We know why high quality care means so very much.
Since 1944, Mercy Medical Center Redding has been privileged to serve area physicians and their patients. We dedicate our work to continuing the healing ministry of Jesus in far Northern California by offering services that meet the needs of the community. We do this while adhering to the highest standards of patient safety, clinical quality and gracious service. Together with our more than 1700 employees and almost 500 volunteers, we offer advanced care and technology in a beautiful setting overlooking the City.
Mercy Medical Center Redding is recognized for offering high quality patient care, locally.
Designation as Blue Distinction Centers means these facilities’ overall experience and aggregate data met objective criteria established in collaboration with expert clinicians’ and leading professional organizations’ recommendations. Individual outcomes may vary. To find out which services are covered under your policy at any facilities, please contact your health plan.
Mercy Heart Center | Mercy Regional Cancer Center | Center for Hip & Knee Replacement Mercy Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center | Area’s designated Trauma Center | Family Health Center | Maternity Services/Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit | Shasta Senior Nutrition Programs | Golden Umbrella | Home Health and Hospice | Patient Services Centers (Lab Draw Stations)
2175 Rosaline Ave. Redding, CA 96001 | 530.225.6000 | www.mercy.org
Mercy is part of the Catholic Healthcare West North State ministry. Sister facilities in the North State are St. Elizabeth Community Hospital in Red Bluff and Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta in Mt. Shasta Welcome to the www.packersbay.com Shasta Lake area Clear, crisp air, superb fi shing, friendly people, beautiful scenery – these are just a few of the words used to describe the Shasta Lake area. We hope you will be here long enough to enjoy the sights and get a feel for the area. Located just north of Redding in northern California, the region is one of nature’s true beauties, with many interesting sights to see and things to do. The area has been protected and remains relatively unspoiled for the nature lover. We hope you enjoy your stay with us, taking advantage of the surroundings and leaving with pleasant memories of the time you spent here. This Visitors Guide is produced by the Shasta Lake Bulletin, P.O. Box 8025, 4138 Ashby Court, Shasta Lake CA 96019. Telephone (530) 275-1716. Fax (530) 275- 1699, email [email protected]. Editor - Ron Harrington. Our Web site, where the Shasta Lake Visitors Guide can be found all year long, is at www.shastalake.ws. Packers Bay Marina
Cover photo credits: Three Shastas - Courtesy of the Bureau of Reclamation; Luxury Houseboat Vacations Dog Creek - Michael Burke; Wakeboarder Kevin Martinez, 18, of Redding - Michael Burke; Canada Geese - Rita Dressel; City Clock - Courtesy of the City of Shasta Lake; Miners from Kimberly next to train - Courtesy of the Shasta Lake 800-331-3137 Heritage & Historical Society.
SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 3 Grandeur of dam returns after taking tour
By Jim Dyar
The grandeur of Shasta Dam can dim just a bit when you live in the north state a long time. Yeah, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Valley Water Project. Sure, it’s the second largest concrete dam in the United States. It generates electricity. Got it. What’s the lake level again? But the grandeur returns after taking a tour of the dam. The experience helps a person stop for a moment and truly refl ect on the signifi cance and scale of Shasta Dam. It’s nothing short of astonishing what 4,700 workers accomplished over a seven-year period from 1938 to 1945. Shasta Dam, along with Hoover Dam, changed the entire face of the Western United States. California became the breadbasket for the country largely because of the water storage of Shasta Lake. the agency to educate people about the During the tour, the statistics begin to entire spectrum of purposes of Shasta penetrate your consciousness in a way Dam. they never do when you’re simply driving “Most folks come in with their own past. The dam is an astonishing 883 feet perception of what Shasta Dam does,” thick at its base and as tall as a 60-story said Tami Corn, public affairs assistant skyscraper. It weighs (get this) 30 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation. “But it pounds (or 15 million tons). really is so complex. There’s the recre- One could compare the accomplish- ational side, agriculture, drinking water, ment of Shasta Dam to the great Egyp- wildlife, power. Hopefully we educated tian pyramids, except the pyramids don’t folks about just how complex the whole provide fl ood control, supply water for picture is.” the world’s fi fth largest economy, create The long walk across the dam gives a massive recreational reservoir and you a chance to sightsee on both sides generate enough power to light 700,000 of the massive structure. To the north dwellings. sits the blue expanse of Shasta Lake And the tours of Shasta Dam are and the huge white fang of Mt. Shasta. free. From Memorial Day weekend to To the south, it’s the Sacramento Valley. PHOTO / Jim Dyar Labor Day, they happen six times a day, But no one can pass up a chance to peer seven days a week. Tours are limited to over the edge at the severe angle of the Above, a view of the dam from the base. 40 people and they start at 9 a.m., 10:15, face of the dam. I’m sure I’m not the fi rst the dam. It won’t be completely fi nished white tapestry of water flowing down 11:30, 1 p.m., 2:15 and 3:30. person to think, “Could I survive sliding for another few decades. The structure the face. A lawn courtyard with round You pick up ticket at the Shasta Dam down that thing?” becomes its most solid self 100 years portholes in the concrete walls recalled Visitor Center and walk out to the center Attendees must pass through a secu- after its completion. an aesthetic from a forgotten era. I felt of the dam to begin the tour. A longtime rity scanner to begin their tour. Security The dam is designed to withstand an like I was walking through a 1950s sepia Redding resident, it was my fi rst tour of has been upgraded considerably since 8.5 magnitude earthquake, but one gets educational fi lm. the dam. 9/11. No bags of any kind (including the feeling it would take a lot more than To the west, the fi ve large (15 feet in “We have people all the time say, ‘I purses) are allowed and don’t plan to that to alter the thing. diameter) penstock pipes lead into the took a tour when I was 7 and now I’m bring even a pocketknife. It’s always 65 degrees inside the Shasta Power Plant. Inside the power bringing my kids here,’” said Mino Ander- After a short introduction, your group dam, which can feel pretty nice during plant, the deep rumble of the turbines son, who has been leading Shasta Dam takes a large elevator down 428 feet into one of Redding’s hot summers. provides a sense of the force of water tours for fi ve years. “Or, ‘I’ve driven up the heart of the dam. The visitor gallery is A long hallway (which has an incred- moving through and turning the turbine and down I-5 a million times and I fi nally green tile walls and green granite fl ooring ible echo effect) leads to a windowed blades. The water travels down the tube decided to come over.’” that harkens a foregone era. conference room, where Anderson dis- at 75 miles an hour and the plant is The Bureau of Reclamation estimates Anderson imparts dozens of details cusses the history of the project amid capable of generating 710 megawatts that some 50,000 people take the tour about the dam, including the fact that a mural, photos and a miniature model of power, or enough to power 700,000 each year. It’s a good opportunity for the concrete is actually still curing inside of the dam. The Sacramento River was homes. The power is sold to the Western actually diverted through a railroad tunnel Power Grid. as the middle portion of the dam was When the tour was over, I stood with built up. Anderson atop the dam and watched as Of the some 4,700 men who worked an osprey sailed just above our heads. on the project, 14 died. And although There are nests located on several it’s probably the most frequently asked towers around the dam. question, the answer is, no -- none of She has lead several hundred tours the men are buried within the concrete over the years. of the dam. “There’s always certain types of infor- Gravel that was used to make con- mation I want to get out,” she says, while crete traveled along a 9.6-mile conveyor adding that it’s never quite the same belt to reach the dam site. The starting speech every time. point for that conveyor belt is where Does she still enjoy it? Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding “Oh, yeah, I love the people.” PHOTO / Jon Lewis stands today. And, when one considers the Above, do I hear an echo? Take the dam tour and you’ll fi nd out as your It’s a pleasure to emerge at the base immense signifi cance of Shasta Dam, fi rst stop is 43 stories down to the visitors’ echo gallery. of the dam and look up at what was a it’s an important story to tell.
PAGE 4 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 No one plans to visit the Emergency Room, but when life’s accidents happen, our Emergency Room doctors and staff at Shasta Regional Medical Center guarantee that care will begin within 30 minutes of your arrival.
Total Commitment. Total Care.
1100 Butte St | Redding, CA 96001 | (530) 244-5400 | www.shastaregional.com
SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 5 A great lake for water sports - but keep it safe
By Jim Dyar summer, boaters and skiers should be aware of fl oating debris like tree limbs How popular is Shasta Lake for and stumps. As summer progresses, water sports? Popular enough that the the debris tends to be blown to the world’s largest wakeboard company, banks and remain there as the lake Hyperlite, sent its professional riders level drops. to Shasta to take pictures and video Boats will often clear a path for for its 2008 catalogue. wakeboarders and skiers, but when Wakeboarding, with its big jump the boat turns and riders are whipped thrills, continues to be one of most wide, they should be aware of what’s popular sports on the lake. But it’s far in front of them. Sandbloom added from the only activity. that land obstacles (small islands) On any given summer day on are also a factor regardless of the Shasta, it’s common to fi nd people lake level. waterskiing, jet skiing, houseboating, It stands to reason that people swimming, fi shing and enjoying venture out to Shasta Lake to have general recreational boating. fun, but as far as alcohol is concerned, As far as the tow sports are the same rules apply on the lake as concerned, wakebaording continues they do on the road. Boat drivers to have an edge on waterskiing in can be arrested for impaired driving terms of equipment sales, says Curtis if their blood-alcohol level is higher Stevenson, a shop manager at Sports PHOTO / Michael Burke than .08 percent. Ltd. in Redding. Regardless of what George Schmidbauer, above left, and Taylor Mitchell, both 16- “A lot of the same rules apply, have a designated driver and don’t style of riding, however, Shasta has years-old from Redding, enjoy a day at Shasta Lake as they’re advantages over many other lakes. over indulge,” Sandbloom said. “On “The No. 1 reason Shasta’s a great towed while riding infl atable tubes. the lake, there are other factors as water sports’ lake in my opinion is, well. The sun can put a beating on even on a windy day, you can almost the wake then, in a fashion similar to watch commander for Shasta County the body and people will start drinking always fi nd a good smooth section of ocean surfi ng, rides the steep face Sheriff’s Department’s Boating Safety alcohol and not eat.” water,” Stevenson said. “There are below the wave’s peak about 15 to 20 Unit. Dehydration and sun burns are enough coves and inlets. Some go feet behind the boat. Wake surfboards For tow sports, there should be other factors to keep in mind. Sun east-west, others north-south. The are shorter than regular surfboards a spotter to watch the person being screen and plenty of drinking water No. 2 reason it’s great is it’s such a and the rider is not strapped to the towed. The driver of the boat should are musts for boaters. huge body of water. Even if a lot of board. (Only inboard ski boats should be free to just drive. Also, life jackets Boating safety offi cials aren’t boaters are out there, everyone can be used for the sport.) are a must for everyone who is being focused on writing tickets, Sandbloom typically fi nd their niche.” Wake skating is similar to towed, regardless of what they’re added. The department’s main goal For those who want to learn how wakeboarding, but a rider’s feet aren’t riding on. is educate visitors. to wakeboard, you can call the Next strapped to the board. Expert riders Personal watercrafts like Jet “We might have a couple dozen Level Wakeboard School at (530) can fl ip the board around and land it Skis are popular on Shasta, but contacts during a 10-hour shift,” he 209-6545. similar to a skateboarding trick. Sandbloom warns visitors to start said. “If someone’s swimming near a A little less aggressive than Another water sport that’s picking slow if inexperienced. houseboat, we might tell them that’s wakeboarding and waterskiing are up in popularity this year is stand- “One of the biggest things that it’s a good idea to hang life jackets off tow options like infl atable tubes and up paddle boarding. Riders paddle happens is people who may have the back of the houseboat. That way, kneeboards. The activities can be a around the lake while standing on a never been on a Jet Ski before if a person is having trouble, you can blast for all ages, including kids. special surfboard. Proponents say will take off at a high rate of speed just reach for it and toss it in, instead This season brings a couple of the sport offers a better vantage than and not know how to handle them,” of going back inside the boat. We try new styles of wake sports -- wake kayaking or canoeing for viewing the Sandbloom said. “They’ll realize that to provide little safety tips like that.” surfi ng and wake skating. lake, and they praise the full-body they’re about to crash into something Wake surfers use the wake of workout it offers. and shut them off. They don’t To reach the boating safety offi ce an inboard ski boat to surf without As fun as water sports can be, understand that when they do that, (located on the main gas dock at actually being attached to the boat. safety is something everyone should they lose their steering.” Bridge Bay Marina), call (530) 245- The rider uses a tow rope to reach prioritize, says Rob Sandbloom, a In the spring and early part of the 6075.
PAGE 6 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 BEST SELECTION BEST PRICES BEST SERVICE GIFT CERTIFICATES & LAYAWAY AVAILABLE WINTER & SUMMER RENTALS
The Hilton Garden Inn You can have everything you need when you travel. is proud to be We feature 93 guest rooms, with complimentary high speed internet, the premiere host refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee maker, large work area desk, of the Cascade heated pool, workout facility and our full service Great American Grill, Theatre/JPR with evening room service, Pavilion Lounge, complimentary 24-hour Performance Series Business Center and meeting rooms. Everything Right where you need it! 5050 Bechelli Lane Redding, CA 96002 Tel: 530.226.5111 Fax: 530.226.5005 www.redding.stayhgi.com
SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 7 A lake for explorers and boaters with its many scenic arms and outlets
Shasta Lake’s many arms and inlets make it a paradise for explorers and boaters alike. The four major arms of the lake offer spectacular scenery as well as unusual geologic and historic areas of interest. Much of Shasta Lake’s 29,500 acre surface area is accessible only by boat. This brief guide will point out some of the most outstanding features in and around each arm of the lake.
The Sacramento Arm The Sacramento Arm is the busi- est and most developed arm of Shasta Lake. The historic route of the Oregon Trail and the Central Pacifi c Railroad lie submerged below its surface. Interstate 5, the Oregon’s Trail’s modern replacement, provides easy access to most of the areas on the Sac- ramento Arm. Shasta Dam, at the lower end of the arm, is the highest center spillway dam in the United States and one of the largest concrete structures ever built. The 602-foot high dam is 2/3 of a mile wide and contains 6.3 million cubic yards of concrete. The vista house near the dam offers fi lms and displays showing highlights of the dam’s construction during the 1940s. Visitors can also see many of the side benefi ts provided by Shasta Lake, PHOTO / Michael Burke keystone of the Central Valley Project. A view of Shasta Lake from the Chappie-Shasta Off-Higway Vehicle Area. Directly north of the dam and under about 4,000 feet of water lies the gold the smelters. Island, so named because the slaugh- those found at Devil’s Postpile National mining town of Kennett. The aftermath of the denudation of terhouse of Kennett sat in the saddle Monument. Spawned in the gold rush of the the steep hillsides in the area caused between what is now Slaughterhouse At the north end of the Sacramento 1850s, Kennett’s population boomed a mammoth erosion problem that still Island and the island to the south of it. Arm are the Lakehead/Lakeshore area to nearly 10,000 residents in the early persists to some extent to this day. Elmore Bay was also named for a resorts and campgrounds. 1900s, primarily due to the high demand Over a million check dams were built pre-lake feature, the Elmore Ranch. Gregory Creek got its name from the for cooper-which was also readily avail- and millions of trees were planted in an From the Goosenecks north, watch Gregory Ranch and Antlers was originally able. attempt to restore the natural appearance for the red volcanic looking rocks - called a railroad stop at the hotel adorned with Sulfur damage from the town’s fi ve of the area. basalt - lining the shoreline, particularly antlers. Across from Antlers Resort are smelters destroyed nearly all the veg- The rehabilitation efforts can be read- on the west shore. This is lava from the Indian Creek and a short way up the etation within a 15-miile radius, and, ily seen in a cruise up Big Backbone Mt. Shasta area that has since been creek is a cool waterfall, a popular side combined with declining copper prices inlet. cut through by the erosion action of the trip on a hot day. after World War I, led to the demise of Near the convergence of the Pit and river. In some areas near Antlers, the the town after 1925 and the closing of Sacramento arms is Slaughterhouse basalt forms crude columns similar to - Please see page 9
PAGE 8 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 - Continued from page 8 within a vent on an active volcano. When forming, a plug can cause an extreme The lake ends near Riverview, an build-up of pressure if volatile-charged old resort site. Now a day-use area, this magma is trapped beneath it, and this site has one of the few sandy beaches can sometimes lead to an explosive erup- on the lake. tion. If a plug is preserved, erosion may remove the surrounding rock while the The McCloud Arm erosion-resistant plug remains, produc- The McCloud Arm and river were ing a distinctive upstanding landform. named for Alexander R. McLeod, a Scot About 50-million-years later, sea fur trapper who was snowbound along deposits began accumulating; they were the river in 1829. later commpressing into limestones that Most of the area, now under the lake, now form Grey Rocks. was undeveloped. This formation phenomenon fl anks In 1872, Livingstone Stone estab- both sides of the Pit River just east of its lished a hatchery at the lower end of the confl uence with the McCloud. McCloud Arm. The facility, which grew At the bottom of the canyon lies the to resemble a small town, was called remains of the Sacramento Valley and Baird in honor of the fi rst commissioner the Eastern Railroad – a line built by a of fi shing. private company to link the mines at Bully Seven years later, a trout hatchery Huill (on the Squaw) to the Southern was established at Greens Creek. Pacifi c Railroad lines along the Sacra- Rainbow trout, from this hatchery PHOTO / Rita Dressel mento River. were transplanted all over the world, and A view of the Pit River Bridge from Bridge Bay. Bridge Bay, the largest inland marina most strains of rainbows are descen- on the West Coast, is also the home of dants of the McCloud River fi sh. the Pit River Bridge, the highest double- Above the McCloud Arm, are tower- Silverthorne, the Squaw Creek Arm of at Main Street, about midway through decker bridge in the United States. ing gray limestone mountains, formed the lake is rugged and remote. Gravel Delamar. This bridge replaced the Lower Pit from ocean sediments that accumulated beaches and numerous fi ngers reach Above the town site, old gates mark Bridge, covered by the creation of Shasta 200-300 million years ago. The Grey out into the channel making it one of the entrance to the Bully Hill Mine and Lake. Early day travelers crossed the Rocks, as they are now called, are full the lake’s most popular house boating Smelter complex. Mountains of tailings, river via ferries. of the fossilized remains of corals, snails areas. dumped after the ore was ground-up Further east, at the Silverthorne pen- and clams as well as other sea creatures For the fi rst several miles up the arm, by hard milling stones, imported from insula, the Pit turns sharply to the south that existed in pre-historic times. the shoreline is less steep than else- Sweden, surround the crushing area of and begins to narrow. This is called the Water running through cracks in the where on the lake and many desirable the plant. Their fi rebrick linings and piles Upper Pit. After passing the Jones Valley formation has slowly opened up two undeveloped campsites dot the shore. of burnt slag, surrounding them, afford Inlet, there are no services and there are fairly well known caverns within the The Squaw is also home to a large easy identifi cation of the foundation of only three primitive campgrounds, avail- mountains. concentration of wildlife. Eagles, osprey, the Blast furnaces. able only by boat. Shasta Caverns was “discovered” by otter and Rocky Mountain Elk are likely High on the hill is the old electric This area is called Shasta Lake’s Livingstone Stone (or Baird) after hear- to be seen. Some shoreline areas are plant with a round window overlooking “outback.” Known to have the best bass ing about them from local Wintu Indians. closed to protect critical habitats-please the town and lake. fi shing on the lake, this area is home to Commercially operated, the caves are respect these closures. Beyond Bully Hill lies Monday Flat - eagles, osprey, otters and bears. open to the public with guided tours. To the north, several miles from the an undeveloped camping area that can Dozens of coves and inlets line the Samwel Cave, also known as the confl uence, the ruins of Bully Hill Mines be accessed, via Fenders Ferry Road, forested shores offering quiet, secluded “Cave of the Lost Maiden,” is located can be seen on the fl at, just above the and then continuing through the sharp campsites. The Upper Pit was not cleared about two miles south of the McCloud north shore of the lake. A popular sight- bend in the Squaw Creek Arm. prior to the completion of the dam. World Bridge (across from Ellery Creek Camp- seeing destination, the massive ruins The arm becomes narrow and trees War II broke out about the time the clear- ground). of the smelter, the remains of some of crowd the shoreline. Soon, limestone ing crews got the the confl uence of the The cave was believed to contain the buildings, and, when in season, cliffs fl ank both sides of the arm. The Pit and the Squaw. magic pools in which the Wintu Shaman grapes, fi gs and plums make the visit limestones are about a million years Dead snags, sometimes lending an (medicine men) would bathe. The cave worthwhile. younger than those found at Grey Rocks eerie appearance on the shorline, cause is also known for its treasure of ice-age Bully Hill was one of the fi ve major (around Shasta Caverns). Close exami- hazardous conditions that prohibit water fossils that were located at the bottom of local mines. Others include Mountain nation may reveal fossils of lilies and skiiing above Arbuckle Flat. a 70-foot deep pit. Also in that pit were Copper, Mammoth, Balaklala and After- aquatic animals. Near the upper end of the arm, the the skeletal remains of the “Lost Maiden.” thought mines. The Squaw Creek Arm becomes canyon walls are extremely steep and The variety and quality of the remains Transportation problems, the pres- extremely narrow at its upper-end. Watch the channel becomes very narrow. excavated from the cave are surpassed ence of zinc and copper ore, coupled out for submerged rocks. At Bear Creek (on the south side, only by the La Brea Tar Pits of Southern with lawsuits against the mines for sulfur- about 3 ½ miles above Stein Creek California. fume damage to vegetation, led to their The Pit Arm Campground) a short hike leads to a A self-guided trail leads to Samwel closure. The Pit River Arm is the longest arm double waterfall known as Bear Creek Cave from Point McCloud. All but the fi rst The Wintu Indians fi rst mined this on the lake. Falls. room is closed to the public because of area for its gold. Hundreds of Chinese From its confl uence with the Sacra- Potem Falls, a larger waterfall, can the danger of falling to the bottom of the laborers followed and mined over three mento Arm near Shasta Dam, it stretches be found on Potem Creek near Fender’s deep pit inside the cave. miles of the creek bed. The ore yielded nearly 30 miles to its head at the base of Flat. These falls can be reached by trail Spelunkers can explore the inner 98 percent pure copper, but it had to be Pit Reservoir No. 7, near Fender’s Flat. from the lake or viewed from Fenders reaches of the cave by obtaining a spe- shipped to the Atlantic Coast for refi ning The lower part of the Pit is a wide basin Ferry Road. cial permit issued by the Shasta Lake and hence were not profi table. with grand vistas. Visitor’s Center. Later, Captain Delamar of Utah Throughout much of the lower por- For More Information Several small ranches once lined built the Bully Hill Smelter and started tion of the Pit Arm, one can enjoy the We sincerely hope that you enjoy your along the upper McCloud; the Ellery processing copper locally. The town of view with Mt. Shasta visible to the north sightseeing trip around Shasta Lake. Ranch, which lies below the Emery Creek Delamar, named for the captain, grew and Mt. Lassen and its mountain range, If you have any questions about what Campground, extends up to the McCloud up below the smelter. At its prime, the providing a spectacular backdrop. to see and do, please write or call the Bridge Campground. mine and smelter employed 2,000 work- Brass Mountain, to the south and Shasta Lake District Offi ce. Fruit trees, berries and sweet peas, ers and the town of Delamar housed O’Brien Mountain, to the north of the USDA Forest Service found in the McCloud Bridge Camp- approximately two to three times as channel, are examples of volcanic Shasta Lake Ranger Distgric ground area, a reminder of the valley’s many people. mountain building – each is a 400-million 14225 Holiday Drive agricultural past. Horses and mules were used to move year-old volcanic plug. Redding, CA 96003 the ore from the mine to the smelter or NOTE: A volcanic plug, also called a Telephone: (530) 275 -1587 The Squaw Creek Arm downstream, to Copper City. Today, the volcanic neck or lava neck, is a volcanic Website: From its confl uence with the Pit near shoreline of Shasta Lake usually laps landform created when magma hardens www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity/
SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 9 Great hiking, biking available around lake
By Jim Dyar
Not all recreation at Shasta Lake happens on the lake itself. Indeed, for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers and wildlife watchers, the assortment of trails spread around the lake are pathways to pure enjoyment. The Clikapudi Trail, for instance, is well-known to both north state mountain bikers and cyclists from beyond the region. The trail shows up in most guidebooks that refer to Shasta County trails. Located off the Pit River Arm of the lake near Jones Valley, 7.5-mile Clikapudi is equally good for hikers and horseback riders. On foot, it takes two-and-a-half to four hours to complete the loop from the Jones Valley Boat Ramp over a ridge to the Clikapudi Arm and back. The trail affords the chance to see the recovery of vegetation following a pair of dramatic fi res that burned in the area in 2000 and 2004. From a mountain biker’s perspec- tive, the trail offers an assortment of rolling terrain with a couple of moder- ate extended climbs fun descents. “It’s one of our classic trails,” said Bob Boecking, president of the Redding Mountain Biking Club. “We’ve been going out on group rides and taking beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. And that’s one of my favorite elements about it. You can have riders of various abilities go out and everybody enjoys it.” In addition to the main loop, the PHOTO / Redding Mountain Biking Club Redding Mountain Biking Club has Many riders are fond of the Dry Fork Creek Trail which affords some stunning views of the main body built a special 1.5-mile advanced mountain bike loop that starts about of Shasta Lake. a mile east of the Jones Valley Boat Ramp trailhead. The views of the lake have opened more-shaded north slope. of the main body of the lake, the Gate. Lower levels of the cave can be up as a result of the fi res, however the The Packers Bay trails, located on nearly 5-mile Dry Fork route snakes dangerous and require guidance from open exposure can make Clikapudi the west side of I-5, include the Waters generally east to west. It’s a bit more expert spelunkers (cave explorers). a hot place to be during the middle Gulch, Fish Loop and East Side trails. technical for mountain bikers than The Hirz Bay Trail is a 1.6-mile of summer. Bikers and hikers should The Waters Gulch trail can be done Clikapudi. It can be ridden or hiked route that follows the shoreline and pack water and snacks. Cyclists as a loop with a small portion of paved as an out-and-back trail, or done as a crosses several creeks and offers should typically yield to other trail forest service road. Together, the three loop by heading east back to the dam nice views of the lake. Running along users. trails measure just under 4 miles. via Westside Road. both sides of Keswick Reservoir south There are three trailheads for Clika- While Clikapudi gets most of the “It’s like Clikapudi on steroids,” of Shasta Dam are the Hornbeck Trail pudi: at Jones Valley Campground, at publicity for mountain biking, many Boecking said. “I defi nitely like the (east side) and Sacramento River Jones Valley Boat Ramp and at a pull- riders are also fond of the Dry Fork adrenaline rush you get from riding Rail Trail. Both routes are fl at and out where the trail crosses the paved Creek Trail located on the west side that close to the edge. It’s pretty approximately 10 miles (depending Forest Service road between the two. of Shasta Dam. technical, steep and rocky. It’s very where you access them). Take Bear Mountain Road from the The trailhead, subtly located scenic with the lake right there.” The freshly completed Hornbeck community of Jones Valley to reach about a quarter mile from the dam, is Located near the upper end of the Trail runs high on the ridge above the area. accessible from the shore only when McCloud Arm of the lake (accessed Keswick Reservoir and is accessed Aside from Clikapudi, a pair of the lake is down at least 15 feet. The by Gilman Road, about 10 miles east near Shasta Dam, off Walker Mine Road shorter loop routes that have plenty trail can also be reached via a dirt road of exit 695 off I-5) are a pair of scenic and off Quartz Hill Road. The Sacra- of charm include the Bailey Cove and (Westside Road), the fi rst right turn off trails - Hirz Bay and the Samwel Cave mento River Rail Trail is a wide, fl at trail Packer’s Bay trails. The two trails are the paved road that drops down to the Natural Trail. that starts off of Iron Mountain Road. located not far from each other off exit Chappie Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle The 1-mile Samwel Cave trail leads Whether your accessing the No. 695 from Interstate 5 north of the Park. About a half mile after turning to the mouth of Samwel Cave, which Shasta Lake area trails by boat or car, Pit River Bridge. on Westside Road, look for a trail on sits high above the McCloud Arm with it’s important for visitors to bring plenty Bailey Cove is a 3.1-mile loop the right leading steeply up the ridge. excellent views. of water (especially in the summer along a mountain peninsula on the The trail climbs up and over the ridge Only the fi rst room of the cave is months). Mountain bikers should east side of I-5 (McCloud Arm). The dropping down to the Dry Fork Creek open to visitors without a special permit, always bring extra tubes and tools for trail has two personalities between its Trail. which is available at the Shasta Lake repairs as a break down far from the hotter, dryer south-facing slope and Affording some stunning views Visitor Information Center in Mountain trailhead can make for a long day.
PAGE 10 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 Number of public campgrounds found in the Shasta Lake area
A variety of public campgrounds allow you to commune with the lake, trees and critters all around Shasta Lake. There’s even a chance to camp like an ancient nomad in a modern-day yurt at the Lakeshore campground. Yurt fees are $45 a night. Most developed campgrounds around the lake charge $18 for a single site and $30 for a double site. To protect nesting pairs of bald eagles, the campgrounds at Pine Point, Moore Creek, Gregory Creek and Nelson Point are closed. Single sites are limited to eight people and one vehicle; double sites are 16 people. Additional vehicles are $5 a night, if space allows. Some shoreline camping areas have chemical toilets and trash collection services provided. These areas are generally open year round, services and fees are discon- tinued during the off-season. A few campgrounds, including areas around parts of Ski Island and Mariners Point, are closed January through Aug. 1 to protect nesting bald eagles. Visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity/documents/st-main/maps/rogs/ shasta-lake/camping.pdf for more information on Forest Service campgrounds around Shasta Lake. For reservations call this toll free number: 1-877-444-6777 or visit the website www.reserveusa.com Houseboats and lake’s identity go hand in hand For the fi rst time in a half-dozen years, boats and personal watercraft at its end. Call (530) 238-2553 or 1-800-238- I-5; or off Hwy 299E at Dry Creek and Shasta Lake’s water level rose up to the Jones Valley Marina. 3924. For more information, visit www. Jones Valley Rds. Call (530) 275-7950 brim—and so rose the spirits of every- Visitors to Shasta Lake have the shastalakevacations.com. for reservations. For more information, body involved with houseboating. unique opportunity of experiencing the Bridge Bay visit www.houseboats.com. And make no mistake about it: despite pristine beauty of an alpine lake nestled Houseboats, patio, ski and fishing Packers Bay its renowned fi shing and abundant water among mountains and trees while still boats and wave runners. A store, a res- Houseboats and fuel. Located west sports opportunities, houseboating is enjoying the creature comforts of stay- taurant, motel and fuel. Take Bridge Bay of the I-5 Pit River Bridge on the lake’s king of the lake. ing at home. Rd. exit off I-5, go seven miles north. Call main channel. From Redding, take the “We are the house boating capital of Whether it’s a quiet, weeklong retreat (530) 275-3021. 1-800-752-9669. For Packers Bay Road exit. Follow the signs. the United States,” said Michael Han, with the spouse and kids or a wild more info, visit www.sevencrown.com Call (530) 275-5570 or (800) 331-3137. chief operating offi cer of Shasta Lake weekend with the girls from the sorority Digger Bay For more information, visit www.pack- Resorts, LP. “We have more house- house, Shasta Lake’s eight resorts offer Houseboats, patio, ski and fishing ersbay.com. boats than any other lake in the United houseboat packages to meet everyone’s boats. Grocery store/gift shop and fuel. Shasta Marina Resort States.” needs. Shasta Dam Blvd. Off I-5 through the Houseboats and ski boats. Grocery “It lends the perfect opportunity for Houseboats are big and can be intimi- City of Shasta Lake. Take a right at store/ gift shop and fuel. family activities,” he said. “Kids can skip dating. To ensure a safe, comfortable and Shasta Park Rd. then follow Digger Bay Located on the Sacramento arm. Take stones, dads can go fi shing and moms fun houseboating experience, Chris Han Rd. four miles to the marina. Call (530) I-5 exit 695 to the O’Brien Inlet Road. Call can tan on the deck.” said customers are provided a thorough 275-3072. For more info, visit www.sev- (530) 238-2284 or (800) 959-3359. For We’re cautiously excited. We have orientation, which includes viewing a encrown.com more information visit www.shastalake. a full lake and that is excellent news,” safety video. Holiday Harbor net. added Chris Han, Shasta Lake Resorts’ “No one leaves until they are comfort- Houseboats, patio, ski and fishing Silverthorn Resort marking coordinator. able,” she said. “Also, we escort every- boats; plus personal watercraft. Grocery Houseboat rentals, including 10 new Last year’s spring-summer-fall house- body out on the lake when they’re ready store/gift shop and fuel. On the McCloud luxury houseboats added in 2007. Patio, boat season on Shasta was hampered by to depart and when they come back, so arm of the lake. Take the Shasta Caverns ski and fishing boats plus personal low lake levels and a sagging economy. there’s no stress with docking. We help exit off I-5, turn east one mile. Call (530) watercraft. Rent and sell water toys. Also This year, there’s plenty of water and a you with the tricky parts.” 238-2383 or (800) 776-2628. For more available: grocery store snack bar/gift new sense of optimism. The following are a sampling of the info, visit www.lakeshasta.com shop, restaurant and fuel. On the Pit To get the word out, Chris Han said her lake’s resort and marinas: Jones Valley Resort River Arm via Dry Creek Road off Oasis fi rm has expanded its marketing efforts to Luxury houseboats, patio, fi shing and and Bear Mountain Road. Off Interstate educate more potential customers about Antlers Resort ski boats, the 65-foot, triple-deck Titan 5 or Hwy 299 E from I-5, or Hwy299E “houseboating as a wonderful way of Houseboats, patio, ski and fishing luxury houseboat, fl oating 1,900-square- out of Bella Vista. Call (530) 275-1571 vacationing. We’re trying to expand our boats. Personal watercraft, kayaks, foot store, Party Cruiser with slide, gift or 1-800-332-3044. customer base, and so far, so good: the canoes, tubes. Cabin rentals available. shop and fuel. New fl oating recreation Sugarloaf Resort phone is ringing.” Marina store with snacks and bever- center that has basketball, a pool table, Marina services limited to private To prepare for the season, the com- ages; fuel. On the Sacramento arm of ping-pong, foos-ball and shuffl eboard. moorage. Located on the Sacramento pany closed its Lakeview and Sugarloaf the lake. On the Pit arm of the lake. River Arm of the lake on Lakeshore Drive, marinas and consolidated its massive Take Antlers Rd. off I-5, then two rights Take Jones Valley Rd. off Dry Creek about fi ve miles south of the Interstate 5 fl eet of houseboats, ski boats, fi shing to the Shell station and follow road to the Rd. via Oasis/Bear Mountain roads off entrance. Call (530) 275-7950. .
SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 11 Abundant wildlife due to geographic location
By Jim Dyar For humans, Shasta Lake is an excellent place to visit. For an incred- ible array of wild creatures, it’s an exceptional home. The great assortment of wildlife is due in part to the lake’s geographic location. Shasta Lake sits in an area where several biological regions come together -- the northern tip of the Cen- tral Valley, the Klamath Mountains, the southern Cascades, the northern Sier- ras. There’s even a coastal infl uence. “There’s a lot of diversity in terms of the types of species and the types of habitats,” said Brett Furnas, envi- ronmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Game. “It’s a pretty special place. Without all that water, we wouldn’t have as many spe- cies.” The lake contains the largest amount of breeding territories for bald eagles in California. The national bird also shares the lake with another beau- tiful raptor, the osprey. Osprey nests can be seen on many of the towers around (and even on) Shasta Dam. If you’re lucky, you might see the bird PHOTO / Jaclyne Knight dive from as high as 100 feet into the lake to snag a fi sh. Shasta Lake hosts the largest population of nesting bald eagles in California. While touring the lake, look near the tops of ridgeline trees for the osprey’s often confused with raptors from a campers and house boaters should use ing as much once they’ve found mates stick nests. Bald eagles typically nest distance. bear proof garbage and food storage and that part of the timeline is over. But within the shady branches of pon- In terms of mammals, blacktail bins when available. Use air-tight food songbirds do have distinct songs the derosa pines. deer, black bear and mountain lions storage containers or hang food bags rest of year. Take your binoculars.” Though they might not have the are all common around the lake. Deer from trees at least 10 feet above the Other birds to be spotted include popular appeal of eagles or osprey, and bear sightings are more common. ground. Campers shouldn’t take food scrubs jays, woodpeckers, owls, turkey vultures certainly fi nd a good Lions are less seldom seen. into their sleeping area. black-headed grosbeaks, chickadees, living around Shasta. Vultures are To avoid encounters with bears, “I wouldn’t be overly worried about ash-throated fl ycatchers, plain titmice, bear or mountain lion attacks, but one mountain quail and wild turkeys. of the main things is don’t feed the There are also plenty of resident animals. That’s where a lot of problems and migrating waterfowl around the start,” Furnas said. “If you do come lake. Species include Canada geese across an animal (bear or lion), back and ducks like mallards and buffl e- off slowly. You don’t want to interact heads. Great and snowy egrets and with them.” great blue herons can also be seen. It’s also possible to see bobcats, As for the lake itself, there are grey fox, bushy tailed wood rats (which certainly plenty of swimmers who call make stick houses), skunks and rare it home. weasels like the fisher (who has a Fish species include rainbow and bigger cousin called the wolverine). brown trout, largemouth, spotted and The creeks and river tributaries might smallmouth bass, landlocked king also provide a peek at a beaver or salmon, crappie, bluegill, squawfi sh, river otter. white sturgeon, threadfi n shad, white Visitors should be mindful on the catfi sh, brown bullhead and golden banks for rattlesnakes (accidentally shiner. stepping on one is the biggest hazard). The lake hosts several bass fi shing An exclusive resident to the area is tournaments each year and there are the Shasta salamander, which tends an assortment of guide services and to make its home near limestone for- tackle shops in the region to provide mations. more information about fishing on For bird watchers, the Shasta Lake Shasta Lake. area is a true paradise. As for the best areas to spot wildlife, The late spring/early summer Furnas recommends hiking any of the season brings on the tunes of song- trails around Shasta, especially Bailey’s birds like the robin and Wilson warbler. Cove, Packers Bay and Clikapudi. The lovely Purple Martin can be found “The Clikapudi trail has nice access along the Pit River and Squaw Creek to water and it goes through grassland, arms of the lake. conifer and some oak woodland,” PHOTO / Rita Dressel “The best time of year (to see and Canada Geese, shown here at Bridge Bay in May, are among the Furnas said. “I sometimes drive to the hear songbirds) is April through May,” McCloud arm area, or any of the camp- many migrating and resident waterfowl around the lake. Furnas said. “They might not be sing- grounds, really, can be good areas.”
PAGE 12 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 Visit one of your local West Marine stores for ALL your Boating Needs!
! 5 Large Homes Get Away ~ Close to Home Redding ! Large main dining area Great For 2607 Bechelli Ln. ! FAMILY REUNIONS ~ COMPANY RETREATS (530) 226-1400 Large pool ! DVD/VHS Library CHURCH FUNCTIONS ! Horseback Riding Hiking ! Fishing ! Mt. Biking ! Swimming Sacramento available for overnight Pool Table ! Ping Pong ! Horseshoe Pits 9500 Micron Ave. guests (2 night minimum (916) 366-3300 stay required) Basketball Court Full Ranch, Half Ranch, Single Home Rentals Available ~ Call for details (530) 275-5510 ! www.coramranch.com
SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 13 PAGE 14 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 15 PAGE 16 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 17 Friday Night at With the lake full, where are the fi sh? the Park on tap By Jon Lewis June 11-Aug. 13 Shasta Lake started the season By Jon Lewis fi lled to the brim, storing an impres- In town and looking for something sive 4.4 million acre-feet of water for to do on a Friday night? a thirsty Central Valley and bringing The city of Shasta Lake’s Friday smiles to anglers everywhere. Night at the Park concert series at It’s full of water and full of fish. Clair Engle Park begins June 11 with Anglers have just one question: where the Jim Dyar Band and continues are they? every Friday night through Aug. 13. Rest assured they’re out there, said Dyar, a Redding writer-turned- Tony Messer, a staffer at Phil’s Propel- musician, fronts a fi ve-piece band ler in Shasta Lake, one of the area’s that plays a mix of original songs and go-to shops for tackle and tips. The alt-country covers. only trouble is, with all that water, there “I’m glad I got them for opening are a lot more places to hide. night,” said Mike Rader, the Shasta “Some guys are having a little Lake Chamber of Commerce board member who lines up the entertain- tougher time finding ’em because ment. “Jim has surrounded himself there’s more water to cover,” Messer with the north state’s better play- said. ers.” On the other hand, that little willow PHOTOS / Michael Burke Superior Olive, a Santa Cruz- tree that was 40 feet out of the water Clancy Walsh based band featuring a Moody last year is now submerged—and of Truckee, Blues/Pink Floyd feel, takes the ready to be fi shed for the bass its likely above, fi sh- stage June 18. They will be followed harboring. ing from his by Lakehead resident and teen-age Of course, some things don’t change houseboat on country singer Summer Schappell regardless of the lake level. Bass will Shasta Lake. on June 25. always be susceptible to the right bait Right, more Other artists on the schedule at the right time and presented in the fi shermen in include Skewd (July 2); The Duke right way. their boats out Panther Band (July 9); Runaway 6 For anglers on the shore, Messer at the lake. (July 16); Rader’s own Rock Bottom said it’s hard to go wrong with live bait band (July 23); The Billys (July 30); like minnows, crawdads and night- wash nutrients from the rivers and line: sturgeon, crappie, largemouth and Wild Bill and the Mudwhompers crawlers. And don’t get too fancy with streams and help replenish the lake,” bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, (Aug. 13). Rader said a band for the the rig, maybe add a split-shot and let he said. “It helps plankton to grow. We’ll catfi sh, king salmon, kokanee (land- Aug. 6 date had not been booked by the bait swim around or drift with the start to see a better population of fi sh locked coho salmon), rainbow trout and press time. current. and bigger fi sh develop. It will be two German brown trout, to name a few. In addition to the free music, From a boat, Messer suggested to three years down the road but we’ll Miralles, who tends to pursue trout Rader said the series will offer food working around the points and next to see it develop.” and salmon, said they can be found and craft vendors, a farmers market and — new this year — a beer and submerged trees and other structure, Another benefi t of the extra water: closer to the surface during the cooler wine booth. For more information, using super fl ukes (soft rubber fi sh- the lake stays full longer, which months of April and May. Vacationers improves the survival rate of large- can even catch some nice trout by troll- call 275-7497 or visit www.shastal- like “twitch” baits), brush hogs (which akechamber.org. mouth bass that tend to spawn in ing from houseboats. resemble little aquatic creatures) and Other events that happen through- shallower water. When the summer heat gets going, senkos (weighted plastic worms). out the year in the city of Shasta Lake the lake’s colder water is pushed down Seeing Shasta Lake full to the “When you got a lot of snowpack include: the annual Shasta Damboree deep, and that’s where the trout and brim certainly brings a smile to Gary the lake won’t draw down so rapidly,” the fi rst weekend in May which cel- Miralles, a veteran Shasta Lake fi sh- Miralles said. Smallmouth and spotted salmon go in pursuit of the plankton. ebrates the community’s rich heritage ing guide and the owner of the Shasta bass spawn in deeper water, which Enlisting the services of a guide is dating back to the building of Shasta Tackle Co. Miralles, who has devel- helps explain their large numbers in a good way to get the lay of the land, Dam; the annual 9/11 Remembrance oped several popular lures, including Shasta Lake. and Phil’s Propeller (530-275-4939) at the Twin Towers Memorial located the Cripplure and Koke-A-Nut, sees all Bass are just one of the sportfi sh can recommend a variety. Another at the main fi re hall on Ashby Court; that water and starts thinking a year or species that make Shasta Lake a good source is the Shasta Cascade and the annual Lions Club’s Veterans two down the road. mecca for anglers. Here’s a list of what Wonderland Association (www.shast- Day Parade in November. “A good year of rain and water will could end up on the other end of the sacascade.com).
PAGE 18 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 We cater to travelers
! ELECTRICAL ! WELDING YOUR ! AXLES / HUBS ! BACKING PLATES BOAT TRAILER ! FENDERS ! COUPLERS SPECIALISTS ! HITCHES ! BALLS ! SPINDLES ! FIBERGLASS REPAIR ! PAINTING ! SUBMERSIBLE LIGHTS SALES ! SERVICE ! PARTS & ACCESSORIES
OPEN 6 DAYS Largest Parts Inventory Mon-Sat 8-5 EXTENDED in Shasta County SUMMER HOURS
INSURANCE WORK WELCOME RV Professional Friendly Service
(530) 241-7746 Easy On - Easy Off [email protected] Pull Through Access TOLL FREE 800-427-7765 2370 TWIN VIEW BLVD., REDDING, CA 96003 ! I-5 AT OASIS ROAD (east)
SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 19 Off the beaten path By Jim Dyar “It’s very nice and a wonderful photo opportunity,” said David Grey, owner of With 365 miles of shoreline when it’s Tsadi Resort (www.shastalakecabins. full, there’s a lot of exploring to be done com) in Lakehead. “There’s a vantage on and around Shasta Lake. And while where you can see three bridges at the most people know about places like same time. Plus, the fi shing tends to be Shasta Dam and Shasta Caverns, here pretty good in that bend of the Sacra- are a few ideas of places to visit that are mento River.” not as well known. Grey often tells visitors about the Expert angler and Shasta Tackle Salt Creek inlet to the Sacramento arm owner Gary Miralles (shastatackle.com) of Shasta Lake. With the full lake, the loves the upper Pit River arm of the lake south side of the Salt Creek inlet is a because of its unique features like old stellar place to kayak or canoe to view growth timber and madrone trees. A wildlife like eagles, osprey, deer, black number of creeks feed into the upper bear, otter and more. arm and the area is loaded with wildlife Grey also likes a wide sandy beach including eagles and bears. area on the extreme upper end of the “You can isolate yourself completely Sacramento Arm of the lake. To reach it, and there are a lot of good spots to park take the second Lakehead exit and turn your boat and fi sh,” Miralles said. right linking up with a dirt road that vears The scenic Arbuckle Flat boat-in left and leads down to the Sacramento campground, about seven miles up River. the upper Pit River arm, is an excellent Slaughterhouse Island on the western spot to settle in for the evening. Not far portion of the main body of Shasta Lake away is Bear Canyon Falls, a double is well known as a popular destination waterfall that can be accessed by boat, for houseboats (it’s an infamous party located 31/2 miles above the Stein Creek destination), but as for island camping, Campground. many consider Ski Island near Silver- Because of snags and other obsta- thorn Resort a solid destination. cles, the upper pit arm is a no-ski area, Ski Island has 23 boat-in camping which helps limit the boat traffi c in the sites with picnic tables, fi re grills and area, Miralles added. vault toilets. Miralles called it one of Near the end of the upper Pit Arm is better developed boat access areas on the gorgeous Potem Falls. The 70-foot the lake. waterfall can be reached from a trail from Shasta Lake’s most popular trail for the lake or by driving out Fender’s Ferry hikers and mountain bikers is Clikapudi Road. The falls trail is located 9.2 miles (near Jones Valley), but the Packers along Fenders Ferry Road from Highway Bay trails (north of Bridge Bay) are a 299 (near Montgomery Creek). The trail lesser-known but fabulous choice for starts just west of the bridge over the exploring. Pit River. From Redding, the trail system is Although the well-known Lake Shasta reached by exiting I-5 at the Holiday Caverns are certainly worth a visit, the PHOTO / Michael Burke Harbor/Shasta Caverns exit, driving lesser-known Samwel Cave is also an Robert Burke, 7, of Redding checks out the Dog Creek Bridge area. under the interstate and heading south alluring attraction. on I-5 for a short distance to the Packers The cave is located at the upper end the cave system, a key to a locked gate remains a spectacular vista. To reach Bay Road exit. A small parking lot well of the McCloud Arm. It’s possible to reach must be obtained at the Shasta Lake Visi- it, take I-5 north from Redding to the before the marina/boat ramp area signals the one-mile nature trail that leads to the tor Information Center (275-1589). Delta/Vollmers Exit. To get under the the Waters Gulch Trailhead. cave opening after a long, windy drive North of Lakehead, the Harlan D. bridge, turn left at the end of the exit The Packers Bay system is comprised on Fenders Ferry Road. An easier route Miller Memorial Bridge (Dog Creek ramp. Drive about a half-mile to Fenders of four different trails – Waters Gulch (2.8 is by boat (there is boat parking at Point Bridge) has become an attraction for Ferry Road, then turn left. Drive about miles), the Overlook (.4 miles), Fish Loop McCloud). photographers, sightseers and painters two miles; the road will turn to dirt. When (.7 miles) and the East Side (.4 miles). The fi rst room of Samwel Cave is alike. you drive under the I-5 bridge, you’ll The system offers excellent wildlife, open to the public. To explore the rest of Built in 1927, the abandoned bridge begin to see it. swimming and fi shing opportunities.
PAGE 20 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 21 An exciting subterranean exploration
This year, go deep. Deep, that is, into the famous Lake Shasta Cav- erns. No visit to Shasta Lake is complete without a caverns adventure. And it’s also one of the best ways to cool off! Lake Shasta Caverns is the place to see for an exciting subterranean exploration of nature’s magic. Tours of the limestone caverns’ eight wondrous rooms are offered on a daily basis. Tours begin with a cata- maran cruise across Shasta Lake’s sky blue waters, followed by a scenic bus ride along a winding, two-mile road that takes you up 800 feet above the lake surface. As for the discovery of Lake Shasta Caverns, owners John and Patty Winther attribute that to James A. Richardson, who learned about the caverns from a Wintu Indian named Charles Morton. Richardson was an employee at the Baird Federal Fish Hatchery, and on a day off, Morton took Richardson up to the natural entrance to the caverns. On Nov. 3, 1878, Richardson, with his guide and two others, explored the caverns for a distance of 800 feet with- out fi nding its end. It was on that date PHOTOS / Richard Allan that Richardson made the fi st authentic inscription on the wall in what is now tites and cave coral are in abundance A fairly new attraction at Lake the Cathedral Room -- “Discovered by here. Shasta Caverns is gemstone mining. J.A. Richardson, Nov. 3, ‘78” When you enter the eighth and fi nal You’ll sift through a bag of mining rough From 1878 to 1963, the caverns room, the Cathedral Room, you can to fi nd all sorts of genuine and precious were only visited by a few hardy spe- see how it got its name. The gold-col- gemstones as well as various fossils. lunkers who would climb the thousand ored, 100-foot-tall ceiling resembles a Weather permitting, Lake Shasta feet or more up to the caverns and gilded cathedral. Each room features Caverns is open year-round with tours then, with anticipation, descend into the spectacular formations in all directions, departing daily. It is closed for Thanks- rooms for independent exploration. including stalactites, stalagmites, soda giving and Christmas. Today’s cavern tour starts at the straws, helictites, fl owstones, drapo- During the summer, tours leave man-made opening, where you step lites and some more unusual forma- on the half hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. into the comfortable 58-degree, 180- tions such as Tiger Tooth Crystals, In April, May and September, tours to host an offi ce party, family reunion foot tunnel that takes visitors to a stair- Cave Coral, Cave Lace and Pallets. depart hourly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or other group event. The boat seats way leading to the Discovery Room. Lake Shasta Caverns Visitor and During the winter, tours are offered 40 people comfortably and the rental True to its name, visitors here will Recreation Center is located on the at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. The cost includes a licensed boat captain. discover the myriad formations that west shore of Shasta Lake’s McCloud is $22 for adults and $13 for children Directions: From Redding, follow are featured in all eight of the Caverns’ Arm. The center can accommodate aged 3 to 15. Interstate 5 north to the O’Brien exit rooms. The Crystal Room was opened more than 150 cars as well as RVs Lake Shasta Caverns now offers (Exit 695), turn right and park at the to the public in 1985. Beautiful helic- and buses. boat rentals, representing a great way road’s end.
PAGE 22 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 SUMMERTIME DINING GUIDE
Enjoy a meal at one of the fi ne north state restaurants on the following pages. Some also feature live music and other entertainment as well as lodging. Map of dining locations on page 29. 1025 Dana Drive (530) 221-0158 corner of Churn Creek Road
.ESTLED AT THE 'ATEWAY TO -T 3HASTA
2ESTAURANT AND ,OUNGE -OUNTAIN 6IEW $INING • "REAKFAST $INNER $AILY &REE "UFFET "REAKFAST WITH ,ODGING &REE (IGH 3PEED )NTERNET • )NDOOR 0OOL 3PA "EAUTIFUL "ANQUET -EETING &ACILITIES
• 2ESERVATIONS EMAIL BWTREEHOUSE HOTMAILCOM ) #ENTRAL -T 3HASTA %XIT WWWBESTWESTERNCOM
PAGE 24 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 Specializing In The Freshest Ingredients & Specialty Sauces. Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials
VOTED Banquet Meetings • Birthday Parties. BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT, AND BEST TAKE OUT OPEN 7 DAYS IN REDDING. 5 YEARS IN A ROW Mon-Fri 11 am - 9 pm • Sat & Sun Noon - 9 pm ~ After 5 Magazine~ Family Owned & Operated • Since 1996 George Yu Owner/2005 Restauranteur BEST of the Year Award Winner 222-6868 2772 CHURN CREEK ROAD
SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 25 PAGE 26 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 4 Time Winner BEST RESTAURANT IN THE NORTH STATE out of the Redding area - After Five Readers Choice Best of the North State Mt. Shasta Restaurant Co., Inc.
* California Cuisine * Always Fresh Seafood * Exciting Mexican Foods * Vegetarian Selections * Prime Rib and Steaks Full Liquor Service 926-3372 Patio Dining 1013 South Mt. Shasta Boulevard, Mount Shasta www.lilysrestaurant.com
Eating & Delicious Mexican & American Cuisine Drinking Establishment Oldest Mexican Restaurant in Redding. Est. 1978 Breakfast Lunch Dinner Happy Hour Open 6am to start Daily Specials Banquet Rooms 4 -6 pm. Daily. your day early! Available Appetizers Ala Carte EARLY BIRD SPECIAL $1425 Lunch & Dinner 5-7pm * New York Steak or Prime Rib
Fast Service in a Steaks 2230 PINE ST. friendly Childs Menu Atmosphere. Smaller Appetite REDDING Blues Nite Reasonable Prices. Featuring our Food made fresh Meals Live Music Every Thursday Famous Where Cypress daily from scratch. 6:30 to 10 pm Margaritas!!! Seafood meets Pine, across with the Shasta Blues Society from Safeway
Full Bar Located less than 1 mile Family owned & South of the Sundial Bridge operated since 1983 WiFi Internet at 2800 Park Marina Dr. Friday HD T.V’s Redding, Ca. Major Private Room Credit Cards Parties up to 30. Accepted Nights TOGO’S CALL: 243-6251 Complimentary Appetizers Hours: Mon - Thurs. 11 - 9 pm. Friday & Saturday 11 -10 pm.
SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 27 PAGE 28 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 29 The towns beneath the waters of Shasta Lake (Editor’s note: Contributing to this article were Darlene Brown and Carol Stephens of the Shasta Lake Heritage & Historical Society, Ellen Comfort, and Jon Lewis).
t was a bustling, thriving, industrious world unto itself; a land where copper was king, gold still held an allure and iron was the founda- tion. There were shops, schools, mines and taverns by the dozens. It’s all gone now, buried beneath the cool green waters of Shasta Lake. But the memory, spirit and history of 19th Century towns like Kennett, Coram, Baird and Heroult live on – high and dry – thanks to the diligent efforts of the Shasta Lake Heritage & Histori- cal Society. The society has about 150 mem- bers and its numbers continue to grow, according to Darlene Brown, the cor- responding secretary and editor of the society’s quarterly newsletter. Like the other society members, Brown shares a fondness for the his- tory of Shasta Lake’s underwater com- PHOTOS / Courtesy Shasta Lake Heritage & Historical Society munities and she and other members generously donate their time, talents cade range and the Sierra Nevada. and energy to preserve the towns’ The valley was home to rich, fertile history. soil but it was subject to both fl oods “One of the nicest things is when we and drought. interview old-timers and fi nd different As early as 1873, surveyors were people whose families were born in sent by President Grant to seek infor- Kennett or Coram, or we fi nd out some- mation on forming a plan for irrigation thing about the smaller cities. We’ll fi nd and fl ood control to protect the farmers an old photo, or hear a comment of and crops in this lush valley. what life was like for their grandparents Meanwhile, gold had been dis- or aunts or uncles,” Brown said. covered, and an infl ux of miners and “It’s well worth the energy to pre- trappers arrived. Established cities serve it,” Brown said. “Prior to the dam, were growing; new towns appearing. those were thriving communities. I’d The railroad fi nally made its way out of love to be able to do more research.” Redding and up the canyon as news spread about the tempting riches of Before the dam gold, silver and copper. Long before the dam, the Shasta Railroad towns began dotting the Lake region had staked its claim as an map. Now lying beneath Shasta Lake, important part of California. Thick with they are: Delamar, Baird, Heroult, trees and rich with mineral resources, Morley, Mabel, Elmore, Winthrop, the area had been noted as early as the Ydalpom, Copper City and Kennett, 1870s as a valuable source of water the largest of them all. Top photo, the Golinsky family and others in the town of Kennett. – as well as possible fl ood control – for Above, the train at Bully Hill Mine. agriculture in California’s great Central Kennett Valley. At the foot of Backbone Creek, But let’s create the scene even far- which feeds into the Sacramento River, site and infrastructure of Kennett. His were Kennett’s Pioneer Merchants.” ther back in time. Before the arrival of was the town, Kennet, (named after the acquisitions made him the wealthiest As her story goes, this was the begin- trappers around 1820, the land in this railroad stockholder, Squire Kennet, landowner. ning of a long-time rivalry between the northernmost part of the Sacramento and established when the railroad line Jane Schuldberg, author of the two pioneering families of Butters and Valley was lush, green and inhabited extended north from Redding to Delta, book, “Kennett,” researched her moth- Golinskys and their contributions to the mainly by the Wintu, (Wintun) Ameri- Calif.). er’s stories about living in Kennett and development of Kennett. can Indians. They fi shed, hunted and The exact reason is not known, discovered an uncle who was one of The town and population grew (it raised their families along the creeks but it may have been a cartographer’s the founding fathers: “…in the fall of once claimed a population over 5,000). and rivers that later brought to life the error that changed the spelling of the 1884, the work train from Redding The years boasted trade stores, an towns that now lie dormant beneath the town to Kennett, with the second “t” paused at Backbone, and a young man Opera House, hospital, school, many waters of Shasta Lake. added. Whatever the reason, it is how jumped off the train….Charles Golinsky saloons, and hotels. One hotel that The Sacramento River, the main the name is recorded today. had arrived.” contained the famous Slim Warren’s contributor to Shasta Lake, wound its In 1885, Charles Butters, a mining “First postmaster and owner of the “Diamond Bar” was known as far away way down the valley formed by several engineer, discovered gold in the (Golinsky) Kennett Hotel…his Uncle as San Francisco for its lush décor. mountains and ranges, including the region. Butters, a founding father, is Bernhard & Aunt Rosa Golinsky, would The offi ces of the Justice of the Salmon, Klamath, Trinity Alps, Cas- acknowledged for developing the town soon arrive…Charley and Bernhard - Please see page 31
PAGE 30 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 - Continued from page 30 During the construction of Shasta Dam, one of the largest CCC (Civil- Peace were located in the saloon’s ian Conservation Corps) camps was basement. These were the days of located at Baird. Destroyed by fl oods excessive gild and wealth for the pro- (again) in 1937, the hatchery was not prietors and drink and gambling for the rebuilt and operations were transferred mine laborers. to other locations. They ultimately Of note: Last year, upon interview- settled at Coleman Fish Hatchery in ing Archie Lefler, who worked on Anderson. Shasta Dam, he told this story, “After our shifts were over, I used to go up Heroult to Kennett with a friend and roam A rich gold, silver and copper mining around the deserted town. We were town, Heroult was located on the north just looking around in the deserted, old shore of the Pit River between Squaw buildings and saloons, when we found Creek and the McCloud River. An gold coins – some fallen through fl oors, internationally known American Society some hidden in fi replaces and behind for Metals historical landmark today, in walls. We found enough coins during 1907 it was the site of the fi rst facility in those days, that I bought my fi rst two PHOTO / Courtesy Shasta Lake Heritage & Historical Society the Western Hemisphere to use elec- lots in Anderson with the money.” Above, Slim Warren’s “Diamond Saloon.” tric furnaces in the direct reduction of A historical society member, Marian iron ore (the source of primary iron for Endicott Trapp, tells of her grandfather, the world’s iron and steel industries). David Endicott, a well-known business- was the last stop on a 14½- mile rail- near Copper City. A post offi ce for The town was named in honor of the man in Kennett: road spur connecting Kennett to the Ydalpom was established in Copper furnace inventor, Paul L.T.Heroult of “He was one of the three leading Bully Hill Mine. City in 1888. In an interview a few France. A group of entrepreneurs pur- community members who financed Chuck Hornbeck, a historian and years ago, Nellie McDaniel Bell, Wintu chased the furnace from Noble Electric the Opera House,” she said. “He founder of the Shasta Cascade Rail American Indian, told of being born in Co.; Heroult himself visited the area ran a slaughterhouse and a butcher Preservation Society, writes: “Sacra- Ydalpom and attending Copper City and assisted in the technical installa- shop, the Endicott Co. Meat Market.” mento Valley and Eastern Railway…a school. tion and building process. Slaughterhouse Island in Shasta Lake little over 14 miles long, that started “In Wintu language it means Y is Writes George Binczewsi of the is named after the location of Endicott’s at Pitt Station, on the SP (Southern north, dal is living and pom means Golden Gate Chapter of ASM Inter- slaughterhouse, which was situated Pacific), crossed the Sacramento place – north living place,” she said. national Society: “Heroult’s electric far from the township because of its River, ran up the Pit River, across the “When Shasta Lake came and they furnace invention is the watershed attending odors. McCloud River, and up Squaw Creek, moved us out of our home, they paid of the current mini-mill steel industry Kennett incorporated into a city. through Copper City to the DeLamar my mother $35 an acre for our prop- plants in the United States. These mini Gold and silver were found within the smelter at Bully Hill.” erty… there in Copper City.” mills…reducing costs…have kept the city’s deposits, but it soon became (Of note: The 1908 Baldwin 2-6-2T U.S. competitive in what is a cutthroat copper that drove the market, and steam locomotive “SV&E Number 2” Copper City worldwide steel industry. The major copper was there. or, more simply, “Number 2,” is being A mining boomtown of several advantage over…is its environmental Kennett sat midway in the “Copper restored by SCRPS members and can names within an area rich in gold, silver friendliness.” Belt” (a 30-mile crescent-shaped belt be seen today in the resort area of the and copper, it was located on the north The town of Heroult stayed active of copper and zinc extending from Fawndale Oaks RV Park off Interstate side of the Pit River near the mouth of until the operations closed in 1919 and Keswick to Kennett to Ingot). In 1908, 5, approximately three miles north of Squaw Creek. was deserted by 1928. about four miles uphill from Kennett, the city of Shasta Lake.) First known as Pittsburgh (Mining Along the Sacramento River was the smelter of the biggest mine, The town was named after sailing District), later Brownsville, then Wil- Canyon, Mabel was a traveler’s stop “Mammoth,” that had a monthly payroll ship Capt. DeLaMar of Utah, who built liams and fi nally Copper City, it was on the road to Oregon in 1885 (not a of $1 million and produced about two- the smelter in town and then operated established in 1852. railroad stop) and deserted by 1903. thirds of the copper in California. Other the Bully Hill mine. In its heyday, the Capt. O.R. Johnson claimed owner- The origin of the name is unknown. mines well known in the “copper belt” mine and smelter employed 2,000 men ship and built a fence around the town, Morely and Elmore were railroad were: “Uncle Sam,” “Golinsky,” “Bal- and twice that many lived there. In perhaps giving it the distinction of being stops. Morely was named for William aklala,” “Shasta King,” “Rising Star,” 1906-07 it had a 400-ton daily capacity. the only California town completely Morley, an early settler and stage sta- “Bully Hill,” “Keystone,” “Mountain Part of the “copper belt,” a fi re dev- fenced in. tion merchant. Elmore was named Copper,” “Afterthought,” “Donkey,” and astated the business district in 1910 It fl ourished fi rst on gold discover- for Waldo Elmore, an area miner who “Iron Mountain.” and because of decreasing copper ies and lastly copper, when it became became a rancher. When World War I ended in 1919, supply and litigation over the poisonous a prominent mining center. Prior to Elmore achieved a measure of fame so did the demand for copper and the smelter fumes, the mine and smelter railroad service, it had many express when he found a 2-pound nugget in a Mammoth shut down its smelters. They closed. The mine had produced more and stage companies running daily rocker on his claim worth $510. In the reopened but didn’t last, and in 1925, than 48 million pounds of copper. to Redding and Shasta. In 1864, it 1860s, he married the daughter of the the mine was dismantled. Today, the Shasta Lake shoreline is contained 75 buildings including the Wintu chief, Num-te-ra-re-man. Elmore Other mines had already ceased approximately midway through Dela- Palace Hotel. It ceased to exist in 1920 Bay, Elmore Mountain and the Elmore operations. Several town fi res, eco- mar, where Main Street existed. Above when the copper market ended. Station were all named after him. nomic downturns and lawsuits – fi led the town site is the entrance to the Bully Not only are these towns from long by farmers whose crops were harmed Hill Mine and Smelter. Mountains of Baird ago submerged, but so are portions of by copper smelter by-products – took tailings and furnace foundations still In 1872, Livingston Stone, a trout the original Oregon Trail, old railroad their toll on the city. The hills were remain. culturist for the National Fish Hatchery lines and the original Pit River Bridge. barren and denuded after years of System, came west and established So the next time you are enjoy- smelter abuse. The Depression years Sallee and Winthrop the fi rst West Coast salmon hatchery. ing the waters of Shasta Lake, you came, businesses and buildings soon Sallee and Winthrop were railroad Located on the McCloud River just just may be thinking about what lies emptied as people left. Hundreds were spurs. Sallee was named for James north of where it meets the Pit River, beneath - about a different time, long without work. Sallee, but it was too small in popula- the hatchery formed a settlement -- the ago. As the old-timers will tell you, A few families remained but by tion for a post offi ce. Winthrop was small town of Baird, named after the ”during a drought, when the lake is 1930, the once thriving city of Kennett named for Winthrop Mining Company first NFHS commissioner, Spencer very, very, low, you can still take your was no more than a shell – and would and had a post offi ce established at Fullerton Baird. boat way up the Pit River Arm and see remain so, until the waters came. Delamar until 1932. Located above Baird were the Baird some remains of the old places.” Caves, (now known as the Shasta For some, it’s looking back – a part Delamar Ydalpom Caverns). Livingston Stone was the of their memories; for others – imagin- Located on Squaw Creek, Delamar Ydalpom was a Wintu village site fi rst white man to visit the caves. ing the past.
SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 31 From boomtowns to a city - Shasta Lake
By DARLENE V. BROWN along divided it for resale. By 1939, not only with BARBARA J. CROSS and houses, but businesses were “boom- CAROL STEPHENS from the Shasta ing”. Lake Heritage & Historical Society. In Boomtown, renamed Central Valley in honor of the project, develop- Magnifi cent is the word that comes ment was along Grand Coulee Boule- to mind as you gaze upon the three vard (now Shasta Dam Boulevard or Shastas of Mt. Shasta, Shasta Lake Hwy 151). and Shasta Dam. Some businesses reflected the The history of the dam site is replete nature of the community by name; The with man’s penchant for controlling the Silver Dollar, Dam Shack, Little Reno, environment. It staggers the mind to Covered Wagon, Log Cabin & Big fathom the cost and construction of such Dipper are just a few. a pivotal, landmark today as Shasta East of Boomtown, was little Project Dam. The impact of the Central Valley City at the junction of old Hwy 99 and Project marks not only an outstanding Shasta Dam Boulevard, proclaiming a achievement for Shasta County, but for post offi ce and the site of Midway, a gas the entire state of California. station and café (which in 1936, was the Shasta Dam, the keystone of the only business between Oasis Road and project, lies in our backyard, and is Mountain Gate). the heritage of the Shasta Dam area PHOTO / Courtesy Shasta Lake Heritage & Historical Society Located one mile south of Project residents. Above, 1937, the early days of construction on Shasta Dam. City was the small hamlet called Pine The building of Shasta Dam was the Grove (because of its trees). Heading second signifi cant “boom” for Shasta shanties or a lean-to were built, as it Central Valley Elementary was being west of Boomtown was Summit City, at County’s growth but the primary “boom” was expected that everything would be built. The children from the Project City the intersection of Shasta Dam Boule- for creating the communities that would abandoned when the dam fi nished. area were sent to attend classes in the vard and Kennett (now Lake Boulevard) one day become the city of Shasta Pacifi c Constructors Inc. (PCI) won former Hell’s Gulch Saloon building in roads, and named as such because it Lake. the bid to build the dam and most of Project City. It was during this time, was on the crest of the Kennett Road. The fi rst frenzied growth in Shasta their workers lived in a housing project that the “Hell’s Gulch Days” originated In September of 1944, the people County was the gold rush in the mid they built known as Shasta Dam Village, as a fund-raising community event as in the area organized to create the 1800s, resulting in the migration of located below the construction site. money was needed for the construction Shasta Dam Area Improvement Asso- miners into a land formerly occupied Following the building of the dam, of these schools. ciation, which eventually evolved into mainly by Native Americans, princi- bonds between the various workers and The following year, the proceeds the Shasta Dam Area Public Utility pally the Wintu Indian tribe and a few families developed and formed the atti- from the “Hell’s Gulch Days” were used District. pioneers. tude amongst the people that this area to build a fi re station. In 1953, the voters passed a Gold and the arrival of the railroad would become a permanent place to A homogeneous society had devel- $150,000 district bond to install a power led to the development of Shasta, live, not just a temporary dwelling. oped among the workers & families of system for the whole area. In 1976, the Redding and Red Bluff as the promi- Although other things could wait in PCI camp, Toyon and the boomtowns. district built a sewage collection and nent cities in the northern part of the this, as yet, underdeveloped region, During the “Hell’s Gulch Days”, they cel- treatment system and in 1982, built the Sacramento Valley. The gold rush education of the children was not one ebrated the end of the Great Depression Central Valley electric substation. ended and it wasn’t until the discovery of them. together. Symbolic was the tradition of Over the years, the businesses of copper near the turn of the century As an example, in the fall of 1939, “Burning Old Man Gloom” an empty that once existed because of the dam that the mining communities of Keswick, to relieve the classrooms at Toyon, the wooden coffi n. There were dances & workers began to close, particularly in Coram, Kennett and many others, came children from Boomtown (Central Valley) parades and people drove from miles the Summit City area. More & more into play. were transferred to classes held in the around to join in the festivities. residents were commuting to Redding But, the copper mining didn’t last, Congress of Industrial Organizations Speculators and promoters bought and Anderson for industrial jobs. and these once-thriving, mining cities (CIO) Union Hall in Central Valley while up land around the dam site, and sub- In the late 1970s, an economic became a thing of the past. slowdown hit Shasta County and by the By the 1920s the cities were disap- early ‘80s, more ex-dam workers began pearing, the copper smelters closing to retire and the loss of sales affected and “ghost towns” were left in the wake, the business community. However, by such as Kennett and many others that the beginning of the 90s, the future now lie beneath the waters of Shasta began to once again look bright for the Lake. boomtowns. Prior to 1937, the only evidence of In 1992, a united community rose existence in this semi-wilderness area again to solve their own problems, this north of Redding that is now our city time for control of the local schools. A was a single store, several ranches hard fought campaign resulted in the and farms. formation of a new school district, the The Southern Pacifi c Railroad and Gateway Unifi ed School District. two-lane crooked roads provided the The determination of people who only means of transportation. The refused to quit infuses the history of people in the area, along with the rest of this area with pride and an excitement the nation, were weathering the “Great that is impossible to deny. Thus, on the Depression” and all of its hardships. heels of the unifi cation success, the In the late 1930s, when news of the impetus led to another grass roots effort proposed Central Valley Project was – incorporation. advertised, a huge infl ux of skilled work- On July 2, 1993, the former “boom- ers and craftsmen, many from previous PHOTO / Courtesy Shasta Lake Heritage & Historical Society towns” of Central Valley, Project City, construction projects, arrived. Summit City and Pine Grove, not only There was no electricity, no plumb- People drove from miles around to join in for Hell’s Gulch Days, an survived, but carved their place in ing - water came from wells or fi lled event that originated as a fund-raising project to build a school af- Shasta County’s history. With over 60 water cans at gas stations. Because of ter Project City students were sent to attend classes in the former percent of the people’s vote, they incor- the conditions, people lived in tents and Hell’s Gulch Saloon. The event was so successful, the next year porated and became the 470th city in bathed in makeshift showers. Crude they were able to raise money for a fi re station. California - the City of Shasta Lake.
PAGE 32 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 BdjciV^c
&)*()LdcYZgaVcY7akY#!GZYY^c\!86.+%%( Bi SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 33 What’s in a name? When voters named the city after the famous lake, confusion and consternation became part of the landscape By Jon Lewis “When the city named itself I didn’t like it,” said Dottie Smith, a well-known Look! Up in the hills! Is it a lake? A Shasta County historian. “Now and city? Both? Neither? then I still refer to it as Central Valley. It’s a quandary as old as, well, as My neighbor, who used to manage the old as the City of Shasta Lake. It’s not Sierra Pacifi c mill there, always calls as old as the town formerly known as it Central Valley. To someone I don’t Central Valley, and it’s certainly not as know, I’ll call it by its proper name, but I old as Shasta Lake. It’s a municipal like Central Valley. enigma wrapped in a geographical “I don’t like it when they change conundrum. names. For a historian, it creates more It’s confusing as all heck and it confusion for me.” sometimes has people seeing red. Changing the name is one thing, One city manager was so frustrated he but getting the name wrong is a some- willfully spent a couple of the taxpayers’ thing else entirely, according to some dollars to help Caltrans get it right on a of those who live and work in Shasta freeway sign. Lake. It started shortly after the city of There are certainly two things one Shasta Lake incorporated. The Record can say about it: the people got what Searchlight, Redding’s daily newspa- they voted for and it’s not likely to per, in what they said was an effort change anytime soon. to avoid confusion, began referring For years, the situation was pretty to Shasta Lake – the lake - as Lake straightforward. The town of Central Shasta. Valley, which was frequently referred Caltrans added a little salt to the to as Boomtown, sparked to life in the wound when it erected an exit sign on late 1930s when news spread that the Interstate 5 that referred to the new city U.S. Bureau of Reclamation planned to as “Shasta Lake City.” That was too erect a massive concrete dam on the much for the young city’s city manager, Sacramento River to control fl ooding the late Jim Cain. and generate hydroelectric power. “That’s one thing that irritates us at Project City and Summit City the city - not only did the newspaper quickly followed as thousands of dam rename the lake, Caltrans renamed our workers fl ocked to the area. Shasta city,” said John Jones, the fi nancial and Dam was completed in 1945 and the general services manager for the city of resulting reservoir was named, natu- Shasta Lake. rally enough, Shasta Lake. (Although “About eight years ago, they put the author was unable to locate a up a sign on I-5 that said ‘Shasta Lake hard-and-fast citation to support it, the City next exit,’” Jones said. “You don’t conventional thinking when lakes are say ‘Redding City.’ Caltrans took the named appears to depend on whether liberty to rename us Shasta Lake City. they are natural, i.e. Lake Tahoe, or They didn’t want to confuse people with manmade like Shasta.) Shasta Lake. So there was Project City and “The city manager was upset Summit City, neither of which were enough that he wanted the sign incorporated, and Central Valley, not to changed. He actually used city funds to be confused with the Central Valley that incorporate Central Valley, Project with 985 votes, or 42 percent. Coming help with that because Caltrans wasn’t stretches from Redding to Bakersfi eld. City, Summit City and Pine Grove into in second, with 30 percent of the votes, going to pay for everything. That has And there is Shasta Dam and Shasta a single municipality qualifi ed for the was the City of Shasta Dam. always annoyed us. They’re all the ‘city Lake, both located in Shasta County, ballot and on July 2, 1993, some 60 So much for clarity. of.’ There is Salt Lake City and Daly which draws its name from a 14,179- percent of the area’s registered voters Other names that missed their City, but if you look on any offi cial docu- foot-tall dormant volcano located in turned out to approve the incorporation. chance at posterity included the City of ments, it says ‘City of Daly City.’” Siskiyou County. The next question: what to call this Shasta Heights (15 percent), the City Any city in California is prefi xed as Flash forward to 1993 and an new city? In a special election, the City of Mountain Lakes (9 percent) and the attempt at a little clarity. An effort to of Shasta Lake emerged as the winner City of Lassen View (2 percent). - Please see Page 36 RAILROAD PARK RESORT Caboose Motel Dinner House / Lounge RV Park ! Gift Shop Pool / Spa ! Pets Welcome AAA Approved ½ mile south of Dunsmuir Exit 728 (530) 235-4440 Caboose Motel (530) 235-4611 Dinner House / Lounge www.rrpark.com EAT ON A TRAIN...SLEEP ON A CABOOSE PAGE 34 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 35 What’s in a name? - Continued from page 34 “It’s not that hard to differentiate “city of” regardless of what their name between the two when writing a story,” is, said Jones, who has been with the he said. “I always tell people, if there is city (of Shasta Lake) for 10 years. a story about someone who robbed a “Caltrans put Shasta Lake City on grocery store in Shasta Lake, readers that sign, so everybody started calling it can probably fi gure out that it wasn’t a that,” he said. scuba diver who robbed an underwater Jones said he was on the road once market in the lake.” and had misplaced the phone number If there’s any chance of confusion, for Dean Goekler, who was mayor at Harrington said the writer can add a the time. few words to the sentence like a street “I called information, said Shasta name or arm of the lake to differentiate Lake and they couldn’t fi nd him,” he between the two, or add the words “city said. “It turned out he was (still listed) of” before Shasta Lake when writing in Pine Grove. We struggled with a lot about the city. of those issues when we incorporated.” “We’ve never had to resort to call- The name change created a bit of ing the lake, Lake Shasta in a story confusion early on at the Shasta Lake or headline,” he said. “It’s not a huge branch of North Valley Bank, according deal, but I do believe all the Searchlight to vice president and branch manager accomplished by renaming the lake Candis Vaughan. She said the bank was to add to the confusion.” still has some customers that have Ross Marshall, who co-owns Lake- their checks addressed as Project City, shore Inn & RV in Lakehead with his Summit City and Central Valley. wife, Charlotte, would like to make the “It’s kind of a funny thing,” Vaughan case for a name change. added. “I have a customer who was an “It seems like laziness to me,” actual dam worker who has been here Marshall said. “I just think it’s easier since the ’30s. He’s 92 years old now. for them to say Lake Shasta, but that He doesn’t make a big deal out of it, he doesn’t make it legit. It’s not a big deal just goes with the fl ow. He says ‘OK, but why not be correct? It never used to what is it called now?’” be that way until Central Valley decided After a few phone calls, Jones to name their city that wasn’t on the said the city was able to persuade the lake. The Searchlight always calls it Record Searchlight to stop referring to Lake Shasta, even on their weather Shasta Lake City in its news coverage. and lake report. I don’t know of a Lake Changing the Lake Shasta habit is a Clear or Lake Bass or Lake Salt.” slightly different story. The business owner sticks to his Silas Lyons, the Record Search- guns when sales people pay a visit. light’s editor, said the change was “Every time I get a sales person in made under a previous editor. here, I tell them I’m not buying anything “To be honest, it’s something that that says Lake Shasta, whether it’s has come up a couple of times but it hats, pins or whatever,” Marshall said. hasn’t risen to the point of where we Television is not immune to the felt we have to do something to change name game confusion. Mike Mangas, our style,” Lyons said. a veteran broadcaster with television “It was done in order to distinguish station KRCR, said he tries to call it the the name of the lake from the city. city of Shasta Lake. The editor at the time felt a little more “I have heard from people from time strongly than I do. If I knew it was to time since the incorporation say that something upsetting a lot of readers, I’d it is the city of Shasta Lake and not be pretty open to considering changing Shasta Lake city,” Mangas said. “From it. I’m just trying to be consistent with time to time, a reporter may have said what the paper’s been doing. If people Shasta Lake City. Myself, I just try and have a strong case to make about it, I’d respect that. From my years in sports, I certainly listen to them,” Lyons said. know that Anderson and Central Valley Shasta Lake Bulletin editor Ron are very sensitive to coverage, and it Harrington said he understands the follows that they would be sensitive reasoning behind the former Search- about their name, too.” light editor’s decision, but felt it really Jon Lewis is a writer in Redding. wasn’t necessary. Contact him at [email protected] Off road fun The Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Area is operated by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management. Just 10 miles northwest of Redding, the Chappie- Shasta Off-Highway area offers 200 miles of roads and trails over 52,000 acres for off-road enthusiasts. PHOTO / Michael Burke Elevation within this area ranges Shasta, and the Trinity Alps. from 600 to 5000 feet with a wide vari- Camping is also available adjacent ety of topography, soil, and vegetation to the staging area below Shasta Dam types. The southeastern portions offer for a minimal fee. For more information rocky and challenging terrain, while visit www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/redding/ the more remote northwestern portions recreationmain/reddingrecreationoh- offer scenic views of Mt. Shasta, Lake vmain.html PAGE 36 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 Good for one standard adult or kids non-member race. Not good with any other offer or discount. No cash value. Emission Free & Climate Controlled Open 365 Days a Year! 1501 Market Street • Downtown Redding (530) 246-7223 www.n2skarts.com ANTLERS RV PARK & CAMPGROUND Nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest overlooking Shasta Lake s /PEN !LL 9EAR s 0RIVATE FULL HOOK UP SITES s 3UNDAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST s 3ECLUDED TENT SITES s 26 TENT COMBINATION SITES s &ULL BATHROOM FACILITIES s 3WIMMING POOL s 0LAYGROUND s #OUNTRY STORESNACK BAR s &ULL 3ERVICE MARINA ADJACENT TO PARK (530) 238-2322 or 800-642-6849 www.antlersrvpark.com SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 37 Great golf courses within an hour’s drive By JON LEWIS possible. 19700 La Crescenta Drive. (530) 275-0887. Visiting Shasta Lake and feeling the Gold Hills Country Club: A quality call o’ the links? Ready to leave the bass public 18-hole track near the lake that alone and pursue a birdie or two? gives golfers about everything they can Well, you’re in luck. There are 14 golf handle. It’s aptly named as hills are a courses within about an hour’s drive of prominent feature here. Well maintained. the Shasta Lake area, with options rang- A cart is highly recommended during the ing from a quick jaunt around a 9-hole summer months. 1950 Golf Drive in Red- executive layout to an exhilarating tour ding. (530) 246-7867. through lush pines and emerald fairways Lake Redding Golf Course: A nice, with majestic snow-capped Mt. Shasta mature 9-hole course that can be played looming as a constant backdrop. in a jiffy, leaving you time for some after- Here’s a quick scouting report on noon fi shing on that houseboat. Located what’s available, moving from north to in Lake Redding Park near downtown south. For tee time and green fee details, Redding, the course is bordered by a it’s best to call in advance. dramatic train trestle. Features a well- Weed Golf Course: A 9-hole gem stocked golf shop. 1795 Benton Drive. at 27730 Old Edgewood Road in Weed. (530) 243-1930. Meticulously groomed and famous for Allen’s Golf Course: Another execu- some ridiculously quick greens, Weed tive layout at the south end of Redding is always a welcome challenge. (530) that has been the favorite of local duf- 938-9971. fers for years. Plenty of mature trees for Lake Shastina Golf Resort: shade. 2780 Sacramento Drive. (530) Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., 241-5055. Shastina is a quality, old-school layout River Bend Golf and Country Club: that pretty much requires use of every A par-32 layout that’s packed with chal- lenges. Routinely offers up some of the club in the bag. Located at 5925 Country PHOTO / Jon Lewis Club Drive (off of Highway 97 near Weed) nicest putting surfaces in the area. 5369 Shastina also offers a 9-hole Scottish Like Mount Shasta Resort, McCloud Golf Course (above) offers Indianwood Drive. (530) 246-9077. links course. Expect some breezy condi- spectacular views of Mount Shasta. Churn Creek Golf Course: A full- tions in the afternoons. (530) 938-3201. sized 9-holer that also makes use of Mount Shasta Resort: Another 18- fairways, nice greens, a friendly staff and Rising River Ranch. The sometimes- every club in the bag. Always fun to play. hole beauty located near Lake Siskiyou great views of Mt. Shasta. 1001 Squaw daunting par-3 eighth hole is called Includes a good-sized driving range. and a stone’s throw from downtown Mt. Valley Road. (530) 964-2535. Bing’s Bluff. (530) 336-5555. 7335 Churn Creek Rd. (530) 222-6353. Shasta at 1000 Siskiyou Lake Blvd. Well Fall River Golf and Country Club: The Golf Club at Tierra Oaks: One Anderson Tucker Oaks: Another groomed and packed with spectacular This 18-hole masterpiece is the farthest of the closest courses to Shasta Lake, favorite for south county golfers, Tucker views. For best results, keep your golf from the lake, but well worth the drive. and certainly one of the hardest. Undu- Oaks offers generous-sized fairways ball out of the forest. (530) 926-3030. Comfortably nestled in the Fall River lating greens and tricky fairways lined and well-maintained greens. Can be a McCloud Golf Course: Located in Valley at 42889 Highway 299E, the with ball-gulping oaks greet golfers at confi dence builder, if such a thing exists the quaint mill town of McCloud, this 9- course was a favorite of Bing Crosby’s every turn. Note: Tierra Oaks is a private in golf. 6241 Churn Creek Road. (530) hole course is a treat. Features generous when Der Bingle held court at the nearby course, but reciprocal arrangements are 365-3350. One golfer’s divine nine holes By JON LEWIS green, it’s a piece of cake! way. Giant oaks wreak havoc on tee the right about 150 yards away. Pull Here are nine north state golf 3. The par-4 eighth at River shots and stately homes give golf- your approach a bit and you’ve got holes that’ll make you forget about Bend. It’s short by par-4 standards, ers plenty of pause as they negotiate even more trees to deal with. Don’t that big fi sh that got away: but that’s about the only benefi t. Use what are usually long and awkward forget, trees are our friends. 1. The par-5 second at Tierra a driver or 3-wood and you can give approach shots to a green they can’t 8. The par-4 fi rst at Tucker Oaks. Some 485 yards from the yourself a wedge in. You can also give see. How fun is that? Oaks. Nothing crazy here, just a white tees, the hole starts with an yourself a dunk in the slough that lines 6. The par-5 ninth at Lake Shas- long, picturesque hole. Take aim at intimidating tee shot and gets scarier the left side of the fairway from tee to tina. Play it safe and try and hit it long Mt. Shasta and try and not get dis- from there. Avoid both the large oak green. Push it right and you’re fl irting and right, or take a bolder approach tracted by activity at the nearby Red- in the middle and Stillwater Creek on with a lateral hazard and a mandatory and try and ignore that large body ding Municipal Airport. Massive oaks the right and you then have to decide one-stroke penalty. A large grey pine of water to your left. If you fi nd the on the left will knock down shots like whether to carry the creek for an guards a less-than-receptive green. fairway, you now have to position your an NBA power forward and a mobile uphill approach or layup and gamble 4. The par-5 fi rst at Riverview. ball for a third shot over the water, of home park will make short work of on an even longer approach to a You’ll probably need to know a if you’ve taken leave of your senses, balls that are driven right. wickedly undulating green. Ugh. member to get a chance at it, but if you take the direct approach and see if you 9. The par-5 fi nishing hole at 2. The par-3 fourth at Weed do, you’ll be treated to one of the pret- can carry about 200 yards of water. Fall River. A treat for the eyes as you Golf Club. Hike up some stairs to tiest sights in local golf. The elevated Hey, maybe they’ll invent a fl oating gaze at the eastern Shasta County one of three elevated tee boxes and tee offers a commanding view of the ball. landscape. See the sagebrush on catch your breath, but don’t dwell Sacramento River to the left and the 7. The par-4 second at McCloud. the left? Don’t go there. See that on what’s in front of you. The green fairway below. Stately trees provide You’ll need to get in touch with your giant lake on the right? Stay out of is only about 150 yards away, but shade along the right side, but they inner lumberjack on this one. Your it. The second shot offers a classic there’s a nice pond to collect short also tend to knock down errant shots. tee shot needs to avoid the forest on risk-reward scenario. Cut the corner shots, a greedy creek to collect For best results, avoid the aqua left the right and carry about 180 yards, of the lake, carry some menacing long fades and a gnarly hill that will and trees right. hopefully landing in front of or beyond greenside bunkers and who knows? snag draws. Other than that, and a 5. The par-4 seventh at Gold a giant fi r tree that blocks some You’ll either be whistling a jaunty tune devilishly small, slick and mounded Hills. Not only long, it’s uphill all the approaches to a green angling off to or cursing the fates. PAGE 38 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • SUMMER 2010 &IRIJMXW-RGPYHI 'SRZIRMIRGI7EZI8MQI0IWW7XVIWW6IHYGI;IEV 8IEV *MVWX'PEWW7LYXXPIRIX 7EZI1SRI]+S+VIIR ;I8EOI=SYXSXLI 7EGVEQIRXS%MVTSVX 'SRRIGXMRK6IHHMRKXSXLI7EGVEQIRXS%MVTSVX SUMMER 2010 • SHASTA LAKE BULLETIN VISITORS GUIDE • PAGE 39