The Westside Trail is a gem, a multi-faceted gem.
The main trail and its access trails provide more than 8 miles of adventure, the destination of which are the vistas provided by traveling along the ridge, which is the western skyline of the city Redding.
This trail is the result of the vision of a few people and the work of many. The trail construction started about 15 years ago and has been evolving ever since. The newest addition to the trail is a deeded access point to the southern most section of the trail.
To get there, travel west on Placer Road from its intersection at Buenaventura Boulevard. (You’ll see a Starbucks next to the fire station), and go 2 and 1/2 miles west to Purple Elm Drive, which is on your right – or north.
This new road leads to Laurel Glen Estates, a new development of nine, 4-plus acre home sites. Take Purple Elm Drive to the right about 0.1 mile. Next follow Laurel Glen Drive to the right 0.3 miles.
If you are driving there is a good place to park on your right just past the cul-de-sac. After you have parked your vehicle, you can walk or ride your mountain bike on the paved road about 500 feet directly up the ridge to the end of the pavement. About 100 feet after the pavement ends you will see the trail and the trail sign on your left. This is where the fun starts.
The trail starts out at an elevation of 950 feet, almost level as it traverses a portion of the original Clear Creek mining ditch. As you travel along you are shaded by white oak, gray pine and black oak. Growing under the canopy provided by these trees look closely for the many varieties of wildflowers.
After about 1/2 of a mile the trail leaves the old Clear Creek mining ditch grade and begins the assent to the top of the mountain. Be sure to wear good gripping shoes as the trail surface is natural materials of shale and green stone, an igneous rock the miners looked for as it has quartz veins that often contain gold.
The trail grade varies up to 12 percent as it makes its way to the top. About half way up the trail runs along a ridge that opens up views of the Salt Creek drainage, including views of Shasta Bally mountain. Once on top of the main ridge the vista includes views of Mt. Shasta, Lassen Peak, the Sacramento River, the Sundial Bridge and the city of Redding. Once you are at the top, at an elevation of 1,350 feet, there is a 360-degree view. This is a great place to have a drink of cold water and a snack, ; Oh! Did I forget to mention you should bring water and a snack? Bring water and a snack.
There will be some of you who are looking for the cardio workout and its endorphin-produced high, you will get that. There are some who are looking for the nature encounter, a place to mediate, with sounds of birds and other animals, the sound of the wind as it passes through the trees and chaparral of manzanita, buck brush, dogwood and toyon, and the lack of noise from things we have made (except maybe an occasional airplane), and you will find this. There are some who are looking for a place for a family excursion, an outdoor experience with all the benefits you read about including burning a lot of calories, you will find this, too.
If you want to go further the trail has turn-offs to Lower Springs Road to the west, Dillard Road to the east, and Mary Lake north and then to the east.
If this is your first trip, bring binoculars. On your return you might think you have seen everything, but it is a totally different experience on the return trip, for just as the suns rays bring brightness and sparkle to a faceted gem the sun is now opposite of when you came up and it will highlight differently, the grade is also opposite, a welcome relief.
See if you agree with the oft quoted statement: “The journey is many times more interesting than the destination.”
Paul grew up in Los Angeles. At age 12 a neighbor took Paul camping and hiking near the Trinity River. The adventure experience of being in nature, walking a trail in anticipation of what was around the next bend and what was over the next ridge left memories that have lasted a lifetime. In 1987 Paul formed a business partnership with Fred Bergstrom, the purpose of which was to develop residential neighborhoods in Redding. Paul’s experience as a land surveyor and timber access road builder, together with Fred’s experience as a real estate broker and builder, formed a partnership that has lasted 27 years. Paul accepts the critics comments that cast him as one who simply moves in with huge bulldozers killing trees, brush, animal habitat and moving mountains of dirt. He juxtaposes their comments with his desire to build neighborhoods with quality homes, open space and walking trails.
