The Sacramento River runs directly through Redding Calif., separating the east side from the west side of town. The river is popular with serious fishermen, boaters, and rafters. There are a few calm “swimming holes” that experienced swimmers enjoy; however, for the most part, swimming in the river can be treacherous.
Ride the Current
In the summertime, rafting down the Sacramento River is a favorite adventure for groups of family or friends. Rafts can be rented nearby. The company will provide life jackets, a safety clinic, and the route to a specified pick-up place where the raft is loaded up and transported back with a shuttle to carry you to the rental location. If you plan to try rafting, make sure you prepare well. The trip from the rental site to the destination point can take several hours. The sun gets very hot here in Redding, so be sure to pack sun screen. Take an ice chest, but don’t take a very expensive one. You’ll soon discover that “The Lazy Old River” isn’t as calm as it looks. You will need to be on your toes to push away from the banks where the river will fight to take you. Up and down and all around you’ll go, and anything not tied down can slide off the raft, including you. While rafting doesn’t require a lot of experience to have a great time, you will need to be prepared for some choppy water along the way.
Land a Salmon
Fishing on the Sacramento River is every avid fisherman’s dream. At least 70 percent of all the salmon caught off California’s coast spawn in the Sacramento River. Steelhead and stripped bass are also abundant in the river. If you want a real serious fishing adventure, call and reserve a fishing guide to take you to the well known fishing spots.
Take in the Scenery
The Anderson River Park, located on the river’s edge is just a ten minute drive from Redding and is a popular picnic destination. Tables and BBQ pits dot the shores where families enjoy the view of the water and the cool breeze it provides. In the summertime, several annual events are featured at the amphitheater in the park. The Mosquito Serenade (a popular group of musicians) play in the early evenings through the summer, entertaining old and young alike. On the Fourth of July each year, fireworks are set off at the park and over the river. During a drive through the park on that day one can see umbrella’s of all colors and American flags blowing in the breeze; children running and playing; and families enjoying the day. The aroma from a mixture of hot dogs, chicken, steak, and hamburgers hangs thick in the air. Everyone is anticipating the fireworks and hoping they secured a good viewing spot. If you want a riverside location, you need to send someone early to lay claim.
Regardless how you see it, it will be an experience that should leave you with amazing memories of the Sacramento River in the Redding, Calif., area.
Image Source: Flickr/bunnicula
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