Tehama County
Coleman National Fish Hatchery
Visit and learn how this hatchery rears 13 to 15 million chinook salmon and about 1 million steelhead annually.
Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to dusk.
24411 Coleman Fish Hatchery Rd
Anderson, CA
(530) 365-8622
www.fws.gov/coleman
South Shasta Model Railroad
The South Shasta Model Railroad showcases a real railroad in miniature, built to a scale of 1/4″ to the foot. This working museum features trains, track, buildings, bridges, and actual terrain replicating the Southern Pacific Railway from Gerber to Dunsmuir. Special features include working fireboxes in the steam-type locomotive, a mail catcher that actually catches mail, water plugs and towers, neon signs, and a mini working sawmill. This railroad lovers attraction also offers rides on a wood fueled, steam locomotive.
Open weekends only, April and May.
8620 Holmes Rd
Gerber, CA
(530) 385-1389
Sacramento River Discovery Center
Within the 488-acre Mendocino National Forest Red Bluff Recreation Area and adjacent to the Sacramento River off I-5, the Sacramento River Discovery Center is about providing environmental education for people of all ages. Bird watchers can observe some of the over 120 species of winged creatures that have been documented living or visiting there. There is no entrance fee.
Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1000 Sale Lane
Red Bluff, CA
(530) 527-1196
www.SacramentoRiverDiscoveryCenter.org
Shasta County
Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a fun, fascinating non-profit 300-acre gathering place featuring the Sundial Bridge, a museum, forestry & wildlife center, arboretum and botanical gardens. At the gateway to the Sacramento River Trails, Turtle Bay celebrates far Northern California as part of the natural world we share. Changing exhibits offer a new adventure visit after visit.
844 Sundial Bridge Dr
Redding, CA
530) 243-8850
www.turtlebay.org
Shasta Caverns
A visit to Lake Shasta Caverns is fun and educational for the whole family and includes a catamaran ride on sparkling Lake Shasta. The cruise leads to one of nature’s most astonishing and beautiful underground creations. Expert guides explain the history of the caverns, its discovery, and how limestone caverns are formed. Enter the carefully preserved underground world and wander among stalagmites and stalactites 250 million years in the making.
20359 Shasta Caverns Rd
Lakehead, CA
(530) 238-2341
lakeshastacaverns.com
Hawes Farm
Historic Hawes Farms is a visitor friendly working farm with an adventurous twist. Attractions include a corn maze, pumpkin patch, rides aboard the Hawes Express Railroad, zip line, cow tipping, campfire gatherings, mechanical bull rides, roller coaster and gem hunting at the Old Deschutes Mine.
21923 Dersch Rd
Anderson, CA
(530) 365-8488
historichawesfarms.com
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
This scenic park’s centerpiece is the majestic 129-foot Burney Falls. This natural wonder emerges as springs at and above Burney Falls, where it flows at a breathtaking 100 million gallons every day. Hiking, biking, camping and viewing trails for every ability are available.
Butte County
Bidwell Park
Explore all 3,670 acres of this outdoor playground. Enjoy swimming, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, disc golf, wildlife viewing and even paragliding in one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. Check out Chico Creek Nature Center for more information and let the adventure begin.
1968 E. Eighth Street
Chico, CA
(530) 891-4671
www.bidwellpark.org
Glider Rides
Table Mountain Aviation offers peaceful glider rides with veteran pilots most Saturdays. The adventure begins at Oroville Airport where your glider is pulled aloft by a tow plane to heights above 5,000 feet. You are then released over Oroville Dam to ride updrafts known as thermals, staying aloft for approximately 35 minutes soaking in the spectacular views of the lake, surrounding mountains and the valley.
Orchard, Farm and Vineyard Tours
Explore the worlds of grapes, olives, apples, almonds, mandarin oranges and more in the land where they are grown. The Sierra Oro Farm Trail Map features many interesting farms, ranches and vineyards. Maps are available from the Butte County communities’ Chambers of Commerce.
530-566-9849.
www.sierraoro.org
Lassen County
View Ancient Petroglyphs
Take a trip back in time, visit Belfast Petroglyphs and see what the ancestors of the Maidu, Paiute and Pit River tribes left behind. From Litchfield CA, turn West on Center and travel about four miles and turn North on Belfast Road. Belfast Road is a gravel road and is maintained only to a certain point during the winter months. The petroglyph parking area is about four miles from the pavement. Just after the one lane bridge that crosses Willow Creek there is a deceptive “No Trespassing” sign. This sign pertains to the private land that borders Belfast Road but NOT to the road itself. Easement has been granted by the property owner to access the petroglyph site, so drive on by that sign and you will soon find the turn out and kiosk announcing the site.
Try Your Luck, Stay and Play
With non-stop action, fun and the excitement of winning, the Diamond Mountain Casino consists of 26,000 square feet of popular Nevada style Slot Machines, Blackjack tables, Sports Bar, 24 hour Café with a non-smoking area, a steak-house style restaurant called the Sports Bar & Grill, Banquet Room, and a Gift Shop. The hotel includes 70 Lodge-style Rooms, Coffee Bar, Non-smoking Gaming Area, Conference Room, Business Center, Small Amenities Shop, Indoor Pool and Spa and a Workout Center.
900 Skyline Dr.
Susanville CA
(530) 252-1100
www.dmcah.com
Catch A Movie
Enjoy the latest movie on the big screen at Sierra Theatre and Uptown Cinemas with a bucket of hot, buttered popcorn.
Open Every Day
819 Main St
Susanville, CA
(530) 257-7469
www.sierratheatreanduptowncinemas.com
Plumas County
Explore the World of Carnivorous Plants
Butterfly Valley was designated as a botanical area in 1976 to preserve the amazing botanical diversity of this wildflower paradise near Quincy. Over 500 species of plant life thrive here including several species of carnivorous plants, ferns and orchids. Blooming season lasts all summer long, so wildflower lovers are never too late to catch the colors. Detailed driving directions available online at www.fs.fed.us
Auto Tours
Drive through some of the most scenic landscape NorCal has to offer. From the stunning vistas of the Feather River Canyon scenic byway to the sprawling meadows of Indian Valley, this area has a new portrait of nature’s beauty around every corner.
Pan for Gold
Experts agree that there is more gold remaining in Plumas County than has ever been removed. Your chance of finding a nugget is as good as those in the days of the Gold Rush. Check with the local officials to insure that you do not trespass while panning for golden treasure.
