Issue link: http://globelitetravelmarketing.uberflip.com/i/149733
» BIKE, PADDLE, SWIM, STROLL! Redding Visitor Information visitredding.com 150 2013 travel guide to c al ifo r n i a REDDING A wealth of outdoor adventures SNOW-CAPPED VOLCANOES, recreational lakes, California's mightiest river and the most iconic bridge north of the Golden Gate combine to make Redding a nexus for lovers of outdoor activities. It calls itself the Trail Capital of California, and with good reason: Within 10 miles of the city center you can find more than 100 miles of trails. Choose from hiking trails, running trails, dogwalking trails, mountain-biking trails, horseback-riding trails, even trails for Segway tours. The most renowned of these is the recently completed Sacramento River Trail, a National Recreation Trail. This 19-mile paved path from downtown Redding to Shasta Dam makes an ideal track for many different types of trails enthusiasts. The path crosses the Sacramento River on the stunning Sundial Bridge, which draws visitors from the world over. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the glass-and-steel cantilever bridge was built for bicycles and pedestrians and forms the world's largest working sundial. Before heading out of town, pause to investigate Turtle Bay Exploration Park, with its arboretum, botanical gardens, Paul Bunyan Forest Camp and museum by peter watts featuring underwater fish viewing. At the other end of the Sacramento River Trail you'll find yourself at Shasta Dam. Behind it stretches Shasta Lake, California's most expansive reservoir. With 365 miles of evergreen-lined shoreline, including countless bays and inlets, it's a popular venue for houseboating, waterskiing, fishing, jet skiing, and, increasingly, paddle boarding. A trip to the lake is not complete without a visit to the region's newest National Natural Landmark, the Shasta Caverns. Some geologists consider these caves the most beautiful limestone caverns in the nation! Alternatively, head a few minutes west of Redding to Whiskeytown Lake for bass fishing, kayaking, sailing and birdwatching. Keep an eye out for one of the many breeding pairs of bald eagles. Rising above Redding are two of California's most beguiling mountains, Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen, the southernmost of the chain of Cascade volcanoes stretching from Canada like a row of votive candles. Shasta, the taller of the two, requires an ice axe, crampons—and the knowledge of how to use them—to reach the top, but Lassen can be ascended via a well-graded hiking trail. CA C.FLENTYE; JUANCAT FAMILIES LOVE cycling the Sacramento River Trail, above; you can almost swim your way to Mount Shasta at Lake Siskiyou, opposite page.