Redding, California: 10 Best Day Trips in Shasta County
10 Easy Road Trips from Redding, California for a Fun Day Out
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| Chase waterfalls, paddle quiet lakes, wander lava caves, and soak up Mount Shasta views on these easy day trips from Redding, California. |
Need a quick escape from Redding, California? You’re in a great spot for it. Since Redding sits in Shasta County, there are several beautiful day trips near Redding that cross into nearby counties and feel like a total change of scenery without turning into a long haul.
From mountain lakes and waterfalls to caves, volcano views, and Gold Rush towns, these road trips from Redding are perfect when you want a little adventure without overplanning your whole week. Some are ideal for a lazy Sunday drive. Others are great if you want to hike, picnic, fish, or just breathe some fresh Northern California air.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Where can I go for a quick nearby getaway from Redding?” — this list is for you.
1. Burney Falls in Lassen County
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is one of the most famous natural spots in Northern California, and for good reason. The 129-foot waterfall pours over mossy rock in a way that almost looks unreal in person.
It’s about a 1-hour drive from Redding, depending on traffic and your starting point. That makes it one of the easiest day trips from Redding, CA if you want a big reward for a short drive.
- Best for: Waterfall views, easy walking, family photos
- Drive time: About 1 hour
- Good to know: Bring a light jacket. It can feel cool and misty near the falls even on warm days.
I’ve always thought Burney Falls feels like nature turned the contrast all the way up. Everything looks extra green, extra blue, and extra fresh.
2. Subway Cave in Lassen County
Want something a little different? Head to Subway Cave, a lava tube formed by ancient volcanic activity. Walking through it feels a bit like stepping into a natural tunnel made by the earth itself.
This is a fun road trip near Redding if you like unusual places. The cave floor can be rough and uneven, so sturdy shoes and flashlights are a must.
- Best for: Unique geology, family adventure, summer cool-down
- Drive time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes
- Good to know: It’s cold inside, even in summer.
If you’ve never been in a lava tube before, this is a memorable one. It’s like nature built its own secret hallway beneath the forest.
3. Lassen Volcanic National Park in Tehama County
Yes, part of Lassen Volcanic National Park reaches into Tehama County, making it a great out-of-county choice from Redding. This park is packed with steaming hydrothermal areas, mountain views, lakes, and hiking trails.
Even if you only have a day, the scenic drive and stops around the southwest side can make this feel like a mini weekend trip squeezed into one day.
- Best for: Scenic drives, hiking, volcanic landscapes
- Drive time: About 1 hour 15 minutes to the southwest entrance area
- Good to know: Snow can affect road access outside summer and early fall.
There’s something wild and dramatic about this place. It’s the kind of park that makes you pull over more than you planned, just to stare for a minute.
4. Lake Almanor in Plumas County
If your perfect escape includes water, mountain air, and room to slow down, Lake Almanor is a fantastic pick. This large lake is great for boating, fishing, swimming, or simply sitting by the shore with snacks and a view.
It’s one of the best nearby getaways from Redding when you want a laid-back day that still feels special.
- Best for: Relaxing, paddling, fishing, lakeside picnics
- Drive time: Around 2 hours
- Good to know: Summer weekends can be busy, so start early.
Lake Almanor has that classic Northern California feel — pine trees, calm water, and the kind of view that makes you put your phone down for once.
5. Mount Shasta City and the Scenic Views in Siskiyou County
Heading north to Mount Shasta City is one of the most popular day trips near Redding California, and it’s easy to see why. The mountain dominates the skyline, and the town makes a convenient base for a simple day of exploring, eating, and sightseeing.
You don’t need a complicated itinerary here. Sometimes just driving in with that giant peak ahead of you is half the fun.
- Best for: Mountain views, cafes, casual exploring
- Drive time: About 1 hour
- Good to know: Weather can shift fast, especially in cooler months.
If you like road trips where the drive itself feels like the attraction, this one delivers.
6. Hedge Creek Falls in Siskiyou County
Not far from Mount Shasta, Hedge Creek Falls near Dunsmuir is a short and rewarding stop. The trail is fairly easy, and one of the coolest parts is that you can walk behind the waterfall.
For a quick Redding day trip, this one checks a lot of boxes: not too far, not too hard, and very photogenic.
- Best for: Easy hike, waterfall lovers, quick outdoor trip
- Drive time: Around 1 hour
- Good to know: The trail can be slippery in wet weather.
Walking behind falling water never gets old. It’s a little like stepping into the background of a movie scene.
7. Castle Crags State Park in Siskiyou County
Castle Crags State Park is a great option if you want dramatic rock formations and hiking trails without going too far from Redding. The jagged granite peaks stand out right away, and the park has scenic overlooks and picnic spots too.
This is one of those road trips from Redding, CA that feels much bigger than the drive time suggests.
- Best for: Hiking, mountain scenery, picnic stops
- Drive time: About 1 hour
- Good to know: Bring water, especially in warmer months.
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes a little “wow” factor, Castle Crags definitely brings it.
8. Weaverville in Trinity County
For a mix of history and small-town charm, spend the day in Weaverville. This old Gold Rush town has a walkable downtown, local shops, and a laid-back feel that makes it easy to enjoy without rushing.
It’s a smart pick for travelers who want a weekend trip idea that can also work as a single-day outing.
- Best for: Historic atmosphere, shopping, casual wandering
- Drive time: Around 1 hour
- Good to know: Pair it with lunch in town for an easy, full afternoon.
Sometimes the best day trips aren’t about checking off big sights. They’re about finding a town that lets you slow down a bit.
9. Trinity Lake in Trinity County
If you’re craving a water-filled escape, Trinity Lake is another excellent choice. It’s a solid spot for boating, kayaking, fishing, and soaking up sunshine by the shore.
This is one of the better near Redding road trips when summer heat kicks in and you just want to be near the water.
- Best for: Boating, lake days, summer fun
- Drive time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
- Good to know: Pack drinks, sunscreen, and extra snacks.
A day at Trinity Lake can feel like hitting the reset button. Simple, scenic, and easy to enjoy.
10. Lava Beds National Monument in Modoc County
If you don’t mind a longer but still doable day trip, Lava Beds National Monument is one of the most unique places you can visit from Redding. It’s filled with lava tube caves, wide-open high desert views, and a rugged landscape that feels totally different from the forests around Redding.
This is a great road trip from Redding California for curious travelers, history fans, and anyone who likes seeing something unexpected.
- Best for: Caves, volcanic scenery, adventurous day trips
- Drive time: Around 3 hours
- Good to know: Start early to make the most of your day.
Lava Beds feels a bit like landing on another planet — in the best way. It’s rough, quiet, and fascinating.
Tips for Planning Your Day Trips from Redding
Before you head out, it helps to keep a few basics in mind. Northern California road trips can be easygoing, but conditions can change fast depending on the season.
- Check weather and road conditions before leaving.
- Bring layers, even on warm days.
- Pack water, snacks, and a phone charger.
- Fill up on gas before heading into remote areas.
- Start early if you’re visiting popular spots on weekends.
A little planning goes a long way. Think of it like packing an umbrella — you may not need it, but you’ll be glad you have it if things shift.
Final Thoughts on the Best Road Trips Near Redding, California
When you live in or visit Redding, California, you have easy access to some truly beautiful corners of Northern California. From waterfalls in Lassen County to lakes in Trinity County and mountain views in Siskiyou County, these short road trips and day trips from Redding offer plenty of ways to get out and explore.
Whether you want a peaceful drive, an outdoor adventure, or a charming small-town stop, there’s a quick escape here with your name on it.
Which nearby getaway would you choose first? If this list helped you plan your next outing, share it with a fellow traveler and drop a comment with your favorite day trip from Redding. I’d love to hear where you go next.
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