01
Best overall pick
Chamise Peak via Flanagan Trail
North Of Redding • Summit-View Out-And-Back Hike • Best For Big Panoramas
A steady climb leads to a rocky summit with sweeping views of Mt. Shasta, Lassen, and the Sacramento River valley.
This well-used trail starts on the north side of Redding and quickly leaves town behind for open ridgeline views. The grade is moderate but consistent, making it a good workout without feeling extreme. Aim for clear days at sunrise or sunset when the light over the surrounding peaks and lakes is at its best.
02
Best riverfront ramble
Yana Trail at Sacramento River Bend Area
South Of Cottonwood Near Red Bluff • Riverside Rolling Singletrack • Best For Long, Mellow Miles
Follow a gently rolling path along bluffs and benches above the Sacramento River with big views and easy footing.
Just south of Cottonwood, the Yana Trail strings together open grasslands, oak savanna, and river overlooks in the Sacramento River Bend Area. The grades are mild and the tread is friendly, so you can choose anything from a short out-and-back to a longer half-day outing. There is little shade, making cool-season mornings the prime time to enjoy the wide-open feel of this landscape.
03
Best close-to-town escape
Cloverdale Loop in Clear Creek Greenway
West Of Redding • Oak Woodland And Creekside Loop • Best For After-Work Hikes
A convenient loop that mixes foothill views with short creekside sections, close enough for a quick outing from Cottonwood.
The Cloverdale area of the Clear Creek Greenway offers a compact loop with a nice mix of gentle climbs, open views, and shady stretches. It feels surprisingly wild for being so close to town, with birdsong, spring wildflowers, and glimpses of the creek below. It is a solid choice when you want a leg-stretcher without committing to a long drive or big mileage.
04
Best waterfall hike
Brandy Creek Falls Trail
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area • Shaded Waterfall Canyon Trail • Best Summer Cool-Down
A forested canyon trail climbs beside Brandy Creek to a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall tucked into a rocky alcove.
West of Redding, the drive into Whiskeytown sets the mood with lake and mountain views before you even reach the trailhead. The hike itself winds through mixed forest, crossing side streams and gaining elevation gradually as the sound of rushing water builds. At the falls, cooler air and spray make this a refreshing outing on warm days, and patient photographers will find plenty of angles on the cascades.
05
Best quick leg-stretcher
Battle Creek Oak Trail
East Of Cottonwood Toward Manton • Short Oak Woodland Loop • Best For Casual Walkers
A short loop through open oak forest with gentle grades and views toward nearby foothills and ranch country.
This low-key trail is ideal when you want time outdoors without committing to a big climb or long drive. The path winds through classic Northern California oak woodland, with seasonal wildflowers in spring and wide-open skies the rest of the year. It is a friendly option for families, newer hikers, or anyone building a day of country backroads and small stops around a short walk.