Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, with its mountainous back country and large, man-made reservoir, offers many summer activities such as hiking and boating, as well as historical remains of the California Gold Rush of 1849. Whiskeytown Lake provides 36 miles of shoreline and 3200 surface acres of water, and is excellent for most water-related activities, including swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, boating and fishing.
The most prominent landmark within the Recreation Area is Shasta Bally (elevation 6,209 feet). The summit may be reached on foot and by 4-wheel drive vehicle, but is closed in the winter. Picnicking, hiking, hunting, interpretive programs, and horseback riding are also popular within the Whiskeytown area. Two neighboring recreation areas, Shasta and Trinity, offer additional outdoor activities administered by the US Forest Service.
The Basics
Location:
Just outside Redding, in north central California
Hours:
The Visitor Center offers exhibits about the history and development of the Whiskeytown area. Visitors may also inquire about gold panning and historic mine tours. Learn about campgrounds and purchase visitor passes while at the Visitor Center. Books, maps and postcards may also be purchased at the Visitor Center Bookstore.
Location & Address Whiskeytowon National Recreation Area Visitor Center Highway 299 & Kennedy Memorial Drive P.O. Box 188 Whiskeytown, CA 96095 Phone: (530) 246-1225
Hours The Visitor Center is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Summer hours (Memorial Day - Labor Day) are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Park Headquarters business offices are open weekdays from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Season:
Open year-round. (Visitor Center hours: 9am to 4/6pm winter/summer)
Price:
$5 per day or $10 for 7 days
Elevation:
1,000 to 6,200 feet above sea level
Headquarters:
530-242-3400
Information:
530-246-1225
Map
Some More Things to Know
Water-based activities are the primary interest of most Whiskeytown visitors including: kayaking, swimming, sailing, water skiing, scuba diving, and fishing.
In addition, the land area surrounding the lake and extending all the way to the top of Shasta Bally (6209' elevation) provides ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The Historic District dates back to the California Gold Rush era and before. Opportunities include gold panning, interpretive signs and the Camden House built in the 1850s.
Free Ranger-guided kayak tours are offered during the summer months.
Directions
From Interstate 5, take the 299 West exit toward Eureka. Follow 299 west for approximately 8 miles to reach the Visitor Center.
Climate
Summers are hot and dry, with daytime temperatures often over 100°. Visitors should wear light weight clothing, including a hat when in the sun. Fall days can be warm but with cooler evenings. Winters are wet, the park receives over 55 inches of rain with snow at the higher elevations. Winter daytime temperatures can be pleasant when it's not raining. Visitors should wear layers and be prepared for dropping temperatures towards evening. Rains can persist until late May.
Whiskeytown offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities for you and your family year-round. Kayaking, sailing, fishing, swimming and waterskiing are some of the favorite activities one can experience within the cool, clear waters of Whiskeytown Lake.
You can visit shaded picnic areas, or the Camden House Historic District to learn about how the area played a part during the Gold Rush era. Hike to waterfalls, old-growth forests, or drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle to the summit of Shasta Bally.
Learn about why Whiskeytown National Recreation area is important enough to be included with Yosemite and the Lincoln Memorial as part of America's National Park System. Join the ranger-guided activities such as the ever popular kayak tours, day hikes, goldpanning and special evening programs.
Oak Bottom Campground Oak Bottom tent campground has fire grates and central restrooms. Hot showers (fee) are at Oak Bottom beach restrooms. Lakeside tent sites are $18.00/night with other tent sites at $16.00/night. Oak Bottom RV sites (separate from tent campground) include a central restoom, dump station, water, but no hookups. Sites are $14.00/night. Maximum 6 persons per site.
For reservations at Oak Bottom call the campground directly at (530)359-2407 for the latest information.
Primitive Campsites Whiskeytown's primitive campsites have fire rings, tables, food storage lockers, and restrooms. The sites are available only on a first-come-first-served basis. Permits available at the Visitor Center for $10.00/night (no advanced reservations accepted). The sites are located away from the lake and are accessible by dirt road. Maximum 6 persons per site. Ask for camping regulations when you get your permit. Traditional backpack camping is available with a Backcountry Use Permit.
Brandy Creek RV Campground Brandy Creek has RV camping for self-contained units only - a dump station and water provided; no hookups or restrooms. The sites are offered on a first come first served basis (no advance reservations accepted), and are paved parking spots on an access road. Summer $14.00 per night / winter $7.00 per night. Permits are available at the campground registration box.
Dry Creek Group Tent Campground Dry Creek Group Campground is located just beyond the Brandy Creek Beach day use area. There are two designated group sites in this tent campground. Each site contains two large serving tables, numerous picnic tables, a large charcoal barbecue grill, a cleared fire pit area, vault toilets, bear-proof storage lockers and drinking water. Each site can hold a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 50 people and are available by reservation. Larger groups may reserve both sites for a total of 100 campsers.
The fee is $75.00 per night. Reservations are required from April 1 through October 31. The area is closed between November 1 and March 31.
Reservations can be made online at http://www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
Visit Whiskeytown's beautiful shaded picnic areas with tables, fire grills and restrooms located at Brandy Creek, Oak Bottom and at the Whiskey Creek boat launch area. Large groups can reserve Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area located directly across the lake from the Whiskey Creek boat launch ramp.
There is a picnic site at Crystal Creek Falls which has 2 sites. This site offers a beautiful view of Crystal Creek falls. The site is located on Crystal Creek Road approximately 2 miles south off Highway 299.
Handicap accessible picnic sites, fishing piers and beach access are located at Oak Bottom and Brandy Creek. Whiskey Creek also has an accessible fishing pier.
Do not feed wildlife - it is against the law and may result in a citation. Do not leave food unattended, store out of sight in a secured vehicle.
Beaches and Swimming Most visitors to Whiskeytown come for its cool, clear waters. Swimming, wading, and scuba diving takes place along the shorelines or at one of the parks designated beaches. Beaches are located at Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek and East Beach.
Lifeguards are present at Brandy Creek Beach during the summer months only. No lifeguards are present at the other areas. Swim at your risk in these areas. Know your limits and never swim alone. Watch children closely in and near water.
Pets are not allowed on beaches at Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek and East Beach.
While the primary focus for Whiskeytown visitors is water recreation the park also contains cool rugged canyons, forests, streams and waterfalls. What a perfect way to see abundant wildflowers in the spring, experience the glory of fall colors or catch a glimpse of the past as well as view wildlife in their natural habitat. Mountain trails along shaded corridors and eight year-round creeks offer a refreshing break from the summer's heat.
Whether hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding - the land surrounding Whiskeytown provides many opportunities for these activities.
Individual trail guides are also available or at the Visitor Center. Check with the Visitor Center for current trail conditions.
Summers can be hot and dry. Consider hiking in the early morning to avoid the heat of the day.
Winters can be cold, with possible snow and/or ice. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions and stay on established trails.
Easy Hikes:
Buck Hollow Camden Water Ditch Crystal Creek Water Ditch Oak Bottom Water Ditch
Moderate Hikes:
Boulder Creek Falls Brandy Creek Falls Clear Creek Canal Clear Creek Vista Davis Gulch Guardian Rock Logging Camp Lower Brandy Creek Mt. Shasta Mine Loop Mule Mountain Pass Peltier Trail Salt Creek Loop Salt Gulch
Moderate to Difficult Hikes
Mill Creek Kanaka Peak James K. Carr Trail (Whiskeytown Falls)
Proper equipment, good conditioning, and a healthy regard for weather and wilderness conditions will serve to enhance your visit. Stay on established roads and trails and notify someone of your travel plans.
Open: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Closed: Monday and Tuesday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
A Gold Rush Era town, Shasta Historical Park is located six miles west of Redding. Highway 299, also the main street, passes through the middle of town. The park features a restored courthouse, now a museum, historic ruins and a cemetery.
Weaverville Joss House Highway 299 West & Oregon Street, Weaverville, CA
Open: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Closed: Monday and Tuesday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
Located in the heart of Weaverville, this Taoist temple provides a fascinating look into the role played by Chinese immigrants in early California history. The park features the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California. On display are art objects, pictures, mining tools and weapons used in the 1854 Tong War.
Lassen Volcanic National Park (Headquarters) State Route 36, Mineral, CA
Open: All year, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Closed: Holidays
Loomis Museum, Information & Bookstore
Manzanita Lake (West Entrance)
Open: May 27– June 15; Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, June 16 – September 30; daily, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
The park is located approximately 50 miles east of Redding and features Lassen Peak, a volcano last active from 1915 to 1921. All four types of volcanoes are found in the park. Visitors may see steam vents, mud pots, boiling pools and sand dunes of volcanic ash. Popular winter activities include snow shoeing and cross country skiing.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest (Shasta Unit) Shasta Lake Visitor Information Center 14250 Holiday Road, Redding, CA 96003
Open: >Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend; 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily Mid-September through Mid-May; 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday
Trinity Unit Weaverville Ranger Station 210 Main Street, Weaverville, CA 96093
Open: Monday – Friday; 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
This National Recreation Area features boating and fishing at Shasta Lake and Trinity Lakes. Camping, hiking and horse packing are also popular in the National Forest and Wilderness areas of this management unit. Trailheads off of Highway 299 West and State Route 3 lead to the pristine Trinity Alps Wilderness with glaciers, lakes and alpine meadows.
Redwood National and State Parks Crescent City Information Center1111 Second Street, Crescent City, CA 95331-4198
Open: March 1 to December 31, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm January 1 to February 28, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
This ancient ecosystem preserves some of the planet’s most majestic forests. Here, where the cool fog of the California summer meets land, a diverse mix of plants and animals are found including banana slugs, gray whales, Douglas-fir, black bears, seals and redwoods. The management unit includes Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and Redwood National Park. Together these parks represent 45 percent of the remaining old growth redwood forest in California.
