Sacramento River Rail Trail
North of Redding, the Sacramento River Rail Trail links with the Sacramento River Trail, forming an extensive paved trail network that offers stunning views of the river and nearby mountains throughout its length.

 

From the southern trailhead at Keswick Dam, the Sacramento River Rail Trail heads steeply northwest along Keswick Reservoir for nearly 3 miles through dense woodlands. At the trail junction near Spring Creek, continue right at the start of the much flatter rail-trail portion, which follows the old Central Pacific Railroad bed for more than 7 miles north. (A left turn instead leads to a small trailhead on Iron Mountain Road a short distance away.)

 

The remainder of the route continues to follow the former rail corridor on the western edge of Keswick Reservoir, offering beautiful views of the crystal-clear water. From the trail's northern endpoint on Coram Road, continue northeast on-road to reach Shasta Dam. The impressive dam—the eighth tallest in the United States—is responsible for the creation of Shasta Lake, a popular recreation destination for Northern Californians.

 

Back at the southern end of the trail at smaller Keswick Dam, pick up the Sacramento River Trail to continue south to Redding and its famous Sundial Bridge.

 

Photo by Jesse Pluim, BLM