You know California has recovered (mostly) from its years-long drought when tourism boards are talking about where to go to see waterfalls.
That is exactly what California's Visit Redding is saying. In just three days, you can see 11 waterfalls in Redding and Shasta Cascade-that's basically a long weekend.
"The waterfalls are thriving this spring thanks to the historic rain and snow levels," said T.J. Holmes, the communications coordinator for the Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau. "A popular attraction is the 220-foot Whiskeytown Falls, one of eleven that are roaring right now and are easily accessible from Redding."
Using Redding as your base, each waterfall is less than a 90-minute drive away. Also close by are more than 225 miles of hiking and biking trails as well as national and state parks perched on the banks of the Sacramento River.
To see the falls in three days, start with Potem Creek Falls, Hatchet Creek Falls and Burney Falls all to the east of Redding.
Potem Creek Falls is an easy hike to a 45-foot waterfall while Hatchet Creek, also known as Lion Slide Falls, is also accessible via a short trail. Burney Falls is a 129-foot fall that is fed by an underground spring and pumps more than 100 million gallons of water a day. It's truly impressive and sometimes referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.
On day 2, you are going to see four waterfalls: Hedge Creek Falls, Upper McCloud Falls, Middle McCloud Falls and Lower McCloud.
Start at Hedge Creek and don't miss the hidden cave behind the waterfall. Then head to Upper McCloud with its calming aquamarine-colored pool.Visit Middle McCloud next, which is said to be one of the most impressive. Lower McCloud is the lowest of the three and offers up rocks perfect for sunbathing.
Wrap up the adventure on day three with visits to Crystal Creek, Whiskeytown Falls and Brandy Creek Falls.
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Crystal Creek is easily accessible on a well-maintained trail and has a secret spot for swimming.
Whiskeytown Falls, part of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, was once a beautiful secret but, after being rediscovered in 2004, the secret is out and visitors have no problems finding the 220-foot falls. Also part of Whiskeytown is Brandy Creek Falls, one of the widest in the area.
If you think that this sounds like a lot to squeeze in in just a few days, you're right, which is why you could allow a couple of extra days to relax at the end of the trip or venture out and take to the myriad trails that await travelers.
Pressed for time? Cut this itinerary into day-trip parts or just stop reading right now and get out to the falls before your three-day weekend is up!
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