Your winter launchpad for trails, peaks, and pints
— By James Murren
The Earning
Situated along I-5 on the Sacramento River, with massive Mt. Shasta to the north and Lassen Volcanic National Park to the east, Redding is an underrated yet ideal year-round base camp for outdoor adventure. In winter, you’re more likely to find warm sunshine than storms in town — though the occasional dusting of snow keeps things interesting. Head into the nearby foothills and surrounding mountains and you’ll trade those mild temps for classic cross-country skiing and snowshoeing conditions.
On the west side of town, a stacked network of mountain bike trails can easily fill a winter afternoon. Sloppy Joe and T-Party are pure fun, while Rattlesnake up to Top of the World rewards the effort with big views over the Sacramento River canyon. From there, work your way to Lower Salt Creek for more technical challenges. 
Farther west, the Swasey Recreation Area on BLM land delivers old-school mountain biking with a modern twist. If you like pedaling ribbons of singletrack for hours, you really can’t go wrong. Climb Elevator, then wrap around Mule Mountain on Boheh Sas to get the legs warmed up. Don’t miss the newer downhill K’ulu:l or the classic Snail Trail for a satisfying finish to the day.
Back in town, trade knobs for running shoes and explore the 17-plus miles of the Sacramento River Trail, starting at the world-renowned Sundial Bridge. Walk, run, or spin the loop by bike, taking in public art installations and river views along the way. Yes, you can kayak or SUP this stretch of the Sacramento, too — just be sure to check flows and conditions ahead of time or connect with a local outfitter before putting in.
The Beer
After all that earning, Redding’s beer scene rises to the occasion. Local riders with the Redding Trail Alliance quickly pointed me to the place to start: Westside Tap & Cork in the downtown core. The tap list is tightly curated, the wine list equally thoughtful, and the atmosphere genuinely welcoming. When I visited, there was no pretense — just good beer, satisfying pub fare, and a true community hub with live music, book discussions, and creative events on the calendar. Put this one at the top of your Redding list.
Redding also boasts several hometown breweries. Fall River Brewing Co. is the best-known name, pouring at two locations. If it’s on draft, don’t pass up the Irish Coffee Cream Stout — silky, flavorful, and made for cool winter evenings.
Also in town, Woody’s Brewing Company keeps things laid-back and local. In winter, look for their Pray for Powder American Porter, a fitting toast to storm days in the mountains.
Rounding things out, Final Draft Brewing Company leans eclectic, with everything from sours to big-ABV stouts alongside classic styles. They serve wine as well, and their weekend brunch comes with both traditional mimosas and cheeky beermosas.
In Redding, the formula is simple: ride, run, hike, ski, or paddle until your legs are pleasantly spent — then pull up a chair, raise a glass, and savor the taste of what you’ve earned.
***
Photo credit: Visit Redding
Read more Earn Your Beer columns here.
