Jetsettersblog

Redding, CALIF – No passport is needed to walk across the world’s largest sundial, to visit the world’s largest fly fishing retailer, to see all four types of the world’s volcanoes, to be astounded by a waterfall Teddy Roosevelt called the eighth wonder of the world and to fish in what anglers have rated the third-best tail waters (coming from a dam) on Earth. These wonders are all found in or near Redding, in northeast California.

Redding has long been a place travelers stopped on their way north and south along Interstate 5. For many years, it supplied the region’s mining, ranching and timber industries, though increasingly it has become a recreational base from which to enjoy the vast Shasta Cascade region.

Redding’s iconic landmark is Sundial Bridge. Designed by world-renowned architect, Santiago Calatrava, Sundial Bridge provides a crossing for walkers and cyclists over the Sacramento River in midtown Redding. At 217 feet in height and facing due north, the bridge’s spire serves as the gnomon of an actual working sundial, which curiously provides accurate time on only one day of the year. But of course, time keeping isn’t the bridge’s main attraction. On balmy summer evenings, locals and visitors gather to stroll across the bridge’s glass deck, which is illuminated and glows aqua blue. The experience is magical.

Surrounding Sundial Bridge is Turtle Bay Exploration Park, a complex of art, history and nature museums, a children’s discovery museum and the McConnell Arboretum and Gardens which features plantings from the world’s Mediterranean climates. Sundial Bridge connects the Sacramento River Trail, one of America’s newest national recreation trails, across the surging Sacramento River.

The Sacramento River Trail is easily walked or cycled from Turtle Bay to Shasta Dam along 16 miles of paved bike path. Many cyclists choose to begin with a free tour of Shasta Dam, then ride downhill along the river to Redding. Either way, it’s an easy ride. Of course, once at Shasta Lake, you may wish to take in its impressive views of snowcapped Mt. Shasta or go fishing or play on its clear blue waters.

Considered to be the Houseboating Capital of the World, Shasta Lake has more houseboats on it than any other body of water. The houseboats at Shasta range in size from small boats perfect for a couple or small family, to the cruise ships of inland waters, carrying its passengers in private staterooms with satellite TV, wine bars, rooftop hot tubs, two galleys, even a tube styled water slide for play on the lake.

A slower pace is experienced at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, minutes west of Redding, where kayaking, sailing and fishing are popular. Hikes through green forests to hidden waterfalls make for popular outings. East of Redding is Burney Falls, once described as the eighth wonder of the world by President Teddy Roosevelt. A river of water emerges in thousands of waterfalls from its basalt cliffs from which ferns sprout.

A bit south of MacArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is Lassen Volcanic National Park, one of four national parks in the region. All four of the world’s types of volcanoes can be seen at Lassen Volcanic. The park’s most popular hike is to the top of a volcano, Lassen Peak, though easier hikes lead to steaming fumeroles, bubbling mud pots, spurting geysers and other geologic wonders.

Did we mention fishing? There’s a reason the world’s largest fly retailer, The Fly Shop is located in Redding. The fishing here is world class. The Sacramento River running through Redding is considered by anglers to be the third best tail water (coming from a dam) on Earth and lakes and streams across the region are legendary for their rainbow trout, steelhead trout, salmon and bass.

If you were to travel the world to find similar adventures, you’d need a passport, but not here. It’s all near Redding, the second sunniest city in America. Find more online at www.visitredding.com