Redding is an excellent base for day trips, because the surrounding region packs a national park, a national monument, several state parks and a handful of historic towns into a radius of about two and a half hours. This guide lists the best options, roughly from nearest to farthest, with drive times and tips.
Whiskeytown and the gold rush road (20 to 40 minutes)
Head west on Highway 299 to Shasta State Historic Park, whose brick ruins and courthouse museum recall the 1850s, then continue to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area for swimming, paddling and the hike to Whiskeytown Falls. It is an easy half-day or full-day trip, ideal for hot afternoons and for families.
Lake Shasta and Shasta Dam (15 to 30 minutes)
North on Interstate 5, the dam and the lake are close enough to be a morning or afternoon outing. Combine a dam tour with Lake Shasta Caverns and a lunch stop, or rent a boat and spend the day on the water.
Weaverville and the Trinity River (about 1 hour)
Further west on Highway 299, Weaverville has a preserved gold rush main street and the Joss House, a Taoist temple built in 1874 that is still in use. Nearby, the Trinity River offers guided whitewater rafting in summer. This is a good full-day trip with a mix of history and adventure.
Mount Shasta and Castle Crags (about 1 hour)
Drive north to see the great volcano. Castle Crags State Park, beside the interstate, offers granite spires and short viewpoint walks, and the town of Mount Shasta is the gateway for guided tours, lakes and waterfalls. In summer, try the half-day tour to Castle Lake and Faery Falls; in winter, a snowshoe tour. Allow a full day.
Lassen Volcanic National Park (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
East on Highway 44, Lassen is the highlight. Drive the park road with an audio guide, walk to Bumpass Hell and look up at Lassen Peak. The road is open mainly from early summer to autumn, so check conditions. Allow a full day and bring food and water.
Burney Falls (about 1 hour)
Northeast on Highway 299, the 129-foot falls are a short walk from the car park and make a lovely stop on their own or in combination with Lassen. The loop trail to the pool adds an hour, and the nearby lake offers picnics and paddling.
Lava Beds National Monument (about 2 hours 30 minutes)
This is a long drive but a memorable one: hundreds of lava tube caves and the site of the Modoc War. Consider staying overnight or combining it with Burney Falls. Bring lights, water and fuel.
Choosing and combining
If you have time for only one, choose Lassen in summer and Whiskeytown Falls in spring. Pair short trips together: Burney Falls with Lassen, Weaverville with rafting, Castle Crags with Mount Shasta. Start early, since the heat and the roads are easiest in the morning, and bring more water and snacks than you expect to need.
Practical advice
Check road status on mountain routes, particularly in winter, and carry chains when conditions require. Fill your tank before you leave town. Entrance fees apply at national and state parks, so carry cards or cash as needed. Some tours require advance booking, so reserve guided trips, cave tours and rafting early in the season. Finally, respect fire restrictions and leave no trace, so the places you visit stay beautiful.
Sample pairings and timing
A strong full-day combination is Burney Falls in the morning and the Lassen park road in the afternoon, finishing with dinner in Redding. Another is Shasta Dam and the caverns before lunch, then a swim at Whiskeytown. For history, pair Shasta State Historic Park with Weaverville and the Joss House, which fit comfortably into one day with lunch on the main street. Mount Shasta and Castle Crags work as a pair, with the crags as a morning leg and the mountain tour in the afternoon. Always leave a margin for traffic, construction and photo stops, because mountain roads are slower than they look, and plan to be back on the interstate before dark. If the weather turns, Redding's museums and the cool depths of the caverns make good fallback options for the same day.
