TEHAMA COUNTRY is the central point of wide spread recreational areas which provide hiking, camping, scenic tours, hunting and fishing. Game birds abound in nearby foothills and deer hunters find excellent fall sport in the timbered mountains. The Sacramento River and its tributaries furnish hundreds of miles of the best-in-the-west trout, steelhead and salmon fishing. All are easily accessible via scenic drives along state Historic Route 99, State Highway 36 and Interstate 5.

Forty-five miles to the east looms Lassen Volcanic National Park. Established as a national park on August 9, 1916, it encompasses 160 square miles of spectacular volcanic exhibits and impressive Lassen Peak, named for Peter Lassen. This peak stands at the southern end of the Cascade Range mountains and--until the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens--was the only recently active volcano in the continental United States. Its latest eruptions occurred between 1914 and 1917. Many smaller volcanic peaks and fantastic lava fields, fumaroles, hot springs, boiling lakes and other interesting phenomena surround the original crater.

To the west of Red Bluff, State Highway 36 leads over the Coast Range mountains to the Pacific Ocean and the Redwood Highway along the Pacific Coast.

Boating
From drag boat races on Lake Red Bluff to sailing regattas on Black Butte Reservoir [southwest of Corning] to fishing and jet boat excursions on the Sacramento River, TEHAMA COUNTRY has it all for boating enthusiasts. TEHAMA COUNTRY maintains numerous public boat ramps along the Sacramento River for the convenience of visitors and residents alike.

Bird Watching
Bird watching enthusiasts delight at the site of bald eagles, golden eagles, and flocks of bandtailed pigeons. Dozens of different species are accessible throughout Tehama Country, with the best area along the trails of the Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area--officially designated as a Watchable Wildlife Area.

Camping
Camping opportunities abound throughout TEHAMA COUNTRY ranging from fully developed campgrounds to secluded sites with few or no facilities. Forest campgrounds are operated on a first-come, first-served basis, and some require fees to offset maintenance costs. Many campgrounds are open year-round, but those at higher elevations are only open after the snow melts.

Fishing
The section of the Sacramento River running through TEHAMA COUNTRY is noted for its excellent steelhead and salmon fishing due to superb natural conditions. The area from Squaw Hill to Bloody Island is known as the best along the entire river. Trout abound in easily accessible streams and the Sacramento River provides a year-round source of salmon, steelhead, catfish, trout, carp, shad, and striped bass.

November and December are the best steelhead months, but rewarding catches can be had in August, September, and October. The fall run of salmon is the biggest, though during the spring run they are in better condition. Fishermen who like to rough it, can go after the rainbow trout in the mountain streams. East of the Sacramento River, the best catches are made in Antelope Creek, Battle Creek and Mill Creek. West of the Sacramento River, the best rainbow fishing is on the upper reaches of Cottonwood Creek and its tributaries.

Golfing
Wilcox Oaks Golf Club is four miles north of Red Bluff on I-5 with eighteen challenging holes, driving range, swimming pool and tennis court. Wilcox is a private club with reciprocal privileges. There is a pro on duty. (530) 527-7087.

Oak Creak Golf Course features nine holes and is open to the public at 2620 Montgomery Road, Red Bluff. (530) 529-0674.

Hiking
With more than 300 miles of trails (including 17 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail), hiking within TEHAMA COUNTRY can be a day-trip adventure or a week-long back-country experience. Trails vary in length and difficulty, winding through coniferous forest, alpine tundra and along waterways.

Horseback Riding
TEHAMA COUNTRY's strong western influence and history has left a network of excellent riding trails throughout the lowlands and into the mountain ranges. Camping along the trails within the forest areas is permitted, but remember to obtain a permit before building a campfire. (Note: It is illegal to cross private land without first obtaining the owner's permission).

Hunting
Famous for its hunting, TEHAMA COUNTRY shelters deer, bobcats, coyotes, pheasants, wild turkeys, chukkar, quail, grouse, ducks and geese, wild pig and bear in the primitive areas. Several million acres of forest land offer the unattached hunter untold opportunities for success. Big Game include bear and Columbian (black tail) deer. The primitive area in the North Yolla Bolly region is a favorite with the rugged hunter who enjoys a pack trip. (Note: All fish and wildlife regulations are enforced).

Mountain Biking
From meandering trails to demanding rides, mountain bikers of all skill levels will enjoy the National Forests' many single-track trails, logging roads and larger thoroughfares. Bikes are prohibited within actual Wilderness Areas; permission must be obtained from the owner to ride on private property.