Clear Creek Greenway
The Clear Creek Greenway offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and swimming all within a short drive from Redding. Horsetown Clear Creek Preserve is managed cooperatively with a private non-profit group which offers guided hikes and events during the Spring and Fall. Stop at the Clear Creek Gorge Overlook and watch fall run Chinook Salmon spawning in the creek below. Salmon viewing is best between October 1 and December 1. Take a short hike around the rim trail to the east for great views into the canyon. Interpretive displays near the salmon viewing platform describe the mining history of the area, Native American culture, wildlife, native plants, and the salmon life cycle.
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Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
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There are approximately 21 parking spaces in the paved lot for the Clear Creek Gorge Overlook. Two of those spaces are designated as accessible and share an access aisle for vehicles with a mobility device ramp or lift. Two other spaces are longer, to accommodate buses. Cell service is spotty.
Across the parking lot from the accessible spaces is an accessible single vault toilet on a paved path. There is no running water at the site. There are two-bear proof trash receptacles that require depressing a latch and lifting upward.
The site has 3 shade structures over a paved surface. Two of these structures cover picnic tables with inset legs allowing mobility device users to pull up to the ends. Additional tables with the same configuration sit on pavement just outside the shade shelter. A concrete sidewalk leads to the third shade structure, which has 3 benches without arms and angled interpretive signs containing historical and cultural information about the area.
A 20- to 30-foot paved path leads to the Overlook, which has protective railing around it. The Overlook has a bench without arms and 3 round, concrete picnic tables, 1 of which has a cut-out for wheelchair users.
A partially paved trail running east to west can be accessed from the parking area. The paved portion of the trail is 6 feet wide, though one entrance is about 4.5 feet wide and the other is about 5 feet wide. The trail extends approximately 1/10 of a mile in both directions before it turns into a rougher dirt trail on either end.
Note: Descriptions and photos uploaded March 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
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Geographic Coordinates
Directions
Located just a few miles southwest of Redding, CA. From Highway 273, head west on Clear Creek Road. There are numerous trailheads that allow access to the creek and non-motorized trails in the area. The Clear Creek Gorge Overlook is located 4 miles out Clear Creek Road on the left.
Fees
No Fee
Using Digital Maps on Mobile Devices
Heading out for a remote adventure? No cell coverage? No problem. The BLM has developed georeferenced maps compatible with any georeferenced map mobile application.
The map available for this recreation area is georeferenced. For instructions on how to download and use georeferenced maps, and to access maps for other recreation areas, please visit https://www.blm.gov/maps/georeferenced-PDFs.
Please note that georeferenced maps are not a substitute for proper preparation and knowledge to travel on public lands. Always plan ahead and check the most up to date information and conditions before heading out.