Near Redding Is California's Rural Wildlife Area With Salmon-Filled Rivers, Trails, And Rare Birds

Redding, California, is a great place to start a journey through the state's northern region. Travelers, especially those who love the outdoors, will find a wide variety of activities there. And with several parks and recreational areas nearby, visitors have plenty of places to choose from. The 582-acre Battle Creek Wildlife Area is one such destination, located about half an hour south of Redding.

Stretching through Shasta and Tehama counties, the wildlife area features a mix of landscapes, including woodlands, wetlands, and areas shaded by trees along the water. Grassy marshes, as well as colorful wildflowers that appear en masse when in season, add even more variety to the trails. If you look above, you'll also see western sycamores spreading their twisted branches, trunks donning patches of gray and white where older bark has peeled away.

The trail is mostly flat, making it manageable for visitors of different ages and hiking abilities, although the unpaved surface is worth keeping in mind. The route follows Battle Creek, which flows gently, reflecting the bright open sky, until it reaches the Sacramento River. Beyond adding to the scenery, the waterway is home to fish and other wildlife, giving visitors another reason to explore its banks.

Chinook salmon are an important part of Battle Creek's wider ecosystem, where many of them begin their lives. After migrating to the Pacific Ocean, they eventually return to reproduce. But once this cycle is complete, the adult fish die, providing a seasonal food supply for other animals. Birdwatchers visiting in the fall and winter months may see bald eagles and turkey vultures gathering around the creek to feed, according to the Shasta Birding Society, which has reported sightings of "as many as 15 Bald Eagles have been observed in the air at one time."

Just a three-minute drive from the wildlife area, visitors can head to Coleman National Fish Hatchery. October is the best time to visit, when large numbers of adult Chinook salmon return from the ocean. You might even see some leaping out of the water. The hatchery also hosts its annual Return of the Salmon Festival each October. The free, family-friendly festival gives visitors opportunities to browse educational exhibits and even watch salmon spawning. But on a normal day, visitors are free to explore on their own between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Birdwatching opportunities aren't limited to when salmon return to spawn. The Shasta Birding Society has previously documented phainopeplas, known for their pointed crests and bright red eyes, near the fields at Battle Creek. While it's unlikely you'll hear its distinctive song during a visit, it does often copy the calls of almost a dozen other birds.

Getting to Battle Creek Wildlife Area requires a bit of preparation, even though it's only 30 minutes from Redding. Visitors can reach the property by taking Interstate 5 toward Cottonwood, then following local roads to the entrance near Coleman National Fish Hatchery. Before heading out, you'll need to check the CDFW Lands Pass Requirements. Battle Creek is among several properties that require a pass unless you qualify for an exemption. A daily CDFW Lands Pass costs $5.97 as of publication and must be purchased in advance, as there are no in-person sales at the wildlife area.

Additionally, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife says that there are no visitor facilities on the property. That means you'll need to bring your own drinking water, food, sun protection, and anything else you might need for the day. It's also a good idea to make a restroom stop before arriving.

If you're planning on staying overnight, nearby Redding and Anderson, a suburb along the Sacramento River, offer more lodging options than the rural area surrounding Battle Creek. Travelers with extra time should check out other day-trip destinations around Redding, including Los Molinos, a small community further south known for its rural scenery and access to outdoor recreation.