The Rare Dancing Mudpots of Redding California
Lassen Volcanic National Park
When surface water collects in a shallow, impermeable depression with no direct connection to underground water flow and when thermal water beneath the depression causes steam to rise through the ground, heating the collected surface water, it results in a mudpot. Mudpots are gooey mix of boiling clay and water through which gases gurgle and bubble. Hydrogen sulfide causes the odor of rotten eggs.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of only a few places on the planet giving you an amazing view of geothermal activity in vivid shades of green, blue and orange. The mudpots, fumaroles, hot springs, and terraces, are formed by an underground magma chamber and trapped gases with channels connecting the chamber to the surface.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
The Redding Area is covered with many, many waterfalls. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area alone has four, all accessible by trail. They remind you of being in a tropical rainforest.
Along with the waterfalls, Whiskeytown Lake’s beautiful sapphire-blue waters, surrounded by mountain peaks, are also a prominent feature of the park. Pristine mountain creeks, 70 miles of hiking trails, and opportunities to explore the history of the California Gold Rush provide swimming, scuba diving, rowing, fishing, horseback riding and learning.
Lower Crystal Creek Falls is a “man-made” waterfall.
At 138 feet tall, the three cascades of Boulder Creek Falls are tucked into a dark, shaded box canyon filled with moss and ferns.
Brandy Creek Falls is a wide waterfall with five cascades that rush down the granite rock of the canyon. The umbrella-leafed Indian rhubarb is one of the first spring flowers to appear, displaying an array of brilliant pink blossoms. In the fall, the leaves of the flower turn a bright orange.
The 220-foot Whiskeytown Falls is a beautiful series of three steps falling 250 feet down. The green moss and slow stream compliment this elegant waterfall very well.
Eat and Drink
If you’re looking for sweeping views of the Sacramento River, try View 202. Or, try a juicy steak at the famous Jack’s Grill, locally owned since the 1930’s, where the retro atmosphere takes you back generations. For dessert, Taste and See Creamery offers a variety of ice-cream flavors you won’t find anywhere else. The “Maple Syrup Brown Sugar Candied Bacon” has a maple syrup base with oven baked brown sugar bacon. The “Roasted Banana Fudge” is made from roasting bananas still wrapped in their peels, until the sugar inside is caramelized, intensifying the flavor. And how can anyone go wrong with “Toast and Jam,” made of twice-baked Hawaiian bread crumbs and homemade strawberry jam.
After having a delicious meal, take in a play at the intimate Riverfront Playhouse, live music at The Dip or Vintage Wine Bar & Restaurant, or craft beer at Woody’s Brewing Company.
River Expeditions
While in Redding, go kayaking with Headwaters Adventure, your one-stop shop for kayak and stand-up paddleboard sales, rentals, excursions, and expeditions.
More Information
Redding Convention and Visitors Bureau
Get your Redding Visitor Guide
Call: 530-225-4100