Falling for Redding

School's back in, the summer crowds are gone … who's ready for a fall getaway?! With 225+ miles of hiking trails and premier national parks, Redding is your year-round go-to for adventures. Here are a few fantastic ways to get you going.

Volcanic Hot Springs: What is this—California's Yellowstone? Yes! Less than an hour from Redding, Lassen Volcanic National Park is filled with sputtering mud pots, sulfur vents, and boiling pools. The best way to see this incredible thermal activity is by hiking Bumpass Hell. Scary name aside, this 3-mile (round-trip) hike is easy and spectacular, featuring the geothermal features of steam vents, mud pots, and hot springs. Tip: Combine this outing with a 5-mile round-trip hike on the newly restored Lassen Peak Trail. Vistas up top offer the best perspective of the area's volcanic activity.

Waterfall Wanders: Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, just 15 minutes from Redding, is a cascade haven for hikers. A bonus? Hiking here in autumn means plenty of fall colors, thanks to the bigleaf maple, Pacific dogwood, and California black oaks studding the park. The tallest waterfall, Whiskeytown Falls (220 ft.) is reached on its namesake trail with gorgeous views of Crystal Lake. And don't miss the beautiful Brandy Creek Falls, where afterwards you can enjoy a picnic on the beach or under the towering pines and cedars. Keep an eye out for America's national bird: Whiskeytown is home to four nesting pairs of bald eagles.

Stay, Play, Eat: Located in the heart of hiking and biking trails, stunning mountain scenery, and with a river running right through it, Redding offers fabulous dining and a variety of lodging for visitors.