AAPI Heritage Sites of the American West
Remains of a Chinese camp lie in the Swasey Recreational Area. Dating back to the 1850’s, when the Chinese were arriving in Redding in great numbers to mine for gold, the site contains opium tins, brown-ware, nails, ceramic buttons, and a Chinese-built rock wall feature.
The rock wall feature located within the site may have been an oven because charcoal is nearby. The rock wall is difficult to see because it is covered in poison oak and grape vines.
Land Ownership:
Bureau of Land Management, Redding Field Office
Southwest of Redding at the intersection of Buenaventura Blvd and Placer Rd, drive 4 miles west along Placer Rd. Turn right on Swasey Dr., and drive 1.1 miles. Turn left on Delano Dr., and drive .80 miles until you reach the entrance to the main recreation area with workout benches. Before entering, there is a loop driveway to the left. Park in the recreation lot and head back to the looped driveway (about 147 feet) now on your right. The trail-head can be seen from here. Walk .47 miles along the designated trail and the fenced off area will be to your left across the creek. This portion of BLM land does back up to private property, so be aware that you are not trespassing.