Red Bluff Recreation Area

The sparkling Sacramento River bisects 488 acres of riparian forest, flowering grasslands, wetlands, and oak woodlands providing very diverse nature viewing in this region.

Birds flock to its variety of habitats, with over 125 species observed to date. A seasonal lake is created each summer when a wide sweep of the Sacramento River is backed up behind the Red Bluff Diversion Dam.

Fishing opportunities attract otter, herons, egrets, ospreys and bald eagles. Other visitor facilities include day use areas, one campground, four miles of trails, two boat ramps, and the Sacramento River Discovery Center.

The trails provide great views of Mount Shasta, Mount Lassen, and the Yolla Bolly Mountains, which are especially scenic in the winter and spring when they're capped with snow.

TV viewing of salmon is available from May 15 through Sept. 15 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Around-the-clock updates on fish counts at the dam are available by calling 530-527-1408 from April 1 to Dec. 1.

The Discovery Center offers exhibits, many geared toward children, on salmon, plants and the river.

This land is managed by the Mendocino National Forest and offers a unique birding experience and was singled out as a "watchable wildlife" area because of the many diverse habitats.