7 Fun Winter Activities for the Whole Family in Redding, CA

Redding, California, sits in the backyard of some of Northern California’s best outdoor recreation and wilderness, from majestic Mt. Shasta to lesser-known gems amid the Siskiyou and Cascade ranges. Redding makes for a great home base for outdoor adventure in winter, offering temperate weather even during the colder months and fewer crowds than larger cities. Here are eight ways to enjoy a family getaway in this incredibly scenic section of the state.

Easily accessed from Redding (it’s just north up I-5), Mt. Shasta Ski Park offers uncrowded lift lines, affordable tickets, and plenty of moderate terrain for beginners and families. You’ll find a cozy lodge plus a hometown, family atmosphere. The locals are always happy to show you their mountain. The town of Mt. Shasta delights as well, with pub-like eateries and watering holes for some après-ski fun.

If you haven’t experienced a national park in winter, you’re missing out. Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park without the crowds and dusted in white. There’s plenty to explore here when the snow falls, from sledding to backcountry skiing to snowshoeing and more.

Note that some trails and road access will be closed in winter, so double-check the website before your visit, but much of the park remains open year round, including the well-designed visitor’s center.

Seasoned backcountry skiers or snowboarders will love to hear that the snowpack at Lassen can reach a whopping 30 feet per year. You’ll find plenty of bowl skiing above the treeline, without any technical climbing experience necessary, but you will need backcountry gear and expertise (or hire a guide). Many Lassen Peak ski routes are readily accessible from Lassen Loop Road, skiable in the winter. Ambitious families with older kids can also hire guides for ice climbing or winter trekking in the area.

Less than an hour’s drive from Redding on Highway 44, Eskimo Hill is the best sledding location in the area, with multiple lanes ready for toboggans, tubes, and sleds. Inside Lassen National Forest, Eskimo Hill is a great way to introduce kids to the beauty of the outdoors in winter. Plan to bring a picnic to enjoy by the hill (bring a waterproof blanket or camp chairs to sit on).

There’s just something about an outdoor ice rink that is fun for all ages. The Siskiyou Ice Rink in Mt. Shasta is located in Shastice Park, not far from the area’s downhill skiing so you can make a long day or weekend out of the trip. The large rink has great views of the mountains and is usually open from November to mid-February, as conditions allow. Be sure to bring plenty of layers and extra, dry clothing so you can enjoy some hot chocolate amid the ambiance of the ice rink while you’re not skating.

A journey of a geological nature in all seasons, Lake Shasta Caverns can be especially magical in the winter, when the lake area is quieter. Three tours per day are offered from October to March, and they include a scenic boat ride across Shasta Lake to access the deep caves. The caverns take about two hours to tour with your guide, from start to finish.

Located north of Mt. Shasta on I-5, Castle Crags State Park is breathtaking in any season. In winter, the snowshoe hike to Castle Dome shines, offering stunning views of Mt. Shasta and the surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Families who are properly geared up with snowshoes and trekking poles can make the trek, which can sometimes even be done in snow boots (when the snowpack is thin). The higher you go, the more strenuous the hike becomes, but it’s possible to set your own destination and turn back whenever ready. The entire 2.8-mile trail gains nearly 2,200 feet in elevation.

Ready to plan your trip? Winter hotel specials abound in Redding during this prime off-season period. Enjoy discounted rates and cozy accommodations all winter.

Written by Amy Whitley for RootsRated Media in partnership with Redding CVB.