A really nice visit with gorgeous views of the mountains to start off. Waited in gift shop for our…read moretrip to the boat to go across the lake to go up to caverns. You can walk down stairs or take the ramps to get to boats. Nice easy ride across lake where your docked and take a bus up to lodge before entering the caves. If you are not able to climb a lot stairs, don't try the caverns. There are lots of stairs with narrow pathways. Sorry. Beautiful caverns with lots of history about how they were found and even some original paths in and ladders from founder. The light show at the end was fun. Worth the history, boat and bus ride up. Plus, Elsie, a boat from WWII Normandy sits in the harbor and is still used to boat stuff around and even has old bullet wounds to show. Reasonably priced adult ticket is $47.84 and can be purchased online or at the cute little gift shop. This is for at least 2 hours and if your a smaller group, lots of 1 on 1 with your guide for questions answered and they are very knowledgeable.

I had a wonderful time at the caverns. This is a must see if in the Redding/Shasta area…read more I purchased my tickets online. It was easy and quick process. You can also purchase tickets from the gift shop. The entire trip was smooth and super fun. It started with a ferry ride to the other side of the lake. There was a bus waiting for us. We loaded the bus, drove up to the caves, and met our guide. We met Jenna, tour guide, and began our tour. She was funny and very informative throughout the entire tour. The caves were fantastic to see. BEWARE: there are lots of stairs in the caves that you must climb and descend. There were loads of rock formations to see in the caves. The lighting system made it easier to each one. I especially liked the light show at the end.

I just have to say this is one of the most hospitable, easy to visit forests in the country. The…read moreinterpretive sites are nice and have clean bathrooms and solid picnic benches, Hat Creek and other locations have excellent picnic sites, and most importantly, they are conserving ground water and lowering fire risk with extensive tree thinning operations. It's pretty easy to see there is a lot of work being done for the American people on this forest.

Almanor Ranger Station is located along Highway 36 East across from the airport as you are heading…read moreinto Chester. The Almanor Ranger District encompasses the southern end of Lassen National Forest. We found our stop at this station well worth it. The staff was helpful and answered our questions about road and trail conditions in Caribou Wilderness. They have maps, brochures and other useful information available for free. There are also books and assorted items for sale. Public restrooms are located inside the building.

If you're driving through Northern California and skip Burney Falls, you'll regret it -- read this…read morebefore you pass it. Some places stop you in your tracks. Burney Falls is one of them. We pulled in on a cloudy afternoon, paid the $10 day-use fee (heads up -- America the Beautiful Pass is not accepted here), and honestly, I wasn't fully prepared for what was waiting at the end of that short walk. It's maybe 10 steps down to the base of the falls -- gentle enough that we attempted it with a stroller. Is it stroller-friendly? Almost. I'd say stroller-possible if you're determined, but bring your patience and your arms. The clouds kept rolling in, softening the light over the forest, and I remember standing there thinking -- even like this, even on a grey day, this place is extraordinary. The waterfall doesn't roar at you. It cascades, wide and ancient and constant, like it's been doing this forever and doesn't need your approval. Water pours from every direction -- from the rocks, from the moss, from the walls -- and the sound wraps around you completely. I added photos, but they don't capture it. Nothing will. The trees surrounding the falls are cathedral-tall, the air smells like cold water and pine, and for a few minutes the whole world got quiet. On a clear sunny day? I think I would have cried. Even on a cloudy one -- I almost did. Go. Just go.

This is my second trip to McArthur Burney Falls. Easy access and available parking today, 09.17.25…read moredue to it being the end of season/fall. $10 entrance fee, accept cash or credit cards. I actually received a $1 back as in a senior. I dislike that dog access is limited to parking lot, and observation area. Not allowed on stairs leading down to base of falls, on trails, posted properly. I understand people don't clean up after their pets plus you never know how dogs will interact. Their park, their rules. I love the rule that doesn't allow you to leave your dog(s) in the car, kudos. I think these dog rules apply to all California State Parks. Beautiful falls, great fall weather, friendly rangers.

Free self-guided tours of the outdoor hatchery facility…read more The parking lot is adequately large and rather empty early in the day before 11am. There are many picnic tables with plenty of shade spread out to the left of the parking lot. There's a water fountain too in case you forget to bring drinks. Great place for a picnic lunch after touring the facility. Depending on the day of your visit, the buildings may or may not be open. Regardless, the outdoor facility is still open for public visitation. To begin your self-guided tour, start at the little gazebo area in the center of the parking lot. There you'll find introductory placards. After finishing, you can begin your rounds toward the gated pools that house the young salmon. At the back left of the facility, you'll also find the step ladder section near the lakes. It gets hot under the sun, so be sure to bring sun protection and some water. Happy learning! :)

U.S. Dept of Fish and Game. Wild salmon, Chinook and Steelhead salmon. 7 jumping dams, nursery and…read moreincubation ponds. 3rd Saturday of October every year is salmon hatching festival.

The water is hypothermia inducingly cold, the walk is treacherous and the falls aren't that…read moreexciting. You can take the long route which requires a lot more walking near the train tracks or attempt the river crossing which could end with you swept miles downriver or drowned. At any moment they could let water out of the down to send a surge down the Sacramento River and send you off through rocks and rapids below the falls. The trains come through fast and around blind corners and the roar of the river masks the sound of the train. It is a dangerous hike and people have died there. I don't recommend it for day trippers or casual tourists. Advanced hiking skills required and extra attention to safety and strong swimmers only. Even in mid August the water is high and freezing and the river crossing is very slippery and dangerous. If you know what you are doing and manage the trek there and back you will have seen one of the areas smaller but pretty waterfalls. There is talk of building a trail with a pedestrian bridge to the falls so once that is done it will likely be overrun with day trippers. I recommend going now but be careful.

A must visit in Dunsmuir! Live the cascading waterfall so majestic , calm and mesmerizing ! It's…read moreour second time here and definitely be more visit in the future ! We had the whole waterfall to ourselves

This is a quick spot to pull over to take in the view of Mount Shasta. There are a few educational…read moreboards with information along the sidewalk, but not much else. The view isn't even all that good. In all, it's an okay spot to get out and stretch the legs for a few minutes, but that's it.

Amazing view! ...and people's garbage left behind. The view is incredible though. I wish it had…read moreenough elevation to get photos with out trying to hide the traffic.

Interstate 5 is the formal name. I grew up knowing it as the 5. Which is correct?!?! Who knows!! ;)…read more I drive the 5 in Sacramento at least five times a week. It's my go to favorite path to work. For the most part, this area is my favorite drive. I don't like the slow down of construction, but I also understand improvement is best for all. Accidents happen. Slow downs from this gets crazy. Impatiently waiting to be on my way. Now, when on the 5 heading towards Los Angeles....oh my!! The two lane area can get tricky. For example, the right lane which is considered the slow lane has the most holes and or bumps in the road. I guess the heavy traffic of eighteen wheelers tear up the roads. The left lane is better, but considered the fast lane! People drive like they're late for an important meeting. In the Los Angeles area, there's more holes in every other lanes. You have to pay close attention. I'm always afraid I'm going to have a flat on a crazy busy highway. San Diego is better, but not perfect! It has its own issues. Problem areas as well. Overall, our family enjoys road trips and creating memories. The 5 is our favorite choice to travel on. I cannot complain. No where is perfect. Accidents happen. Repairs are a must. Look ahead. Look left and right. Check your rear view mirror! BE SAFE! DRIVE RESPONSIBLY!! Relax and enjoy your path!!!

As an East Coaster, I'm still going to refer to it as "Interstate 5" and not like you Californians…read morethat call it "the five." Because that's just silly. I have spent a good amount of time on this road, as far north as the Canada border and as far south as the San Diego airport. I am not interested in driving in to Mexico, thanks! I-95 follows the east coast from Canada, it continues down into Florida and not the Canada border. And while I-35 goes from Laredo Texas, it terminates in Duluth Minnesota and not at the Canada border. That makes I-5 special! Rest areas along the way are mostly open and many of them allow overnight parking. And you can expect the highway patrol of all three states to be looking out for speeders. So use caution, don't speed and you'll, as they say, "Arrive alive." [Review 20936 overall - 483 in California - 1920 of 2023.]

Come here for maps and info on the Bizz Johnson trail. There's not much to see in Susanville so…read moredon't miss this little gem. There is also a farmer's market in the parking lot on Saturday mornings.

Very fun lava tube (cave)…read more Short hike. Easy parking. Bathroom at parking area. You will definitely need a flashlight and close-toed shoes. It is not dangerous, but it is very dark and the ground is bumpy and uneven.

Wonderful pit stop to cool down in the extreme heat!…read more Limited parking Picnic area Non flushable toilets