If you are thinking of going hiking around Redding, try the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.  There are three main sections in the area, dividing the 24 established trails into three hikes - difficult, moderate and easy.  Some of the safety precautions to think about include the possibility of:

• fees (daily passes are $5, weekly are $10 and annual  are $25)
• dogs are permitted on leashes only.  Not allowed on swim beaches
• No motorized vehicles on trails; bicycles allowed on most
• Poison Oak is common, remember “leaves of 3 let them be”.  If you come into contact wash the exposed area with clear water and wash clothes in their own wash load.
• Ticks are common.  Remove the tick with tweezers or seek medical attention.  Consider keeping the tick for testing of Lyme Disease in case you become ill or develop a target-shaped rash around bite.
• Rattlesnakes.  Most bites occur as a result of teasing or trying to handle snakes.  Few people die from rattlesnake bites, but seek immediate medical attention if bitten.
• Bears may approach, try to scare it by shouting and waving arms.  If a bear attacks, fall to ground in fetal position and play dead, protecting your head and neck with hands.
• Mountain Lions aren’t very common but watch children and never let them run ahead on trails.  Don’t run if you cross paths with a mountain lion, this will stimulate their chase instinct.  Instead, face lion and stand upright, making eye contact and backing away slowly.  Open your coat, spread arms wide and put small children on your shoulders  to appear larger.  If attacked, fight back and don’t play dead.