Attractions and Places To See in Shasta County - Top 20

Shasta County is rich in natural wonders. You can visit Lake Helen, a glacial tarn in Lassen Volcanic National Park, or witness the stunning geothermal activity at Bumpass Hell Boardwalk. The region also features majestic waterfalls like Burney Falls, often called the "eighth wonder of the world," and Kings Creek Falls. Shasta Lake and Whiskeytown Lake offer vast opportunities for water-based recreation.

Absolutely! Shasta County is home to several beautiful waterfalls. The most renowned is Burney Falls, a 129-foot cascade in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Other notable waterfalls include Kings Creek Falls in Lassen Volcanic National Park, as well as Middle McCloud Falls and Mossbrae Falls, which are popular for their scenic beauty.

Shasta County offers a glimpse into its past and vibrant arts scene. You can explore the Sundial Bridge, an architectural marvel that is part of Turtle Bay Exploration Park, which also includes a museum and botanical gardens. Other historical points of interest include Shasta Dam, the Historic Shasta Courthouse Museum, and the Behrens-Eaton House Museum. Redding's Cultural District also features venues like the Cascade Theatre and various art galleries.

Yes, many attractions in Shasta County are suitable for families. The Sundial Bridge and Turtle Bay Exploration Park offer interactive exhibits and outdoor spaces. Lake Helen and Bumpass Hell Boardwalk in Lassen Volcanic National Park provide unique natural experiences. Burney Falls is also a popular spot for families to enjoy nature.

Shasta County is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Near many attractions, you can find opportunities for hiking, road cycling, and gravel biking. For hiking, explore trails like the Manzanita Lake Loop or the Bumpass Hell Trail, which you can find more about in the Hiking in Shasta County guide. Road cyclists can enjoy routes like the Sundial Bridge – Ribbon Bridge loop, detailed in the Road Cycling Routes in Shasta County guide. Gravel biking options include the Mary Lake – Salt Creek Trail loop, available in the Gravel biking in Shasta County guide. Shasta Lake and Whiskeytown Lake are perfect for boating, fishing, and water skiing.

The best time to visit Shasta County depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for water sports on Shasta Lake and Whiskeytown Lake. Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring, especially in areas like Lassen Volcanic National Park, where higher elevations can be snow-covered for much of the year. Winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the mountains.

Yes, the Sundial Bridge is a notable wheelchair-accessible attraction, offering a unique architectural experience and serving as a trailhead. Turtle Bay Exploration Park, which the bridge connects to, also has accessible areas. Many visitor centers and main viewing areas at state parks like McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park are designed to be accessible.

While general entry to Lassen Volcanic National Park requires a fee, specific permits for day hiking trails are typically not needed. However, it's always advisable to check the official National Park Service website for the most current regulations, especially for backcountry camping or specific activities. For example, the trail to Lassen Peak Summit is accessible via a steep but non-technical path in summer.

For the Sundial Bridge, ample parking is available at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding. Other popular attractions like Bumpass Hell Boardwalk and Lake Helen within Lassen Volcanic National Park have designated parking areas, though these can fill up quickly during peak season. It's always recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends.

Shasta County offers several options for visitors with dogs, though regulations vary by location. While national parks like Lassen Volcanic typically restrict dogs to paved roads, parking lots, and campgrounds, many national forests and state parks have more lenient policies for trails. For example, the Sacramento River Trail, accessible from the Sundial Bridge, is generally dog-friendly. Always check specific park rules before visiting.

For breathtaking views, consider hiking to the Lassen Peak Summit, which offers panoramic vistas of Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mount Shasta. The Brokeoff Volcano Vista also provides a stunning perspective of Brokeoff Mountain. Castle Crags State Park is renowned for its awe-inspiring granite towers and spires, offering numerous scenic overlooks.

Shasta Lake, known as the "Houseboat Capital of the World," and Whiskeytown Lake offer a wide array of water activities. You can enjoy boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, and swimming. Both lakes have marinas and rental services for various watercraft. Shasta Lake also features the unique Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark, which includes a boat ride across the lake to access the caverns.