The Great Outdoors
June 2023
Community
Ah, summertime—when the sun shines high in the bright blue sky and long days full of sunscreen and barbecues turn into magical nights of movies under the stars and s'mores by the campfire. It doesn't matter how old you get, the longing for those responsibility free days as a school-aged kid comes creeping in every year about this time.
As adults, we may not have as much free time as we used to, but we can still enjoy the simple things of Summer's past. In Butte County, our accessibility to all things outdoors gives us a leg up on enjoying all the fun that Summer has to offer... Within a few hours drive, you can hike around an active volcano, set up camp in the picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains and dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean! Whether you're a family, couple or group of friends looking to explore the great outdoors, there's something for you. Here are a few weekend or day trip destinations in Northern California that are sure to add some excitement to your Summer days.
Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta. Photo Credit: VisitCalifornia
At a height of 14,180 feet above sea level, Mount Shasta is the fifth highest mountain in California. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, although the last documented eruption occurred in 1786, geologists still classify Shasta as an active (but dormant) volcano! With a year-round snow pack at its peak that contrasts the stark blue sky, Mount Shasta stands out like the most beautiful sore thumb you've ever seen. In fact, it can boldly be seen from over 100 miles away on a clear day. At a distance of 129 miles from Chico, Mount Shasta is the Northernmost point that our road-trip series will take you and offers a wide range of activities to partake in.
Downtown Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta Museum. Photo Credit: Sweet Savory Life
Downtown Mount Shasta is as quaint as they come. Sitting at the base of a giant volcano, you can find a variety of unique and local shops, restaurants and art galleries to wander through. Opened over 25 years ago, you can even find the very first Black Bear Diner - It still bears its rural charm, sitting in its original location and is now a widely recognized and country-wide chain restaurant establishment. Located near the downtown area is the Mount Shasta Museum. Here is a great place to make your first stop and get your bearings before venturing out. This small, but informative, museum houses several exhibits. Here you can learn about the volcanic activity that led to the formation of Mount Shasta and the native people who once inhabited what is now Siskiyou county. There is a popular Lenticular Cloud exhibit and information that teaches about the lifecycle of the water that comes from Mount Shasta. Hundreds of years of glacial melt are still feeding into the Sacramento River today. In fact, you can visit the headwaters of the Sacramento River at nearby Mount Shasta City Park... Beginning its journey on the snow-covered peaks of Mount Shasta, crystal clear waters flow through underground lava tubes until finally emerging at the City Park’s headwaters area. The waters are said to have healing properties and you will often find people congregating near the underground spring on warm days. From there it continues its journey all the way to the ocean, passing through Chico, providing a source of activity on these hot Summer days.
Mount Shasta Fish Hatchery
One unique stop on the trip is the Mount Shasta Fish Hatchery. Opened in 1888, Mt. Shasta is the oldest trout hatchery west of the Mississippi and supplies the majority of eggs for trout hatcheries in the United States - upwards of 30 million eggs a year, according to the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Located at 3 North Old Stage Road, Mount Shasta, and open from 8am to 3pm, you can take a self-guided tour throughout the hatchery and visit the dozens of "raceways" where the trout are reaching maturity. The highlight of this stop is the free feeding! At stations located throughout the hatchery, you can pick up pellets to feed the trout - they will be very happy to see you and can often be found jumping out of the water to compete for food with their tank mates.
Railroad Park Resort, Dunsmuir
If you're staying in the area overnight, this kitschy hotel is not to be missed! You don't need to be a kid to enjoy your stay here, but kids will absolutely love this one of a kind experience. Railroad Park Resort, located in Dunsmuir, is a train lover's delight and a fun stopover on your journey. This is your opportunity to sleep in a once working railroad car or caboose!
Railroad Park Resort. Photo Credit: Railroad Park Resort
The 'rooms' all offer different features; a cupola that you can climb up into for 360 degree view or a bay window for instance. And they don't just offer train cars for overnight stays, there are a handful of cabins located on the property, as well as a campground for both tent campers and RV's. We absolutely loved our stay here! On site is a pool, hot tub and full-service bar and phenomenal restaurant (built inside vintage railroad cars of course). But be sure to make reservations - this is a very popular restaurant with the locals!
MacArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Burney Falls. Photo Credit: @lowrey
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial Sate Park is quick but interesting stop in Shasta County. It has been said that actor and Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller dove off of Burney Falls in the 1930's version of the film, Tarzan. The falls are 129 feet high and the water is fed from underground springs above and at the falls. Swimming in Burney Falls is highly discouraged - even on the hottest Summer days as the water temperature does not get above 42 degrees. If you're looking to cool off or extend your hike, consider walking the areas trails to neighboring Lake Britton.
If staying overnight and "roughing it" is your style, consider staying in one of Burney Falls tent cabins for the night. Each cabin is located at a campsite within the Burney Falls Campground, and comes with a picnic table and fire ring. These rustic tent cabins are a fully secured wooden cabin with a covered porch, but no amenities. There is one special feature though, an electric wall heater in each cabin. This heater is small, but mighty! We warmed up our cabin before turning in for the night and were pleasantly surprised to find the cabin still warm in the morning. Just make sure to bring some bedding as each cabin is equipped with bunks and bare mattresses.
Tent Cabins at MacArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Photo Credit: Vista Recreation
There are campground restrooms, pay showers and a market on-site. We found the campground to be clean and quiet and would absolutely return to the tent cabins!
Lassen national park
Mount Lassen, located east of Redding, is an active volcano and a stunning beauty! Due to its location and proximity to major airports, it is one of the most underrated National Parks in the United States.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Established as a National Park in 1916, evidence of volcanic activity including steam vents, hot springs, and mud pots can be found throughout Lassen's vast 170 square mile wilderness. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, all four types of volcanoes are represented throughout Lassen National Park; shield (Prospect Peak), plug dome (Lassen Peak), Cinder Cone (Cinder Cone), and Composite (Brokeoff Volcano) volcanoes. Whether you want to spend a day or a weekend, there is plenty to do to keep you busy.
Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center
Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Mt. Lassen National Park. Photo Credit: Rich Francis
Every great trip to a National Park begins at the visitors center! The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open year-round and located one mile from the Southwest Entrance. This visitors center makes a perfect first stop to learn more about the geology of the area and the native people who once lived there, through interactive exhibits. You can also pick up some reading material and pamphlets to learn more about what the area has for recreation and sight-seeing. Off the back of the visitor's center is a large outdoor space with an amphitheater to take in the stunning view or have a bite to eat for lunch. Make sure to spend a few minutes watching 'The Story Behind the Landscape', a film documenting the last eruption in 1915, before heading outside to participate in ranger-led programs on topics such as geology, wildlife, cultural history, and astronomy.
30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway
After stopping at the visitors center, head out on the 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway winding around the east side of Lassen Peak and connecting the northwest and southwest entrances of the park. Give yourself about one-hour drive time, without stops, but give yourself more time to get out and enjoy the numerous roadside sights.
Active Geothermal Features
Visiting an active volcano, you have the opportunity to witness volcanic activity first-hand! There are several ways to view the different geothermal features, but The Sulphur Works is the most accessible. Located along the park's 30-mile highway and accessed by a short walk along a paved pathway, you can easily view the vibrant colors and smell the pungent gases emanating from the bubbling geothermal pools.
If a hike is more your speed, and you still want to see some geothermal activity, consider the Bumpass Hell Trail. This trail offers access to the largest hydrothermal area in the park. Due to the heavy snowpack, the trail is open in the summer and fall only. Parking for this popular trail is limited and is often full mid-morning to early afternoon, especially on weekends, so make sure to get an early start. This is a 3 mile round trip hike that is considered easy to moderately difficult. After leaving the parking area you will hike slightly and steadily uphill, reaching the overlook spot, before hiking down to the boardwalk to access the geothermal mud pots. As always, NEVER stray from the trails. It is especially important here because this is a geothermal area. The ground can look stable and be hiding scalding mud underneath. ALWAYS exercise caution!
Another hike, slightly more strenuous than the last, will take you along the Devil's Kitchen Trail to Lassen's second largest hydrothermal area, Devil’s Kitchen. The parking lot is at the end of a dirt road, so don't be discouraged and turn back... keep going! Once there, you will stroll along a boardwalk through the lovely meadows of Warner Valley before reaching the uphill portion of your climb. Not difficult, but steady, you will hike around 1.5 miles uphill, the smell of Sulphur getting stronger with each step. This portion of the trail is mostly in the sun, so make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Take breaks as needed. According the the National Park Service, this area is known as 'the kitchen' due to the sights, smells and sounds of bubbling geothermal mud pots... the smell of "something cooking" lingering in the air... but stay out of those pots, temperatures in there have been measured up to 230 degrees!
Manzanita Lake
Manzanita Lake, 2023. Photo Credit: Cruise America
After spending the day hiking the hot trails it can be tempting to cool off in one of the snow-fed mountain lakes in the park. Luckily, there are many to choose from! Manzanita Lake is the most popular lakes within Lassen National Forest and offers hiking, fishing, swimming, camping and more. Here you can rent kayaks and paddleboards to enjoy, or launch your own non-motorized vessel at one of the launches. Make sure to keep your boats out of Helen, Emerald, Reflection, and Boiling Springs though as there are no boats allowed on those lakes.
Overnight Accommodations
If you're making a weekend or week out of your trip to Lassen National Park, you will absolutely need a place to stay overnight. There are 7 campgrounds throughout Lassen: Butte Lake Campground, Juniper Lake Campground, Manzanita Lake Campground, Lost Creek Group Camp, Summit Lake Campground, Southwest Campground and Warner Valley Campground.
Summit Lake Campground, South. Photo Credit: NPS
Unfortunately, due to the 2021 Dixie Fire that burned nearly 1 million acres of Lassen Wilderness, several campgrounds remain closed. Juniper Lake, Warner Valley and Southwest campground will remain closed until cleanup efforts have ceased, and as of June 2023 remain closed to visitors. All others are accepting reservations for future dates and were unaffected by the 2021 fire. According to the Lassen National Park website, RVs and trailers are best accommodated at Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, and Summit Lake Campgrounds. There are no hook-ups in the park but a dump station is available at Manzanita Lake. If you are travelling with a RV, it is recommended to visit the Lassen National park website to learn more about your options.
local events, butte county
While a weekend adventure is always a fun time, it does require a certain amount of planning in order to execute it successfully. Thankfully, if you’re short on time, or don’t to venture too far from home, Butte County has a lot of great activities and events throughout June and the rest of Summer.
Paradise Party in the Park
Starting on Wednesday June 14th, join the community of Paradise at the Paradise Community Park (on the corner of Pearson & Black Olive) for a weekly summer celebration with vendors, fresh produce, crafts, live bands, and performances from local dance and youth groups. Starting at 6pm, their live concert series will feature the following musical acts for the month of June:
June 14: Overdrive
June 21: Tribute to Alan Rigg
June 28: Lee Side Riders
Make sure to come out early to secure a spot to enjoy the show!
Chico Friday Night Concerts
Friday Night Concerts have a long-standing history in Chico and for over forty years locals have flocked to Chico’s downtown city plaza on warm Friday evenings to hear live, local music for free. But make sure to get there early, this is a poplar event! The concerts begin at 7pm, which means you have plenty of time to stop downtown for dinner and drinks. Or if a picnic is more your speed, pack up your blankets and lawn chairs and head down to city plaza early. As always, this event is free! With concerts every Friday night through October 13th, there’s sure to be band for you!
Below is the June 2023 Schedule of shows:
6/2 - Pat Hull
6/9 - Meli Farias
6/16 - Duniya
6/23 - Bella Locas
6/30 - Second Hand Smoke
Chico Friday Night Concert Series. Photo Credit: Downtown Chico
Soroptimist Chico Craft Brew Fest
For all you craft beer lovers out there, this event is for you! Previously known as the Annual Micro Brew Fest, this years event will now be known as the Chico Craft Brew Fest, and will feature craft beer from over 30 breweries. Several local Butte County favorites will be served:
Sierra Nevada Brewery
Secret Trail Brewing Co.
Mulberry Station Brewing Co.
Nor Cal Brewing Company
Lassen Cider
Ramble West
Feather Falls Brewing Company
British Bulldog
Almendra Winery
Farmers Brewing
After a few years off from hosting the event during the Covid Pandemic, this event is said to be new and improved. The hosts, The Soroptimist International of Bidwell Rancho have teamed up with Blue Sky Festivals & Events to bring you unlimited beer tastings (in a complimentary glass) live music, and food.
Held at the Chico Elks Lodge #423 from 2pm-6pm, tickets can be purchased ahead of time or in person. There are two levels of tickets; $65 will get you unlimited beer tastings, live music, access to food and a commemorative glass. The $95 ticket will get you the same as the $65 ticket, but you will also have access to early admission (1pm), VIP parking, a special VIP seating area, and a catered meal by Butte County BBQ.
Live Music from Ivy Flats and Hell Cat Maggie will be featured and there will be a variety of casino activities and table tennis by the Chico Table Tennis Club.
Photo Credit: @elevatebeer
Astronomy at the Lake
Butte County is home to one of the most unique experiences you will find… astronomy on the lake. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to kayak on a lake at night? Well this is your opportunity. The third Saturday of May, June and July head up the hill to Paradise Lake to stargaze from a kayak ON THE LAKE! Paradise Lake is beautiful at dusk and light pollution is nearly non-existent after the sun goes down. Now is the time to treat yourself to a thrilling adventure and an amazing view of the stars. Fear not, this is a guided twilight kayak tour on the lake. If dark water at night isn’t your thing, there is still an opportunity to experience ‘Astronomy al la carte’ and without the kayak adventure. The evening paddle and Astronomy session is $25 per person and you can rent a single or double kayak and life jacket for an additional cost, $10 for a single and $20 for a double kayak. Make your way up to Paradise this Saturday to take part!
Photo Credit: NPS
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