IF YOU LIKE your adventure with a hefty dose of serenity, load up the bikes and lead the clan along the 18-mile Sacramento River Trail. Die-hard bicyclists say this trail is the crown jewel of Redding. The path is mostly paved with shady trees and features varied scenery with fascinating sights along the way. Bring your own bikes or rent some, and you can follow the trail and extensions from downtown Redding all the way to Shasta Dam. The showstopper by the river is the 700- foot long Sundial Bridge, a $23 million architectural marvel with steel cables and translucent 62 South Bay Accent Waterfall Walk A WATERFALL AT the end of a stroll is the ultimate outdoor payoff, and when there’s a rainbow arching over that scene, it’s even better. Visit Yosemite National Park before midsummer, and your family will most likely encounter a gusher or two. For parents with strollers, the one-mile loop trail to Lower Yosemite Fall is an easy walk at only 30 minutes round trip. According to ranger Vickie Mates, “It is high on the list of great sights to see in the whole world.” The two-tiered waterfall is 2,425 feet high, the tallest in North America. “You must see it when it is full,” says Mates. And fortunately, everyone has the opportunity, for the trail is wheelchair accessible. Another blissful jaunt is the Bridalveil Fall trail. This is the first waterfall you see when driving into the valley. Park in the Bridalveil Fall parking lot and follow the signs. “It is 20 minutes round trip, and the best walk in the valley,” says Yosemite ranger Shelton Johnson. “There’s a fast transition from sun to rain in a little environment. You go from one world to another. It’s well worth your time.” Only those in good physical shape should attempt the more strenuous hikes leading to Vernal and Nevada falls, both accessible glass. Its massive 217-foot-high mast resembles the fin of an orca whale, and the connecting cables seem like the strings of a giant harp. Designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this monument has transformed Redding into a surprising tourist destination. The pedestrian cycling bridge lights up at night, emitting an aquamarine glow from its glass deck. There are great places along the river to dismount, snap scenic photos, gaze at wildlife and have a picnic. Visit the McConnell Arboretum with 200 acres of riparian forest, oak savannas and thematic gardens. The arboretum is part of Turtle Bay Exploration Park, which also incorporates a museum, forestry and wildlife center and aquarium. Young kids will enjoy the Paul Bunyan Forest Camp, offering hands-on exhibits, outdoor play equipment and animal shows—all designed to teach visitors what a lumber camp was like 100 years ago. Pedal Pushing on the Mist Trail. Vernal Falls, a distance of 2.4 miles, is notorious for steep hills. And, to reach the pinnacle of Nevada Falls, hikers must cover a total of 5.4 miles. This arduous climb usually takes up to six hours. Waterfall fans can set aside another day to hike for 10 hours to Upper Yosemite Falls. This is a full sun, thigh-burning trek 7.6 miles long beginning from the Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead. The path is so steep it is equivalent to climbing to the top of the Empire State Building—twice. A note of caution for the adventurous family: Always check on conditions prior to your hike, and bring extra clothing for sudden weather changes. If you want assistance, hire a guide from the Yosemite Mountaineering School. CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: COURTESY OF DNC PARKS & RESORTS AT YOSEMITE, INC.; COURTESY OF SONOMA CANOPY TOURS; COURTESY OF REDDING CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
South Bay Accent - Jun/Jul 2015
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