Route Description -

Northeast California is a land shaped by volcanos and water.  This two- to three-day loop leaves the foothills of the northern Central Valley at Red Bluff and heads east
into the rugged country of Lassen Volcanic National Park.  Snow-covered volcanic peaks, boiling mud pots and sulfuric hot springs offer stark contrast to the rich forests, lush meadows and crystal clear streams that support a wide variety of wildlife species.  This is a summer-only loop as the highway through the national park closes from November 1 through June 1.  Plan on a full day to explore the national park.

After leaving Lassen Volcanic National Park, the highway travels through the Lassen National Forest and into the Pit River valley.  Here the Pit River and its many tributary creeks have cut through massive lava flows which are exposed along the route.  Rich volcanic soils in the valleys support farming, ranching and thousands of seasonal and year-round wildlife species.  An 80-mile side trip (40 miles each way) east on highway 299 through the valley will take you to three unique wetlands well worth a visit.  Plan another day for this side trip if you add some fishing in the trophy trout streams of the area or canoeing at Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park. 

The final leg of the route (56 miles) north from the junction of highways 89 and
299 will take you past McArthur Burney Falls State Park along the McCloud River
back to Interstate 5 two miles south of the town of Mount Shasta.  Here, dramatic views of Mount Shasta dominate the landscape as you travel through the Shasta National Forest.

Big Lake/Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park

Best Season to View: Spring through fall offers a wide assortment of nesting and resident waterfowl and shorebirds.  Mammals are common year round. 

What to see:  Highlights include nesting ospreys and great blue herons, coyotes, porcupines, geese, ducks, white pelicans, and western pond turtles. Watch for rattlesnakes.

Visiting tips:   The state park is accessible only by canoe or kayak so inquire about rentals in town.  Good viewing is possible at the boat launch ramp, but to really experience the park you must get out on the water.

Contact: Big Lakes-Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park (530) 335-2777

Beaver Creek

Best Season to View: Spring and early summer offers the best viewing of song birds, but many types of mammals and other bird species can be seen year round. 

What to see: large, rocky outcrops tower over the trees and brushy vegetation that border meandering Beaver Creek.  In this arid region, the lush watercourse is a beacon for wildlife.  Watch for mule deer, pronghorn, spotted towhees, Bewick's wrens, mountain chickadees, golden eagles and red-tailed hawks.

Visiting tips: The dirt road to the site is impassable during wet weather.  This is an unimproved site with no visitor services so bring your own supplies.

Contact: BLM-Beaver Creek (530) 233-4666

Local Accommodations and Travel Information: Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association

Location: From McArthur travel east on highway 299 about 25 miles to Bieber.  Continue east 3 miles on 299 to area headquarters.

Best Season to View: year round; the varieties of wildlife vary by season, but there is always something to see.

What to see: The area has extensive freshwater marshes, six meandering streams, seasonal vernal pools and is set in a broad valley with spectacular views of Mount Lassen and Mount Shasta.  The 3,000-acre Big Swamp attracts white pelicans, many types of waterfowl and shore birds, muskrats, river otters and sandhill cranes.  Watch for mule deer, pronghorn, and birds of prey in the uplands.

Visiting tips: Plan at least half a day to visit this area.  The site is undeveloped so bring water and food.

Contact: California Department of Fish & Game-Ash Creek (530) 294-5824
Ash Creek Wildlife Area