By Christy Milan

The stress of the week resulted in my desire to “blow off some steam.” I did not want to go too far due to time limits. This led me to discover many trails throughout my town, Anderson, and neighborhoods.
The sun was finally shining and this made the need to go hit the trails become impossible to resist. I put on my walking shoes, grabbed my bottle of water and sunglasses and drove to a local walking/biking trail. The air was clean and I felt it rush into my lungs as I quickened my pace. Others passed me along the trail with a smile or wave as they enjoyed nature’s great outdoors. I love walking and taking in the scenery. It refreshes my spirit and revitalizes my mind. The air, the trees and blue sky make for beautiful imagery. There is always something to see. It could be the new leaves coming out of their long winter nap or wildlife scampering across the dirt. This is nature and it helps to revitalize my soul. In Japan, “shinrin yoku” translates into “forest bathing.”  Forest Therapy is research based and supports healing and wellness through natural environments.
I know that it works for me and others seem to enjoy it as well. Walking the trails and feeling the sun brings about a joy and peace only nature can provide. There are many trail systems all within, or close to, town. These are just a few of the trails. Each trail provides something different to appreciate in nature.

Lema Ranch Trails
Churn Creek Trails
Clover Creek Trails
Battle Creek

Lema Ranch Trails
The Lema Ranch trails provide four miles of paved road. The trails are alongside five ponds that wind and curve on about 200 acres. The ponds have been there since the early 1950’s and in 1997 aquatic plants were added to provide wildlife habitat and improve the water. To preserve the natural surroundings and protect wildlife, dogs are not allowed on these trails. Bicycles are allowed on designated bikeways only. Weeping willows, Manzanita, Oak and Pine are just a few of the tree that can be seen on the trail. Various species of birds can be observed such as ducks, egrets, and woodpeckers. Otters and muskrats can sometimes be seen in the ponds. A beautiful and well thought out trail system, these trails provides more than just exercise.

Lema Trail
Trail entrance is located at:
610 Armando Avenue
Redding, CA
Activity Allowed: Walking, Biking, No dogs
Terrain  Paved
Flat, Rolling Hills
4 miles
Notes: Trails open daylight to dusk. Bicycles allowed on “School Bikeway” only. Lema Ranch  connects to trails in Churn Creek Trail system.

Churn Creek Trails
The Churn Creek Trails twist and turn through 180 acres. The trails are partially unpaved and cover about 4 miles. Dogs on a leash and bicycles are welcome on these trails. The planning for this system was based on protecting the watershed, using open space appropriately and maintaining the beautiful views. Churn Creek originates in the foothills north of Redding. It flows south through urban and residential areas, ranches and farm lands, making its way to the Sacramento River. This trail system is preserved in its natural state. It also provides children safety to and from school in these previously disconnected neighborhoods. Public use of this trail system is encouraged while also balancing the need to protect the natural state of the area. The visitor can see the blue oak woodlands and Manzanita mixed in with gray pine. As the creek twists and turns the terrain is riparian. Such plants as western redbud, cottonwoods, valley oaks, snowdrop bushes and willows grow on the banks of the creek. The trails provide the beauty of water and the beauty of nature.  The display of plants in their natural habitat attributes to the attraction of these trails.

Churn Creek
Trail entrances are located at:
1611 Dakota Way, Redding, CA
& 1210 Minder Drive, Redding, CA
Activity Allowed: Walking, Biking, Yes dogs
Terrain Gravel, Dirt,Flat with rolling hills
5.5 miles
Notes: Dogs need to be on leash. Access also at end of  Tidmore Lane off College View Drive.
This trail connects to Lema Ranch Trail where Dogs and bikes are not allowed.

Clover Creek Trails
The Clover Creek Trails provide a 1.4 mile loop. They consist of 128 acres of open space and feature a 6.7 acre lake that provides flood protection to over 5000 acres of the Clover Creek Watershed. Exposed trails weave through natural grasses, valley oaks and blue oaks. Various ducks and geese can be seen throughout the area. Throughout the trail system, interpretive signs educate the visitors about the vernal pools and plant life.

Clover Creek
Trail entrances are located at:
Shasta View and Venus Way
Activity Allowed:  Walking, Biking Yes dogs on leash
Terrain: Paved and dirt, Flat
1.5 mile paved loop
Notes: Very little shade during the summer, dress appropriately
Battle Creek
The Battle Creek Trails provide 2 miles and go through part of the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s 582 acre Wildlife area. The trails provide an excursion into some of the areas wildlife. Bald eagles, quail, herons and egrets are among some of the birds you can see. Among the plants and trees are Western spicebush, American pokeberry, California wild grape, Freemont’s Cottonwood, Western Sycamores and California Bay. Throughout the trail system, interpretive signs educate the visitors about the creek, fish and plant life. Along the trails are several benches that allow for a visitor to sit and admire the natural beauty. The trails end at the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s Coleman National Fish Hatchery, which is the largest federal hatchery in the nation.
The weather is nicer and the trails are calling. So pick a trail and get to walking, biking or jogging. Maybe even take a furry friend. Just get out there and enjoy nature. It could be healthier than you think.

Battle Creek Trails
Trail access at the trailhead for Battle Creek Salmon Trail
The gate between the hatchery and trail is closed on weekends
During the weekend park at the Battle Creek Wildlife Area toward the end of the trail
Activity Allowed: Walking, Dogs on leash
Terrain: Dirt
2 miles one way
Notes: The hatchery is open from 7:30 to 4:30 daily for self-guided tours.
Drinking water is available at the Fish Hatchery
October- Spawning operations
View times 8-2 Tues. + Thurs.
For a list of trails in Shasta County, visit
 http://healthyshasta.org/maps.htm#quicktrails