REDDING RECREATION Category
Developers Envisioned Kids Secret Fishing Spot
REDDING LIFESTYLES, REDDING RECREATION, SHASTA COUNTY
Mary Lake in West Redding was pondered as a secret fishing lake for youngsters after the lake and 203 acres surrounding it was purchased by a group of developers around 1980. The developers-Brent Owen, Robert “Buzz” Loring and John Fitzpatrick- offered the 5-acre lake and adjacent land to the city for a park that would be the centerpiece of a future housing development.
Redding Planning commissioner Charlie Moss embraced the idea of restricting the lake to children only. Even “Spike” Naylor, regional manager of the California State Department of Fish and game agreed. At the time, the lake had populations of bluegill, large-mouth bass, golden shiners and mosquito fish. Unfortunately, the lake was never restricted to kids only fishing and is popular today with anglers of all ages.
Mary Lake was previously called FalkesLake, False Lake, Falk Lake and St. Mary’s Lake over the past 100 years according to an article in the Record Searchlight published June 1981. Historians are unsure how the lake came to be. Some believe the lake was built to create a water source for irrigation while others believe it was part of a mining operation. The earliest records indicate the lake was owned by William Falke before 1909. After he died, his family lost the property at a tax auction to Charles Lang. In 1931, it was sold to O. Merlo. Later the land was purchased by St. Joseph Catholic Church. That’s when the lake was named St. Mary’s Lake. In 1980, the Diocese of Sacramento sold the lake and surrounding acreage to the developers.
In 1984, the first lots of the new Mary Lake subdivision were sold just off Placer near Wisconsin. After the first phases of Mary Lake were sold, the area near the lake was developed, the park was constructed and given to the City of Redding. A generous donation from The McConnell Foundation paid for part of the construction cost to pave a concrete path around the perimeter of the lake.
In more recent times, the city met with Mary Lake residents to discuss plans to add grass lawns and a lighting system for the trail. Residents asked the city to keep the park in as natural state as possible dissing the idea of lights and grass. The city agreed and today they mow the weeds that grow around the lake and occasionally remove dead or dying trees that create a hazard.
Today, the 17-acre Mary Lake Park provides a wonderful walking and picnic spot for visitors near and far. It continues to be a vibrant ecosystem for fish, water fowl, mammals of many sizes and shapes. As a longtime Mary Lake resident, I have enjoyed the view of the lake from my home and the inviting trail which ties into the extensive and ever-expanding Westside Trail system.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL LIVING REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
MORE THAN 25 YEARS LOCAL SALES EXPERIENCE
Why Move To Redding?
REDDING LIFESTYLES, REDDING RECREATION, SHASTA COUNTY
I ask that question of every out-of-town prospect I have shown property to in the past 26 years and the answers have some common denominators. Here are the most common responses:
- To be closer to family
- To get away from more eartquake prone areas of California
- To be closer to recreational areas for boating, fishing, hunting and camping
- To escape the crime, congestion and smog of urban areas
- To be away from perceived targets of terrorism
- To be in a warmer climate
I moved to Redding in the early 1980’s for several of the above reasons. First, I experienced several large earthquakes while growing up in the SoCal area and while attending college on the North Coast. I didn’t want to live in an area where large earthquakes were common. Secondly, I love mountains and lakes and found Redding’s location the ideal spot to take advantage of California’s natural wonders. Next, the absence of lung burning smog was an important attribute attracting me to Shasta County.
I have lived in Washington and Idaho and traveled to most of the Western States and always looked forward to returning to Redding. Despite lacking some of the cultural activities offered by larger metro areas, Redding has much to offer those that wish to live in a rural area surrounded by natural beauty. Enduring some hot summer weather and cool rainy winters is small sacrifice for months of mild days and beautiful vistas!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL LIVING REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
MORE THAN 25 YEARS LOCAL REAL ESTATE SALES EXPERIENCE
Turtle Hunters Outrage Mary Lake Park Visitors
REDDING RECREATION, SHASTA COUNTY
A Honda coupe with two upset ladies pulled up alongside my wife and I as we began a walk around Mary Lake yesterday afternoon. They had just jotted down the license number of a suspected turtle hunter’s Jeep and informed us two guys were trapping turtles for resale on EBay. We love the turtles. We shared their dismay. How dare these guys steal our turtles to make some quick bucks on the Internet!
I suggested the ladies call the local fish and game office to see if this type of hunting was legal. They said they would and also planned to call the police because the Jeep’s license tags were expired. They went on to say they grabbed their buckets of captured turtles and threw them back in the lake. We promised to talk to the guys when we crossed the dam where they were again fishing for turtles using a net and fishing pole.
Just then, a vehicle emblazoned with City of Redding Fire Department decals drove by and was flagged down by another group of ladies also angry with the turtle hunters. He offered to speak to them and we decided to tag along. The two men calmly explained why they were trapping the turtles. The turtles they were after are non-native turtles such as those purchased from pet stores apparently released into the lake by owners that no longer wanted them.
Dozens of turtles perch on logs scattered around the lake sunning themselves this time of year. They are shy, usually dropping into the water when approached. These guys easily lured the turtles using baited fishing poles and trapped them with nets. Regardless of the legality of catching the turtles, many folks let these guys know in no uncertain terms their for-profit hobby was not appreciated one bit!
The gentleman from the fire department agreed with the men that ridding the lake of these turtles was probably legal and beneficial. I was torn by this reasonable explanation-not wanting to surrender our local terrapins to these guys motivated primarily by dollar signs. They said it is perfectly legal and were actually encouraged by fish and game officials to rid this lake of these competitors of native turtles.
That explanation didn’t fly with park users who confronted the two men. They eventually left with a couple turtles -far less than their original catch. I doubt they will be deterred from returning to trap more turtles in coming weeks believing they are doing us a service.
Last year, several beavers were found dead in the lake apparently victims of a teenage prank. One neighbor saw several youths pelting the beavers with large rocks. Mary Lake residents and park users are sensitive to those that would exploit the wildlife for their own amusement or profit. Hopefully the lake will remain a home for water fowl, beavers, otters, fish and yes, even turtles!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL LIVING REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
MORE THAN A QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Shasta Sunset Dinner Train Let Down
I heard for years from friends and family what a great time could be had boarding the Shasta Sunset Dinner Trainfor an evening excursion. Fine food and drink, dancing in a specially outfitted boxcar or taking in the scenery while standing on an uncovered flat car as the train made its way from McCloud to Mt. Shasta and back were all explained to me prior to our trip this past weekend. Unfortunately, the fact the dinner train is calling it quits after New Year’s Eve explained why many of these elements of trips past were not to be had this time around.
The record freezing temperatures in early December apparently took its tollon the soon-to-be-idled dinner train. The open flat car used as a viewing platform at the caboose end of the train was instead used to site a huge generator to run the train’s electrical equipment. It was placed in front of the engine and was inaccessible to passengers. The boxcar used as the dance venue was damaged by the freeze and was not part of the train assemblage. The freeze also damaged sections of the train tracks beyond the summit where the ski park road crosses the track. Therefore the train ride was a series of short forward and backward jaunts east and west of McCloud. In fact, the train never made it over the ridge west of McCloud.
We boarded the train Saturday December 19th at 6PM sharp along with many familiar Redding faces. The food
was excellent though the service was slow. My Beef Wellington was tender and moist and my wife’s salmon entree was fresh and perfectly cooked. However, some of the bathrooms were out of service causing some distress for those with small bladders. Two or three people were always waiting for their turn to use the facilities which, according to my wife, were not operating properly. Thankfully, I hold my water like a camel!
The impending closure of the business was obvious by the long faceson much of the wait staff. However, the conductor was in good spirits as he made his round to punch each passenger’s boarding pass. He was also busy switching the tracks as the train made numerous stops in its back and forth route around McCloud. Two passengers including a woman seated at the table behind us became ill from motion sickness and were disambarked at the ski park highway crossing.
I was looking forward to a little dancing after dinneror at least sitting outside in the brisk winter night to admire the starlit skies but that was not in the cards. I don’t blame the owners of the dinner train for not fixing these equipment problems considering the days are numbered before this business ceases operation. I feel for the employees and lodge owners in McCloud and Mt. Shasta that accommodate manyof the patrons of these excursions. I don’t mean to discourage those riding the dinner train in its final days but be forewarned the route and on-board amenities may not be what was offered in years past.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR /BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS REAL LIVING
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Scary Real Estate
REDDING RECREATION, SHASTA COUNTY
Behind the crumbling brick buildings that line the main street in
Old Shasta, on a wooded hill overlooking town, lies
the Shasta Union Catholic Cemetery (now called Old Shasta Cemetery) with headstones, obelisks and iron fences surrounding family burial plots, dating back to the mid-eighteenth century. It was established in about 1849 and was one of the first in the north state. Upon looking at numerous headstones, it was obvious that life spans were shorter back then; anyone living 50-60 years was quite fortunate.
Paths meander up and over a hill dotted with oak trees. Brick walls topped with spiked iron fences protect many headstones from becoming easy targets of thoughtless vandals. Many broken headstones have been painstakingly pieced back together. The cemetery sees minimal maintenance. This is one of several cemeteries in the Old Shasta area.
Aside from the Native Americans who have populated this area for centuries, these graves are the burial spots for some of Shasta County’s first non-native settlers. Use your imagination to ponder what those days must have been like. Shasta was one of the last stops 
for supplies as prospectors headed west to the rugged wilderness that surrounds and includes the Trinity Alps. Life was difficult and many of these early arrivals never struck it rich and were lucky to return alive.
To reach this quiet spot, take Hwy 299 west from Redding and turn right in Old Shasta on Trinity Alley and look for the new fence on the left near the bottom of the hill. The gate is unlocked. Watch out for ghosts and goblins, as you take a stroll through time and pay your respects!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Cool Trinity Alps Camping Spot
REDDING LIFESTYLES, REDDING RECREATION
Big Flat Camp Ground Trinity County
The ruggedly beautiful Trinity Alps are largely inaccessible except for those willing to strap on a pack and hike for miles and miles to reach the namesake granite peaks. One campground I frequent is situated adjacent to wilderness near the heart of the Alps. It serves as a starting point for hikers and horse packers heading to Caribou Lakes, Packers Peak, Tri-Forest Peak and Red Rock Mountain and points beyond.
Big Flat Campground is located at the terminus of Coffee Creek Road. Technically, the road continues a couple more miles to some private residences below Josephine Lake, but the campground is the last place the public can access. This campground has several unique features:
- At over 5000′ elevation, this spot offers a cool respite from summer heat common to lower elevation campgrounds
- A little known spring on a hillside below the campground offers plenty of fresh cool water for hikers and campers
- Trailheads heading north, east, west and south to wilderness areas in the Trinity and Salmon Mountains
- Cool clean swimming opportunities near the headwaters of the Salmon River just below the campground
- Best of all-camping is FREE
Horse packers help keep the campground clean and well stocked with firewood. Most campsites have a fire pit and firebox. Keep in mind campers must pack out there own garbage and pit toilets are the only facilities available.
To get there, follow Hwy 3 north from Weaverville to Coffee Creek Road, head west to the end of the road (about 15 miles). The first 5 miles or so of Coffee Creek Road is paved then the road turns to dirt and is very rough in places. 4WD is not required but a vehicle with high clearance is recommended.
This is one of the best spots I’ve found for camping in the Northern California area. Contact me for additional information if you’re planning a trip!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Alpen Cellars Offers Fine Wines, Surroundings
I couldn’t help myself as we headed home from a Trinity Alps camping trip when the sign said winery-this way! Located in a remote valley at the east edge of Trinity County is this fabulous treasure of a spot to enjoy delicious wines while overlooking the lush green grounds from a picnic table. I’m familiar with their Chardonnay which is available at Costco, but had no idea they produced so many varietals.
You can reach the winery via French Gulch if you don’t mind miles of dirt road or you can take Hwy 3 north of Trinity Center to the paved road on the west side of Trinity Lake. I believe the winery is about 13 miles southeast of Hwy 3. Despite the remote location, the wines and scenery are well worth the drive. The winery is open 7 days week through Labor Day.
Cross the steel bridge over a branch of the Trinity River past the vineyards up a windy drive to a farm house surrounded by lush green pastures and several small warehouse buildings. Behind the home are large trees shading the picnic area where the wine tasting takes place. From this vantage point, you can see the valley, river and mountain ridges to the south. A small pond is crowned with a water wheel surrounded by pasture with several horses and a mule. Even as Redding sweltered under record heat, we sat comfortably in the shade enjoying a gentle breeze and one great wine after another. Our grand kids made their way to the swing set and entertained themselves while we tasted away.
Keith Groves hosted our tasting as well as injecting some history about the winery started by his father. Alpen Cellars produces about 5000 cases per year. They grow grapes on-site and on nearby property and buy grapes from other vineyards to make other varietals.
We started with a dry White Riesling that was not too sweet. This was followed with a crisp Gewurztraminer, lemony Pinot Gris and two different Chardonnays. Reds offered for tasting included two Merlots, a Pinot Noir (my favorite varietal) and Sangiovese. Unlike most wineries I vist, all of these wines were well made and very reasonably priced. We bought and stuffed a case in our station wagon overloaded with camping gear and headed over the mountain toward Redding via French Gulch glad to have made a jaunt to this hidden jewel!
This winery is a true asset to the north state. If you are looking for a great road trip, give this winery a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
New BMX Bike Park Planned For Redding
A group of bicycling advocates have begun planning a new bike park for the area along the east shore of the river below the new Hwy 44 bridge expansion in Redding. A portion of the area is currently being used as a construction yard. The group has pitched the idea to the City of Redding Parks Department where the group was given the green light to continue with the planning process. Details are sketchy as to the cost of construction and where the funds will come from, but the planning will continue.
Fresno recently opened a BMX bike park that is comparable to the one envisioned by the local work group. To see what it looks like, click here:http://videos.fresnobee.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=4901773&item_index=1&query=video&sort=NULL
The park envisioned for Redding will have less concrete and more dirt jumps. The group recently developed a website and here’s the link:
Construction and completion of the park is several years away assuming the project is supported by the community and funds are allocated by the city or donated from private sources. Local athlete and sports celebrity Bobby McMullen is part of the group planning the bike park.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Date For Community Creek Clean-up Set
REDDING LIFESTYLES, REDDING RECREATION
Ken Murray sprouted the idea of having volunteers spend a few hours each fall clearing trash from local streams that empty into the Sacramento River. The first year focused on Churn Creek from Shasta Lake City to the confluence with the Sacramento River near Anderson. The second year targeted streams in West Redding including Jenny Creek from Mary Lake to the Sacramento River and Caboose Creek. Last year volunteers returned to Churn Creek and Clover Creek in the eastern portion of Redding.
This year, October 3rd from 8am-noon, has been designated the clean-up day and the Sacramento River Trail area will be the area receiving a thorough cleaning. Local service clubs and the Coastal Commission are getting involved to clear brush between the trail and river.
Volunteers gather early in the morning at designated staging areas where they are briefed on safety, provided gloves and bags then directed to a segment of the clean-up locale. Once the area has been scoured for trash, volunteers meet at a designated spot for a complimentary lunch and swim if weather permits. Last year, The McConnell Foundation donated most of the food and beverages to feed the volunteers.
Years past have seen as many as 700 volunteers though last year it was less than 400. Anyone interested in 
participating this year should visit the following website for sign-ups and liability waivers:
My wife and I have volunteered since the program’s inception and plan to be there again this year. Consider giving something back to our wonderful community by volunteering a few hours of your time. You will feel good about your efforts and our downstream neighbors will appreciate our help prior to the arrival of winter storms.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Whiskeytown Lake Trashed By Thoughtless Boaters
REDDING RECREATION, SHASTA COUNTY
Sadly, some boaters at Whiskeytown think it’s OK to trash the beach after taking a break on shore from their favorite water activities. My wife and I have noticed more and more trash on beaches around Whiskeytown that can only be accessed by boat. The reasons people do this escape me, but I have a couple theories.
Years ago, before Whiskeytown charged visitors daily use fees, it 
was common to see trash cans placed at popular coves, islands and beach spots around the lake. Apparently, budget cuts have eliminated this service since I have not seen trash cans at these spots for several years. Perhaps park users see this as their opportunity to leave behind whatever trash would have been deposited in these missing receptacles.
Stricter laws regarding drinking and possession of alcohol may also be another factor. Underage drinkers can use the law as an excuse not to pack out their trash. Apparently, the penalties for getting caught with an open container outweigh the environmental impact of littering. However, it does not 
explain why drinkers of legal age leave their bottles and cans behind to greet the next visitor.
I would like to see some of the money collected for park usage applied to cleaning up the park and reinstating the placement of trash cans at popular beach spots. Not only does this trash spoil this pristine man-made lake, it sends a message to the next generation that trashing our planet is acceptable behavior. A sad commentary, in my opinion, on our stewardship of our small planet.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
CORNER OF COURT AND PLACER IN REDDING
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
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