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152 2 0 1 5 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A THE MOST ICONIC BRIDGE north of the Golden Gate is a good reason to visit Red- ding, but it's far from the only one. Snow-capped volcanoes, recreational lakes and California's mightiest river combine to make this town in the northern Sacramento Valley a nexus for outdoor enthusiasts. Redding calls itself the Trail Capital of California, and with good reason: Within 10 miles of the city center you can find more than 200 miles of trails. Choose from hiking trails, running trails, dog-walking trails, mountain-biking trails, horseback-riding trails, even trails for Segways. 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 the 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 visi- tors 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 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. California's recent drought has lowered the lake level, but it's still a big attraction. With 365 miles of ever- green-lined shoreline, including countless bays and inlets, it's a popular venue for houseboating, waterskiing, fishing, jet- skiing, and, increasingly, paddleboarding. A trip to the lake is not complete without a visit to one of the nation's newest National Nat- ural Landmarks, 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 Cali- fornia'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 in summer via a well- graded hiking trail. REDDING Super-sized fun for all seasons B Y P E T E R W A T T S THE SUNDIAL BRIDGE at Turtle Bay over the Sacramento River, above; cycling on the Sacramento River Trail, below. STEPHEN B. GOODWIN/SHUTTERSTOCK ; C.FLENTYE/REDDING CVB » BIKE, PADDLE, SWIM, STROLL Redding Visitor Information visitredding.com