Centrally located on the Sacramento River in Northern California, Red Bluff is just 120 miles north of Sacramento on I-5, 190 miles west of Reno/Tahoe, and 155 miles south of the Oregon border. Red Bluff not only serves as the gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park but, with its spectacular calendar of major events and outdoor recreation at its finest, Red Bluff and "Tehama Country" promises a great visit.

Visitors to Red Bluff are served by 13 Inns and motels, 5 recreational vehicle parks, and 4 bed and breakfast establishments as well as a varied array of dining establishments.You can also find information here on major events, shopping, history, and weather. Thank you for visiting Red Bluff:

Red Bluff Recreation Area

Red Bluff, CA U.S.A.

1000 Sale Lane
P.O. Box 1298
Red Bluff, CA 96080
U.S.A.

530-527-1196 Discovery Center
530-934-3316 Mendocino National Forest

Open Year-Round No Entry Fee Charged

T he 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.

William B. Ide wrote the proclamation that established the short-lived California Bear Republic in 1846. It lasted 22 days. Ide recognized the opportunities available to him in the West and as a surveyor, miner, treasurer, district attorney, deputy clerk, and judge, provided support and leadership to this northern part of California. While the park memorializes Ide's role in early California history, recent research has shown he never owned the property.

Like William B. Ide, pioneer settlers at Adobe Ranch arrived in California envisioning opportunities. Facing hardships and challenges, they took advantage of the ranch's location on the river to transform the site. Contrary to the quiet, rural impression the park leaves today, the ranch's location near the California-Oregon Road and adjacent to the Sacramento River (important communication and transportation arteries) probably kept its residents well connected. During the Gold Rush and afterwards, a succession of pack-mule trains, travelers on foot, herds of cattle and sheep, freight wagons, stagecoaches and riverboats moved up and down the valley and along the river.

Depending upon the water's depth, steamboats would transport goods and passengers to the most northerly navigable point on the river. From there, they were off loaded. The property owners made the most of this location in the 1860s by establishing a ferry across the Sacramento River. Cross-country travelers depended upon ferries to make their river crossings safe and easy. Later bridges built in the area made them obsolete.

The park today reflects the hard work it took to maintain life away from California's urban centers in mid-19th century. Visitors touring the visitor center and ranch buildings will be able to learn about the special skills and work activities of California pioneers, comparing them to their own lives. Educational programs tied into school programs offer students hands-on learning experiences that emphasize the lifeways associated with the early settlers.

Facilities
Enjoy a picnic overlooking the Sacramento River. The park features the old adobe home, carriage shed, blacksmith shop and a visitor center.

Location-Directions
The park is located south of Redding, in Red Bluff on Adobe Road, one-half mile from Interstate 5.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.

Special Events
Come visit during Adobe Day , the 3rd Saturday in August, to enjoy the period music of the Ide Adobe Players and experience "hands-on" pioneer crafts and period activities at this historic ranch and ferry crossing.

Cheer the competition at the Ide's Ferry Champion Horseshoe Pitchers Contest on the Second Saturday in October. It represents a period-style 1850s contest, complete with authentic attire (provided). Only amateurs or backyarders may participate! The winner takes home a gold-filled pocket watch.

The Pioneer Christmas Party is celebrated the third Saturday in December and emphasizes early holiday traditions of the north valley.

The Chamber is pleased to provide you with "links" to several
community organizations and agencies in order for you to obtain
further detailed information about these organizations, upcoming
events, and our community in general.

Canoe Races

City of Red Bluff

Corning Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Red Bluff Business Association

Durango RV Resort

Los Molinos Chamber of Commerce

Monster Trucks

Red Bluff Daily News

Sacramento River Discovery Center

Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association

State Theatre

Tehama County

Tehama District Fairgrounds

TehamaEDC

The Waterwheel Park

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

2009-2010 Tehama County Visitors Guide

Events: