Down by Redding’s Riverside, Inspiration and Education

Winding through the center of Redding is the Sacramento River Trail, which offers residents relief from the stresses (such as they are in Redding) of modern life and travelers a respite from often-interminable Interstate 5. The river trail is the best in the town (perhaps city is more accurate; Redding now boasts a population of 80,000).

Redding has become the major outdoor recreation center for Northern California’s Shasta-Cascade region. Nearby are Mt. Shasta, Lake Shasta and a host of mountains to climb and lakes to fish.

The Sacramento River has long been integral to the economy and ecology of the area. Numerous interpretive plaques along the river trail educate walkers on topics such as gold mines, grassland and the Central Pacific Railroad.

The wide trail, constructed by the city of Redding with the assistance of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation, accommodates both walkers and cyclists, though most trail users are pedestrians. The 2 1/2-mile south-side segment is nearly flat; the north side presents some minor hills that give walkers a bit of an aerobic workout.

The views from the riverside are excellent. Mt. Shasta Bally (high peak in the Lake Shasta area) can be glimpsed to the west; Mt. Lassen and its cousin the Cascade Mountains to the east. Some of Redding’s better homes and gardens can be seen on the banks of the Sacramento.

Spanning the Sacramento River is a 420-foot-long pedestrian bridge. The bridge, referred to in the bridge-building trade as a concrete stress ribbon structure, is one of the first of its kind on this continent, though many such hiker bridges are in use in Germany and Switzerland.

Directions to trail head: From Interstate 5 in Redding, exit on California 299 West. Turn right on Market Street, then left onto Riverside Drive, proceeding to a parking lot and the signed trail head.

The hike: Follow the path, which is flat and cottonwood-shaded. The first mile and a half is very much a riverside route and is the most popular stretch of trail with Redding fitness walkers. Beyond, the trail eases away from the river to join a former track bed of the old Central Pacific Railroad.

The trail reaches the unique hiker’s bridge 2 1/2 miles out. Cross to the other side and head east along a north bank trail that is considerably drier and more hilly than the Sacramento’s south bank. The trail meanders through oak woodland and a brushy cover of manzanita, toyo and yerba santa.

After traveling a mile and a half along this side of the river, you’ll reach a drinking fountain at the end of Harlow Road. Follow the road a few hundred yards, then rejoin the path, which skirts Redding’s suburban edge and brings you to the foot of Deistlehorst Bridge. Cross the bridge to return to the starting point.

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Sacramento River Trails

WHERE: Redding, Calif.

DISTANCE: 5.5 mile loop.

TERRAIN: Banks of the Sacramento.

HIGHLIGHTS: Redding relaxation, relief from I-5.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy-moderate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Redding Convention and Visitors Bureau, 777 Auditorium Drive, Redding, CA 96001; tel. (800) 874-7562.