The community of Redding anchors Shasta County, and it’s the gateway to recreational opportunities across the Shasta Cascade region. Set 150 miles from Sacramento, this Northern California charmer offers both comfortable travel amenities and easy trail access. You’ll find more than 225 miles of trails within 15 minutes of town, including one that crosses the Sacramento River on the 720-foot Sundial Bridge. Skip the summer crowds and marvel at spring waterfalls and wildflowers by visiting this season.
Get the dish on Shasta County’s best at the Shasta Cascade Welcome Center, located south of Redding in Anderson. Then, wander the trails at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The park’s 220-foot waterfall dazzles hikers after the winter rains, and the 3,500-acre lake is a favorite of kayakers. Shasta Lake is another top watersports spot, and it’s also popular for houseboating excursions. Ask local outfitters about pet-friendly vessels. Take a free tour of the adjacent Shasta Dam, or enjoy the scenery between here and the Sundial Bridge along the smooth, 17-mile Sacramento River National Recreation Trail.
DogTrekker readers love Redding’s convenient, pup-friendly hotels. The Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge overlooks the city’s legendary landmark and welcomes dogs with special bedding, crates, collars and bowls for use during a stay. There are also spirited Yappy Hour events and a dedicated dog menu at Mosaic, the property’s signature restaurant.
Nearby, the Red Lion Hotel Redding and Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn are also minutes from downtown Redding and dog-friendly highlights like Turtle Bay Exploration Park and the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss the 128-acre Clover Creek Preserve, where trails wind through peaceful oak woodlands and meadows.
