Cottonwood, California travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Cottonwood is a city in Shasta County in the Shasta Cascades region of California.

2 sights · 1 places to eat · 2 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Cottonwood

Coleman National Fish Hatchery

The largest salmon hatchery in the lower 48 states, this hatchery has got a lot to offer. The primary adronomous fish that are hatched here include chinook salmon and steelhead trout.

Old Town Cottonwood

This area captures the history of Cottonwood very well. A wide variety of events are held here (history-themed, of course).

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 100°F; winter lows dip to about 37°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Redding)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
RDD Redding Municipal Airport, Redding — 8 mi away. Directions
ACV California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, Arcata/Eureka — 104 mi away. Directions
SMF Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento — 123 mi away (major hub). Directions

The only main way to get into Cottonwood is by car.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Coleman National Fish Hatchery
Lunch Roger's Frosty
Afternoon Old Town Cottonwood

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Get in

The only main way to get into Cottonwood is by car.

By car

From the north: On I-5 S, drive down from Redding for 14.4 miles.

From the south: On I-5 N, drive up from Sacramento for 144.7 miles.

Get around

Cottonwood is small, so it is good to walk, bicycle, or drive a car to get around.

See

See Coleman National Fish Hatchery

The largest salmon hatchery in the lower 48 states, this hatchery has got a lot to offer. The primary adronomous fish that are hatched here include chinook salmon and steelhead trout.

📍 24411 Coleman Fish Hatchery Road🕒 Open for self-guided tours 7:30AM to dusk

Maps Website