Whiskeytown National Recreation Area - California

Enjoy Boating, Camping, Hiking and More at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is an excellent place to enjoy outdoors recreational activities in California. This beautiful park is located 8 miles west of Redding, and it is open year round. Whiskeytown Lake is ideal for swimming, boating, scuba diving and fishing. Hiking, biking, bird watching and horseback riding are some of the land-based activities you can enjoy at the Park.

On the Water at Whiskeytown

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a popular destination on hot summer days. Visitors can scuba dive, swim, or wade at beaches at Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek and East Beach within the Park, although Brandy Creek Beach is the only area that features lifeguards.

Whiskeytown Lake is ideal for kayaking and canoeing, and it is also excellent for sailing. Boating and waterskiing are popular here, and you can fish by boat or from shore. Jet skis are not allowed on Whiskeytown Lake. Boat launch areas are located at Brandy Creek Marina, Oak Bottom and Whiskey Creek, and there are fishing piers at Whiskey Creek and Oak Bottom.

Ranger-led kayak tours are available by reservation at Whiskeytown Lake. These tours offer a terrific opportunity to tour the coves around the lake and learn more about this beautiful natural area.

Trails at Whiskeytown

Hiking at Whiskeytown Park provides visitors with another opportunity to escape the heat during summer months, although trails are accessible year round. Hikers can view wildlife and birds in a beautiful mountain setting, and Ranger guided day hikes are available at Whiskeytown.

Hikers can explore canyons and cool off in shaded forests. There are eight creeks that flow throughout the park year round. Easy, moderate and difficult trails are available, and you can hike to four waterfalls at Whiskeytown.

Wildflowers thrive at Whiskeytown in the spring, and in the fall hikers enjoy a spectacular foliage display. Winter is an excellent time to view wildlife on sunny days at Whiskeytown. You can also go mountain biking or tour Whiskeytown park on horseback. 4 wheel drive vehicle trips to the summit of Shasta Belly are another popular activity at Whiskeytown.

Whiskeytown Camping

A variety of options is available for campers at Whiskeytown. RV, tent camping, and primitive campsites are all available. Wherever you choose to camp, be certain to use food storage lockers and smart “food management” practices to avoid interfering with wildlife at the Park such as bears and raccoons.
 
Enjoy a Picnic at Whiskeytown

Whiskeytown is a beautiful place to enjoy a picnic, and there are picnic areas at Brandy Creek, Oak Bottom and Whiskey Creek near the boat launch area. Crystal Creek Falls has 2 picnic sites that provide views of the falls. Avoid leaving food unattended at your picnic site to prevent attracting wildlife, and do not feed any animals at Whiskeytown.

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