes scheduled for the near future. Siskiyou County holds a vast treasure trove of natural beauty. All starting just an hour or so drive north of Redding. Check it out. Thanks, Wanderers.

Etna brewery by Skip Murphy
Etna Brewery in Siskiyou County, dressed for Halloween 2013, by Skip Murphy

A typical Siskiyou County vista by Skip Murphy 2013
A typical Siskiyou County vista by Skip Murphy 2013

Swasey Recreation Area Bike trails map

And not just for bikes, this excellent west hills trail system serves multiple user groups. Just minutes from Redding or Whiskeytown Lake, this jewel of the hills invites pleasure.
Swasey Recreation area trail mapClick on the map to go to their website where you can download a larger map.
From their website:

Swasey Recreation Area Trailheads begin on the dirt road off Swasey Drive in Redding. The Mule Mountain Pass Trail is open to foot traffic, mountain biking, and horseback riding. There are many new and improved trails in the Swasey Drive Recreation Area. Most trails are rugged and unmarked, encouraging self-discovery. Bring Plenty of water and be aware of poison oak. This trail system connects to Whiskeytown NRA.

200 miles of Off Road trails on 52,000 acres to ride.

Until I saw this map, I didn’t realize just how large and extensive a trail system awaits off road riders and mountain bikers in the mountains just northwest of Redding:

Chappie off road and mountain bike park northwest Redding
Click to view the full map

Area Description:

Just 10 miles northwest of Redding, the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle area offers over 200 miles of roads and trails on approximately 52,000 acres for off-road enthusiasts. Elevation within this area ranges from 600 to 5000 feet with a wide variety of topography, soil, and vegetation types. The southeastern portions offer rocky and challenging terrain, while the more remote northwestern portions offer scenic views of Mt. Shasta, Lake Shasta, and the Trinity Alps. Camping is available adjacent to the staging area below Shasta Dam for a minimal fee. The OHV Area contains many private land parcels and several roads and trails cross these parcels. Please stay on existing trails.

Directions: This includes descriptions of the Chappie-Shasta OHV staging area, Shasta Campground, the Copley Mountain OHV staging area, and the Big Gulch Area.

Looks like you could spend a lot of quality time just checking out all the trails here. Outdoor quality time, that’s Really Redding.

Turtle Bay to Hilltop River Trail sunset images

river trail at hwy44river trail at hwy 44sacramento river trail at hwy 44 in reddingsacramento river trail at hwy 44 in reddingsacramento river trail at hwy 44 in reddingsacramento river trail at hwy 44 in reddingHere are a few images taken as we enjoyed a recent stroll on the newest segment of the River Trail across the Sacramento River on the new Highway 44 pedestrian (and auto) bridge. Then it’s back across the Sundial Bridge as it switches to Moondial Mode. Nice.
It seems like we now have a paved river trail that stretches from Shasta Dam to the Mt Shasta Mall and beyond. It’s your all day pass to the Northstate’s Magic Kingdom, and admission is priceless.
Free scenery, it’s ReallyRedding.

Ken DeCamp Photography tonight at Turtle Bay 6-8 pm

Redding river trail lichen image by Skip Murphy
Ken DeCamp is a local photographer who takes terrific shots of the natural beauty found in the forests around us. You can view his work this evening at Turtle Bay from 6-8 pm. You can also see examples of his work at his website http://www.kendecampphotography.com/ Well worth your time! Ken is an excellent photographer, and his work will open your eyes to our abundant local natural beauty.
Redding river trail lichen image by Skip Murphy
These lichen images are by Skip Murphy, shot last summer on the River Trail.