Travel Eastern Shasta County Like a Local

Your family’s next adventure could be in the playground of the North State. The Intermountain region of eastern Shasta County has an abundance of natural beauty that makes it a fun destination for everyone.

In eastern Shasta County, many residents walk and hike as a favorite pastime, but until now, they did not have a resource for local trails. A group of community members decided to change that when they formed a workgroup in 2022. The workgroup included residents and non-profit, government, and health organizations who were passionate about the beautiful recreational opportunities in their area.

With the help of community members from Burney, Fall River Mills, and McArthur, the workgroup collected over 50 favorite walk and trail ideas. They chose a collection of walks and trails that both represented the diversity and beauty of the region. With insights from Pit River Tribe on their current and ancestral lands and photos shared by local photographers, the Intermountain Walking and Hiking Guide is an example of the community spirit that is woven throughout the region.

Walking and Hiking Guide workgroup member and local mom, Kaylynn Harper says, “I love that this guide gives plenty of walking and hiking options to locals and visitors of all skill levels. Personally, when choosing something to do as a family with a four- and five-year-old, it is so nice to have a book full of close-by, budget-friendly options that each of us can equally enjoy.”

The guide is part of long-lasting community changes that make healthy choices easier, enjoyable, and affordable where North State residents live, work, play, and learn. With trails ranging from 0.25 to 8.2 miles round trip including ADA accessible routes, the guide has fee-free options for adventurers with a range of abilities and fitness levels. Using the guide, you can easily find a walk that will help your family meet the doctor recommended minimum physical activity goals of 60 minutes per day for kids and 30 minutes 5 days a week for adults. It includes a handy table with details on which trails have water fountains, restrooms, and where your canine family members can join the adventure.

Several of the trails feature local waterways including Hat Creek, Fall River, Big Lake, and Baum Lake with opportunities for water play. The Intermountain region is part of the Pacific Flyway, a bird migration route. Depending on the season, your family is likely to see a variety of bird species, including pelicans, osprey, bald eagles, woodpeckers, and other waterfowl. You have opportunity to witness both cultural preservation and habitat restoration by hiking the Floyd Buckskin Memorial Trail along Fall River Lake. You can also explore portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) or the area’s volcanic legacy at the Spattercone Nature Trail.

Of exploring the Intermountain region, Kaylynn says, “If this is your first time walking or hiking in this beautiful part of the North State, I encourage you to use this guide to partake in healthy family activities all can enjoy and expect to be greeted with a friendly welcome and beautiful views, healthyshasta.org/maps/”

Whatever adventure your family chooses to explore, the time you spend together in nature will be its own reward.

Tips for a Great Family Hike:

• Choose a trail or walk based on your family’s fitness level and experience.
• Plan your outing with the Walking and Hiking Tips from the Intermountain Walking and Hiking Guide.
• Check the weather before you go to prepare for the variety of seasons you may experience.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. Kids (and adults) may get hungry along the trail.
• Invite friends to make the family adventure more exciting.

The digital version of the Intermountain Walking and Hiking Guide is available on Healthy Shasta’s trails page. Physical guides are now available at locations throughout the Intermountain region including the Burney Library, the Intermountain Community Center, and the Fall River Valley Library.