01
Best overall pick
Mule Mountain Loop — Swasey Recreation Area
Swasey Recreation Area West Of Redding • Rolling Oak-Woodland Loop • Local Favorite
A classic foothill loop with steady climbs, broad views, and plenty of shade just a short drive from Happy Valley.
Mule Mountain is the go-to training hike for many locals, with a well-signed network of singletrack and fire roads forming loops in the 6 to 9 mile range. Expect a mix of gentle grades and a few punchy climbs through blue oaks, gray pines, and spring wildflowers, plus open stretches with big views toward Redding and the distant Trinity Alps. Start early on hot days, and bring a map or app so you can link the exact loop length you want.
02
Best easy mileage
Sacramento River Trail
Redding Riverfront • Paved River Canyon Path • Best For Casual Walkers And Bikes
A smooth, mostly flat path that lets you stack up riverside miles with bridge views and easy access from town.
The Sacramento River Trail links the Sundial Bridge area with a long ribbon of pavement along the river, making it ideal for relaxed walks, runs, and family bike rides. You can turn around whenever you like, but many people aim for one of the bridges or viewpoints to create a satisfying out-and-back. Expect plenty of sun, frequent benches and access points, and enough gentle up-and-down to feel like a real outing without ever getting remote.
03
Best waterfall hike
Brandy Creek Falls Trail
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area • Shaded Forest Waterfall Trail • Best Summer Cool-Down
A moderately steep forest hike that rewards you with a cool canyon and tiered waterfalls above Whiskeytown Lake.
From the upper trailhead, Brandy Creek Falls is a relatively short but sustained climb along a lively creek in a narrow, shaded canyon. The trail crosses bridges and rock steps as it works upstream, ending at a series of photogenic cascades where mist and cool air feel especially good on hot days. Parking can be limited in peak season and a park pass is required, so go early or midweek if you want a quieter experience.
04
Best close-to-home loop
Clear Creek Greenway — Cloverdale Loop
Clear Creek Corridor South Of Happy Valley • Riparian Creek And Foothill Loop • Convenient Local Outing
A handy mix of creekside walking and low-rolling hills with several loop options close to Happy Valley neighborhoods.
The Cloverdale area of the Clear Creek Greenway offers signed trails that dip between oak-studded slopes and stretches right along the water, with options to keep things to a short loop or stretch it toward a half-day. You get a bit of everything: shaded sections, open views across the foothills, and side paths to explore the creek and old mining remnants. It is a great choice when you want to get out quickly without committing to a long drive or a big climb.
05
Best big-view challenge
Castle Dome Trail — Castle Crags State Park
Near Castella Off I-5 • Steep Granite Summit Trail • Best For Strong Hikers
A demanding climb through forest and boulders to one of Northern California’s most dramatic granite viewpoints.
From the upper parking area at Castle Crags, the trail to Castle Dome wastes little time gaining elevation, switchbacking through thick forest before breaking into open granite slabs. The final stretch is steep and rocky, but the payoff is a sweeping panorama of jagged crags, forested ridges, and Mount Shasta dominating the northern skyline. There is a state park entrance fee, and in summer the exposed rock can get hot, so many hikers opt for an early start or a cool-season ascent.