Explore Natural Beauty in UpState CA

Historic Highway 99

Like other routes, Highway 99 began as a horse and stagecoach trail extending from Mexico to Canada, and was eventually improved to higher standards as time moved on. In the early 1920’s when automobiles were being mass produced, a definitive United States Highway system was needed for the promotion of commerce and tourism. In 1926 the Pacific Highway was designated to become US Highway 99. These highways brought growth to many communities, and businesses were…

Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge

Internationally known for the abundance and diversity of wildlife. The refuge hosts the largest winter population of bald eagles in the continental U.S.  The varied wildlife and habitats are a photographer’s delight.

Lassen National Forest

The Lassen National Forest, at the heart of one of the most fascinating areas of California, called the Crossroads, covers a wild, mountainous area of volcanic origin. It is an area of great variety offering a wide array of recreational opportunities and adventures. Some of the most outstanding attractions include:• Eagle Lake – the second largest natural lake in California, offering fishing, boating, water-skiing, sailing, hiking trails and camping.• Hat Creek Area – in the shadows…

Living Memorial Sculpture Garden

The Living Memorial Sculpture Garden is an exceptional 136-acre art installation and war memorial along Highway 97 on the Goosenest Ranger District of the Klamath National Forest. Created in 1988 by a dedicated group of veterans, the site is now maintained under an agreement with the USDA Forest Service.The site includes the Hot LZ Memorial Wall, The Labyrinth, and ten sculptures by artist Dennis Smith.The Living Memorial Sculpture Garden is located on the west side…

Mary Lake Park

Mary Lake Park, on the west side of Redding, is 29 developed acres with tree-lined walking trails winding their way around a man-made lake. Enjoy this walk with your dog and bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing. Distance: 0.7 mile loop. Difficulty: Easy

McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens portion of the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is the newest addition to Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The Redding Arboretum, one of four organizations that merged to create Turtle Bay Exploration Park, along with its supporters, initially drove the development of a series of gardens. Turtle Bay inherited and embraced the plan to develop the site as seen today. Today the Gardens comprise 20 acres of mediterranean-climate display gardens, a children’s garden,…

Modoc National Wildlife Refuge

The 6,280 acre Modoc Wildlife Refuge was established in 1960 to manage and protect migratory waterfowl. Funds available under the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act helped purchase this refuge which lies at 4,300 feet elevation at the base of the Warner Mountains. Water is the key to attracting waterfowl in this high desert area. An extensive system of ponds, dikes and control structures allows for flooding and draining of meadow and marsh. Carefully controlled water…

Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway

Traversing an area unrivaled in North America for its volcanic features, the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway provides a rich mixture of geology, wildlife viewing and Indian history. This route is somewhat unique in that the entire route is only available for driving for a short four month span from June 1st to October 15th. Although the road is good, portions of the byway are unpaved. The portion of the route in the Tule Lake National…

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve

Created by ancient lava (basalt) flows, the approximately 3,300 acre North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is an elevated basalt mesa with beautiful vistas of spring wildflowers, waterfalls, lava outcrops, and a rare type of vernal pool, called Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools. Typically fissures in the basalt soak up winter rains, forming seasonal streams and waterfalls. In a few places, however, the underlying basalt is impermeable to water forming a temporary pool. Soon to dry…

Paynes Creek Wetlands

The Paynes Creek Wetlands are a series of man-made wetlands and ponds that are fed by a network of irrigation ditches as well as winter rains. The wetlands and ponds support a host of resident and migratory birds as well as water dependent mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Surrounding the wetlands is the remainder of the 17,000 acre Sacramento River Bend Outstanding Natural Area (Bend) which supports a wide variety of habitat types, wildlife, historical and…