North State Scenes

I would like to welcome you to North State Scenes, my photography page at NorthStateLiving.com.  This is a collection of some of my favorite destinations in Shasta County and Northern California.  These places are some of the biggest reasons I have chosen to stay in the North State.  There are so many recreation areas to visit in all directions from Redding that you will surely never run out of places to go and things to do.  Whether you are a hiker, biker, boater, photographer, wildlife watcher, fisherman, hunter, camper, swimmer or simply a nature enthusiast you'll be overwhelmed by the outdoor opportunities that exist in this majestic part of the country.

Photography has always been a passion of mine.  I've enjoyed shooting all types including sports, weddings, portraits and my favorite, scenic shots.  These days I use photography to promote and sell real estate.  It's funny how the things we do in life stay with us and make us who we eventually become.  I'm happy to be the hiking, biking real estate selling photographer that lives in Redding, CA.  If you'd like to see more of my work you can visit my photography page at www.tonyhord.com.

I hope you enjoy the photos I've collected over the past 15 years.  If you have any questions about any of these places please feel free to email me at Tony@NorthStateLiving.com or call me. at 530-242-1020.  I'm always available.

Shasta Lake has 365 miles of shoreline and 5 major marinas. It's a whole different world to explore. If you're a resident of Shasta County then you owe it to yourself to have a boat on this lake for a few years at least. It will be a chapter in your life that you cherish forever.
This is historic Tiger Field in Redding and home of the Colt 45s. It's inter-collegic baseball brought to you by former professional baseball player Rick Bosetti. It's a great experience to be had by all. Come on down to the park and have a hot dog and watch some great baseball.
One of Redding's iconic structures is the Southern Pacific Railroad Trestle over the Sacramento River at Lake Redding Park. The sound of a train crossing this trestle has become the sound of home for all of us who call Redding our home.
One stream that feeds into Whiskeytown Lake is Brandy Creek. It is simply one of the most beautiful tributaries in all of Northern California. There are many places to access it starting from Brandy Creek Beach and continuing up the mountain to the Brandy Creek Falls trailhead. A local favorite for decades the waters are cool and pristine surrounded by luscious green vegetation.
Siskiyou County can be your go-to get-away just as it's been ours. It's an area filled with beautiful mountains and lakes. This is Castle Lake with Mount Shasta in the background. This lake is one of the best places to kayak around and enjoy the towering rocky peaks.
Burney Falls State Park
The Railroad Park Resort located in Dunsmuir just 54 miles North of Redding is a unique experience. Showcasing the areas rich railroad history there are caboose cars and cabins for lodging as well as a campground. The resort has a top-notch restaurant that is also built into railroad cars. It's a one of a kind getaway at the North base of the Castle Crags.
The Sundial Bridge was built in 2004 and is a cantilever spar cable style that spans the Sacramento River. It was designed by Santiago Calatrava to not only be one of the largest working sundials but to not disturb the spawning salmon fish population. It has become the "place to be" in Redding for pedestrians and bicyclists and avid wildlife viewers alike.
Lake Siskiyou is a beautiful Northern California lake formed by a box canyon dam on the Sacramento river. It has a hiking trail that goes all the way around it. Recreation of all types can be found here and is one of the best places to view the majestic Mount Shasta.
This is Castle Crags from Castle Creek in Castella. Located just 40 miles north of Redding this absolutely beautiful area is a gem full of outdoor activities. The hike to the top of the Crags is 2.5 miles and 2500' in elevation climb. As you can imagine the views are worth the effort.
One thing the north state is known for is it's waterfalls. This is Crystal Creek Falls located in Whiskeytown state park just 10 miles West of Redding. It's a very easy hike to get to this one. Just turn left on Crystal Creek rd just past Whiskeytown lake and then park at the old query on the left a few miles up the road. This is probably the most accessible waterfall we have here in the north state.
Sometimes it gets a little hot in Redding. When that happens we plan a trip to the coast. It's a 3 hour drive to Humboldt County and there are many attractions to enjoy in this coastal cool area such as the Redwoods. Found right off Hwy 101 just North of Eureka this is a walk through ancient forests that really puts it all in perspective.
This is beautiful Whiskeytown Lake at the center of the Whiskeytown state park. Although it was burned quite extensively by the Carr fire in 2018 it is an ever-changing ecosystem and is always a beautiful place. to be. The lake is fed from nearby Trinity lake and has a drain system to prevent overflowing. This unique structure is called the Glory hole. It and the Earthen dam was dedicated by President Kennedy in 1963.
There are many hiking trails to be found in Shasta County as well as all of Northern California. This is Crystal Creek and this special little place is located quite a way up the mountain at the base of Shasta Bally which is the tallest mountain to the West of Whiskeytown lake. Once you get to a place like this the serenity and peace that comes along with it will soothe your soul and revitalize your outlook on life.
Every year on Memorial Day weekend, sailors from all around come to Whiskeytown lake to compete in the Whiskeytown Regatta. The winds are mildly active during this early part of the season and the competition is fierce. It's a great time though and can be viewed from the shoreline.
This is the Sacramento River as it meanders through Redding, CA. This photo was taken from the bluffs on the East side of the river. This area can be accessed off of Palisades drive and is one of the best places in Redding to watch the sunset.