Clear Creek Greenway

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Clear Creek Greenway is just a few miles southwest of Redding, California and only four miles from the Clear Creek Gorge Overlook. It offers many outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and swimming, all within a short drive from Redding. During the spring and fall, guided hikes and events are provided by the Horsetown Clear Creek Preserve, a managed non-profit group. A federal government agency, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), manages and keeps an eye on Clear Creek Greenway.

You will not grow bored exploring this fantastic area; however, if you want to adventure further, Lassen Volcanic National Park is less than 60 miles away, and it provides spectacular views of steaming fumaroles, clear mountain lakes, and meadows. Other parks nearby are Redwood National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Pinnacles National Park.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Clear Creek Greenway Trail

The Clear Creek Greenway Trail is great for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. The trail, on average, takes about four hours to complete. The Clear Creek Gorge Overlook is along the path, and you can watch spawning Chinook salmon in the creek below. The best time to view the salmon is from October through December. The area's educational mining history, native plants, salmon life cycle, and Native American culture are displayed near the salmon viewing area.

Length: 10.8

Intensity: Easy

Cloverdale Loop Trail

The majority of this trail is mostly gentle, with a grade of five percent or less. However, some sections are steeper, with the highest elevation gain being 173 feet. It generally takes the average athletic person about 40 minutes to complete the hike. The trail is used for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. Unfortunately, there are no parking areas near the trailhead. However, gravel parking is available within a mile away, right off Cloverdale Road.

Length: 1.7 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing & Boating

Whether you have a preference to fish on your own or charter a boat, you will find it all within the area surrounding Clear Creek Greenway. Pit River is right below Lake Britton Dam, which offers the highest catch rate from April through mid-July. You can expect to catch wild rainbow trout, sculpin, hardhead, Sacramento sucker, speckled dance, and Sacramento pikeminnow. Spring Creek Reservoir, Battle Creek, and Clear Creek are other fishing spots nearby. Charter boats are offered about 13 miles away at Jeff Goodwin Guide Service and AC Fly Fishing.

Climbing

If you are planning on hiking on the Clear Creek Trail, you will soon see vistas of Mud Creek Canyon, Mud Creek Falls, and Mount Shasta unfold right before your eyes. There are three routes to choose from that will take you to Mount Shasta with its glaciers looming high above the trail. The one that is the most trafficked is the Clear Creek Route, being the least challenging route to Mount Summit. The second way is a variation of the Clear Creek that bypasses the Konwokiton Glacier en route to Misery Hill. The last trail option climbs Wintun Ridge, forming the divide between the Wintun Glacier, the third largest glacier in California, and the Mud Creek drainage. This established route climbs near the southern edge of the enormous glacier on its way to the summit. The further you climb, the more spectacular views become, with a dense canopy of red firs and nature all around you.

Wildlife Viewing

Over 100 different species of birds discovered at the Clear Creek Greenway and surrounding areas make this location unforgettable for bird-watching enthusiasts. The creek is perfect to view Chinook salmon, steelhead, and trout. The Clear Creek Greenway land and surrounding areas are ideal for wildlife viewing of coyotes, otters, foxes, muskrats, beavers, and deer.

Picnicking

The 27-acre recreation area along Clear Creek has a day-use section with picnic tables. Another great place to picnic nearby is Anderson River Park, which has several picnic areas right along the river.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you prefer to camp outside of BLM public land, there are several RV camping options within a 20-mile radius of Clear Creek Greenway. Located near downtown Redding yet far away from the roar of Interstate 5, Green Acres RV Park is the closest one to Clear Creek Greenway. The park has 50 campsites with mature trees, water, sewer, and electrical hookups. Other amenities include cable TV, a seasonal swimming pool, and a laundry facility. Other RV camping options nearby include Marina RV Park, Redding RV Park, and Premier RV Resort.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping spots are available in most sections of California. For the most part, you can find free camping in national forests and on BLM public land. One boondocking hot spot is in the national forest areas near Lassen Volcanic National Park. Rocky Point East in Susanville is a favorite choice for many visitors looking for BLM RV camping spots. With a lake and boat ramp, it's an ideal place for paddleboarding and kayaking. To find additional camping spots, search online for "BLM camping near me."

RV Rentals Near Clear Creek Greenway Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Clear Creek Greenway BLM trip

Plan ahead when taking a BLM RV camping trip in the dense forests in California with the knowledge that campsites are limited. Keep in mind that cellphone coverage is not always available outside of established towns. Some areas may have spotty service or none at all. Take other tools to find your way, such as maps of the site, a compass, or an offline directional service. It would be best to plan for all weather conditions by packing the appropriate clothing, including rain gear, a coat and jacket, and sturdy footwear. Some more suggestions to bring with you are sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat.

Look into the cooking options at the BLM public land and surrounding area to determine what to bring. You may need cookware, disposable utensils, paper plates, cups, and water in some areas. Follow BLM regulations when bringing snacks or food. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Visitors to Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are to follow the Leave No Trace guidelines. Guests to Clear Creek Greenway are to leave their camp clear of litter and dispose of waste properly. For disposing of human waste, find a spot at least 200 feet from any water source and then dig a hole six to eight inches deep and bury it. Do not bury any toilet paper or feminine hygiene products; instead, pack them out. You should leave what you find, respect wildlife, and minimize campfires.

Clear Creek Greenway Location

From Redding, take Highway 273 southwest. In a couple of miles, you'll reach Clear Creek Road. Head west, and you will come to numerous trailheads and non-motorized trails in the Clear Creek Greenway area.

Ready to visit Clear Creek Greenway? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.