December 8, 2023

TOP 8 FUN WINTER ACTIVITIES NEAR REDDING, CA

Snowshoeing in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Redding is an undisputed city for all seasons. One of the outdoor wonders of America, Redding is just as much fun in the cooler months as it is in the height of summer.

Whether it’s skiing, sledding, or backcountry boarding that appeals, there are so many fun things to do in Redding, CA in winter—a true basecamp for adventure.

8 Things To Do When You Stay in Redding, CA in Winter

 

1) SNOWSHOEING IN LASSEN NATIONAL PARK

If you haven’t tried it, think of snowshoeing as hiking through the snow. The broader base of snowshoes disperses a person’s weight, allowing them to walk on top of the snow rather than sink into it.

And in the winter, there is no shortage of snow in Northern California.

One of the best places to snowshoe is Lassen Volcanic National Park, where you can take advantage of ranger-led snowshoe tours every Saturday from January through April.

If you have your own shoes and are confident you know your way around, you are free to explore the winter wonderland to your heart’s content.

There are some great snowshoeing trails to navigate, from the easy-paced Manzanita Lake Loop to the more challenging Manzanita Creek and Diamond Peak Trails. It’s all waiting for you, just an hour’s drive east of Redding.

Bring your own shoes or rent in Redding. The park charges a fee to enter, but it’s lower during winter when the 30-mile park highway is closed to through traffic. Find info on the latest conditions here.

2) ICE SKATING RINK IN SHASTA

The Siskiyou Ice Rink in Mt. Shasta is a favorite in the region.

It’s a 200 x 85-foot full-size NHL outdoor ice-skating rink, the only one in California, that gives skaters an exhilarating experience against the backdrop of gorgeous Mt. Shasta.

The rink is open every day from November 19 – February 12, with season passes available from $165 for adults and $135 for kids. Public skate sessions run all day long in 90-minute blocks, with daily tickets available for $10 for adults and $8 for kids.

The rink is open for skating under lights until 9 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. If you’re planning a visit, call the rink before you leave to ensure adverse weather conditions haven’t forced a closure.

A fisherman casting his fishing line in the Sacramento River in winter

Photo Credit Brent Van Auken

3) WINTER STEELHEAD FISHING

The Sacramento River, California’s largest and longest river, flows right through the middle of Redding, providing a year-round fisherman’s paradise.

Redding happens to be the only west coast town to be featured as one of Forbes’ ‘North America’s Top 10 Trout Fishing Towns.’

Unlike salmon who die after spawning, steelhead—also known as rainbow trout—can survive spawning multiple times, often exceeding 20 pounds in their lifetime.

Usually, winter-run steelhead make their way to Shasta County spawning grounds between December and April, creating an ideal fishing environment.

Entering the water along the 15-mile stretch between Redding and Anderson is easy at the Turtle Bay Boat Launch, South Bonnyview Boat Launch, and Anderson River Park.

Try casting your line between December through February to take advantage of peak cold-water fishing season. Looking for a guide, fishing gear, or expert advice? Be sure to stop by The Fly Shop!


4) SLEDDING ON ESKIMO HILL

Pack your sled, cocoa, and warm clothes and head to one of the area’s much-loved, family-friendly venues that keeps the kids amused all day long—Eskimo Hill.

Located just off Highway 44 in Lassen Volcanic National Forest, Eskimo Hill is deceptively big and fast, so it pays to keep your wits about you.

Tubes, toboggans, and sleds are all okay to use but take care—sledding is the number one cause of visitor injuries every winter.

It’s free to use, hence its popularity, but you’ll need to bring your own sled. The season starts in early December and runs deep into March.

There are no modern conveniences—so bring your chairs, tables, and food to make a day of it. Be prepared to make do with vault toilets, and bring plenty of warm clothing. There are fire rings if you bring some firewood, and the kids love roasting s’mores between trips down the hill.

Three people Backcountry Snowboarding

Photo Credit Sadie Simonis

5) BACKCOUNTRY SNOWBOARDING

Looking for an epic snow-day excursion? It’s time to shake things up and get off the beaten path—hit the backcountry!

Experience a new perspective and unique winter adventures near Redding.

And, bonus, it’s free!

If you’re looking for solitude and physical challenge, the backcountry slopes of Lassen Park and Mt. Shasta offer both.

The greater Redding area is home to beautiful terrain and iconic snow-capped mountains just waiting to be explored.

There’s no better time to hop on that board and hit the slopes than winter!

Safety Tip: Adventuring in the backcountry comes with risks and unknowns unique to the seasons and the terrain. Be sure to check out the Shasta Avalanche Center for both the Shasta and Lassen Park areas for conditions and advisories.

6) FUN ON SNOWMAN’S HILL

Whether it’s sledding or tobogganing you crave, this former ski jump off Highway 89 on the road to McCloud is a mountain of fun.

It boasts an average run length of 300 feet and is usually open well into May.

If tearing down the mountain at pace isn’t your thing, you’ll still have a great time at Snowman’s Hill, watching the kids, breathing in the cool, fresh air, and relaxing with a picnic.

It’s free to use, but bring your own sled, as there are no rental facilities on the hill. Bring plenty of warm clothing, and observe safety precautions such as always wearing a helmet, avoiding obstacles, and sliding feet first.

Snow sledding is a great way to give the kids that authentic experience in the snow without blowing the budget.

Female snowboarder catching air off a blue rail

Photo Credit Sadie Simonis

7) MOUNT SHASTA SKI PARK

For a more lavish ski experience, Mt. Shasta Ski Park is the ticket!

Enjoy all the spoils of an established ski field at Mt. Shasta, whether a beginner or a pro. The park located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest boasts 32 trails across 425 acres of skiable terrain, including cross-country trails for skiers and their four-legged friends and a mini-trail for the little ones.

There’s plenty of ski and snowboarding gear to rent and lessons for the not-so-steady on the snow. The park is fairly priced, with five-day passes for $399 for adults and $249 for kids.


Take a ride up the hill on any of the park’s triple chairs, one quad chair, or moving carpet lifts.

And best of all, the long-awaited Gray Butte chairlift is a go as of December 2022! It’s Shasta’s most extended lift yet, with the nearly 10-minute ride traversing 14 towers, climbing 1154 feet, and bringing five new runs into play.

When you’re ready for a break from the snow, there are loads of cozy places to stay just down the hill in Redding.

Father and son snowmobiling in Northern California

Photo Credit Sadie Simonis

8) SNOWMOBILING AT MT. SHASTA

Snowmobiling is becoming a popular way to enjoy the snow-covered forests at Mt. Shasta and create unforgettable memories!

Fun Factory Rentals and Tours provides snowmobile rentals at the Deer Mountain Snowmobile Park, giving you access to over 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.  At 14,162′ high, Mt. Shasta and the surrounding mountains offer some of the best snowmobiling in California!

Whether you’re new to snowmobiling or an advanced rider, Fun Factory offers both guided and unguided snowmobile tours on one- and two-person POLARIS snowmobiles.

When you’re ready to warm up, get cozy in the warming hut at Deer Mountain Snowmobile Park. Picnic benches and a warm stove provide the perfect setting for a mid-day picnic lunch.

Every Fun Factory Snowmobile Rental includes a fun and informational Snowmobile 101 Training Class and a Snell-approved helmet for your safety. 

Off-site snowmobile rentals and off-site guides, snowmobile delivery, and over-snow transport services are available.

MORE WINTER FUN IN REDDING

Looking for more winter activities in Redding, CA? Visit Redding and have an epic adventure!

A few other local stops worth a visit are:

Be sure to check our event calendar for the latest happenings around town. And don’t forget to plan your stay in Redding!

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