An overcast sky, together with cool temperatures, made for an excellent day of hiking on the Buenaventura Trail (also locally known as the Ten Bridges Trail) and the Lower Salt Creek Trail. The out-and-back route covered a bit less than four miles and rewarded our group of four people and two dogs with lots of beautiful blooms. We did not hike the entire length of Lower Salt Creek Trail, opting to turn around at the seventy-foot-long bridge that spans Salt Creek and connects to the rest of the trail, which terminates near Highway 299 after another ~0.7 miles.
The California Conservation Corps is currently working to complete resurfacing of the recently widened Ten Bridges Trail, which now features bridges constructed with concrete and steel. Of the original ten wooden bridges, nine were destroyed during the Carr Fire in the summer of 2018.
To access these two trails, drive north for 0.2 miles on Buenaventura Boulevard from where it intersects Highway 299 in Redding. Then make a right-hand turn onto Sunflower Drive to park alongside the road. The trailhead is signed and easy to find. It’s a 0.7-mile walk on Buenaventura Trail, which descends to connect with the paved River Trail. Turn left and walk a few hundred yards to find the paved Middle Creek Trail. Walk on Middle Creek Trail a few hundred feet to find the single-track dirt trail on the left, which is Lower Salt Creek Trail.
Be forewarned that, on Lower Salt Creek Trail, there are narrow sections with steep, long drop-offs to rocks and Salt Creek. Also, this trail is frequented by mountain bike riders, especially on weekends. There are no bathrooms or drinking fountains on either trail. Dogs should be leashed on the Buenaventura Trail.
Please enjoy the following slideshow of some of the flowering plants we saw on these two trails. All photos by Chris Harvey. Enjoy! ~Chris Harvey
