Reading Island is a lush riparian island located between the Sacramento River and Anderson Creek Slough. The surrounding area is made up of the rolling hills of blue oak savanna with a diverse habitat for bald eagles, osprey, migratory and song birds, deer, and salmon.
Recreation: Paddling, fishing, and hiking are popular activities along the Sacramento River. The campground has informal river access points, while the day-use area has a concrete boat launch ideal for kayaks, canoes, and rafts. Multi-day floats on the Sacramento River are popular, using Reading Island as an overnight stop. The island has a short system of informal hiking trail to be explored on foot. Birding and other wildlife viewing activities are great here. The greater Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area offers more recreation opportunities including equestrian friendly trails, wildflower viewing, waterfowl hunting in wetlands, and an undeveloped shooting range - all within a 30 minute drive.
Nearby: Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area has a diverse network of river access, trails, and parking areas. Horseback riding, hunting, target shooting, birding, and wildflower viewing are all very popular in the area. More information and a map can be found on the BLM website . Redding offers hundreds of non-motorized multi-use trails including paved paths and singletrack dirt, many optimized for downhill mountain biking. Find out more on the Visit Redding website . Whiskeytown National Recreation Area: Fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. More information on the Park Service website . Cottonwood and Anderson, CA: Small towns with dining and shopping options. Redding, CA: Large town with an airport, hospitals, dining and shopping at larger box-stores.