Hatchet Falls (Lion Slide)

About 45 min outside of Redding, California is this breathtaking waterfall, with being a relatively short hike makes it fun for all ages. The hike takes about 5 minutes from the road. Finding Hatchet Falls (aka Lion Slide) from the road are another story, with these falls not being marked anywhere and not visible from the road you have to keep your eyes peeled. In order to get to the falls you have to drive on highway 299 from Redding for about 45min you will come upon a left turn onto big bend road. After you have turned just follow that until you run into a dirt area with a bridge right before a big sweeping corner, make sure you take the trail to the right so it leads you to the falls. As soon as you walk about 20 yards on the trail you will be following the creek up to the falls! And as soon as you gaze upon this waterfall you are going to be grinning cheek to cheek for the sweet relief of the summer sun!

Hatchet got its name for the log being notched in as steps to make it easier to climb up the log to jump back in the water, but the real fun comes in when you venture up the right side of the waterfall to the rock ledge that makes for an exhilarating 50ft drop. If you're really feeling daring, go to the left side of the falls where a huge oak tree stands and jump from that side for about a 65ft drop. During summer the water fall is an amazing refreshment from the heat. If you have some shoes on, make sure you venture upstream and see what little relaxing swimming spots you can find and maybe some incredible views! Be careful if you choose to jump and make sure you check the water depths beforehand.