A little get-a-way to Redding

We took off for a few days during Spring Break to visit a part of Northern California we haven't yet explored, Redding.  We had some free Marriott nights and so after church Sunday afternoon we took off for our three hour drive.
 It's always so funny to see how much kids love a hotel room.
It's like a huge sleepover I guess! 

Our first stop Monday morning (after a not so amazing night sleep, but an amazing breakfast at the hotel) was to the heart of Redding, Sundial Bridge.  It was a beautiful day with just a few clouds and we loved meandering around this pretty, local attraction. 

 

  The bridge deck is made of glass and granite and supported by 4300 feet of cable. 

These cables proved to be fun to climb and hang on!

We hiked around the Sacramento River, skipping rocks along the way.

After that we took a tour at Shasta Lake Dam.

It was fascinating.  The kids thought so too (for the first 30 minutes).

After a picnic lunch, we headed to Burney Falls.
Can I just say...AMAZING!!!
Not the highest or the shortest waterfall in CA, but definitely one of the most beautiful!

This gorgeous falls is a hidden gem.  I felt like I was in Maui, well except the pine trees surrounding me!

 The trail leads on a beautiful walk down the river, across this cute bridge
and up the other side, over the top of the falls.  We loved it!

Pizza for dinner, swimming in the hotel pool, and we called it a day!!
The next day we headed off for Lassen Volcanic National Park.  It's been on our Nor Cal list and we've heard great things about it.  The website and the ranger (our hotel called as the roads to the park can be closed due to snow) both said the park was open, however when we got there we discovered that although "the park" was open, the roads through the park were all closed.  So really the park was open for snow-shoeing.  We were disappointed, but will have to come back.  The kids really didn't mind.
We got out and played in the snow, found a small trail to a lake and huge fallen trees.
  They were just as happy with that I think!

We spent the rest of the day at Whiskeytown Lake.
Although Shasta Lake is a popular tourist stop, Whiskeytown Lake is where all the locals enjoy!
It was a beautiful spot, will many trails, beach areas, and three waterfalls.
The kids did the Junior Ranger program, which they love.

 I think the rangers are thrilled too.  They are always so kind and these two found a lot of goodies for the kids to keep, including pencils, patches, sticker books...

We hiked some and enjoyed another beautiful corner of the world!

 It was great having my mom here and to enjoy this little get a way with us.
Of course, it's always nice to be home and in your own bed too!
I think my mom would even add, it's nice to be close to the mall!!