Steady light showers greeted our group of twelve people and two spoiled dogs named Baxster and Stella. Umbrellas were deployed by many, while others kept dry under hats or parka hoods. On this Saturday out-and-back hike, with a round-trip distance of ~3 miles, we encountered at least a dozen mountain bikers, several other hikers, and one other lucky pooch. Mid week, this trail sees much less use.
To access this trail, park in the small lot at the intersection of Lower Springs Road and Valparaiso Way, Redding. Then walk across Lower Springs Road to find the signed trailhead. A small portion of this trail lies within an old water ditch; and past gold mining activity is also evidenced by open pits, tailing piles, and a crumbling concrete foundation. Gold panners still try their luck in Salt Creek today.
This area was severely burned during the Carr Fire in late summer of 2018. Many tall gray pines and oaks that did not survive the fire continue to topple across the trail on a regular basis but are quickly removed by chainsaw, perhaps by Bureau of Land Management employees and/or Redding Trail Alliance.
In spite of the devastation, new gray pines are emerging, as well as many black oaks and a smaller number of blue oaks. Many shrubs, including toyon, buckbrush, and hollyleaf redberry are quickly re-establishing themselves, as well. Check out the accompanying slideshow to see how the wildflowers and other blooming plants are faring! All photos by Chris Harvey. Enjoy! ~Chris Harvey
