Redding, CA Summary

photo by gusto

Redding is a gateway to Mt Shasta and the Cascade Range and marks the northern end of the Sacramento Valley. It was founded in 1872 as the northern terminus for the California and Oregon Railroad. Today, lumber and tourism are the major industries in this city of approximately 80,000 residents.

The Sacramento River flows through Redding, making fishing and rafting popular. A 6-mile trail follows the river and crosses on the first concrete stress-ribbon bridge in the country.

The Redding Museum of Art, located in Caldwell Park, features changing exhibits of contemporary art as well as displays of historical items and Native American art. The Carter House Natural Science Museum, also in Caldwell Park, has displays about the natural history of northern California.

Redding is full of motels and restaurants, and is a good base from which to explore the nearby Lake Shasta, Shasta Dam, the old mining town of Shasta, Trinity Lake, and the Whiskeytown-Shasta Trinity National Recreation Area (see entry on page 601). Other nearby attractions are Lassen Volcanic National Park (see entry on page 589), Castle Crags State Park, Shasta National Forest, Klamath National Forest, Ahjumani Springs State Park, Latour State Forest, and the William B. Ide Adobe Historic State Park.

The area is reached by car via I-5. Trains stop here, and the area is served by two small airlines into Redding Municipal Airport.