Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is in the Shasta Cascades region of California.

Understand

Whiskeytown is an outdoor recreational haven for tourists and locals alike, a land of water, hills, and mountains transformed (for better or worse) by the activities of man. It also has a legacy of historic preservation. That said, if anything you do may disturb others enjoying what the area has to offer, don't do it. Use common sense.

History

Gold, quartz, and copper were all mined in different parts of the area at different times in Whiskeytown's history. After the Central Valley Project altered the hydrology of the Sacramento River watershed, the lake was formed, flooding the actual town of Whiskeytown. Its ruins are now located at the bottom of the lake, much like Kennett under nearby Shasta Lake.

Landscape

The area is mostly covered by forested hills and mountains, and, of course, Whiskeytown Lake itself. There are also a few gulches jutting on the other side of CA-299 from the lake proper.

Flora and fauna

Fish are abundant in the lake. Small animals (squirrels are very common) abound, as do larger ones such as bears and mountain lions.

Climate

The weather is cooler than Redding. Temperature is variable near the shore and on the lower slopes, and usually colder as you go upslope from there. Rain is common any month but summer. Snow comes in winter and spring in all areas of the park. Hail, when it falls, usually occurs at higher elevations in late fall and early spring.

Visitor information

• Park website

Get in

CA-299 is the way to go. Bikes are not recommended. If you don't have a car, carpool. Do not hitch-hike or pick up hitch-hikers. Unfortunately, it is not safe in this part of the country.

Fees/Permits

There is a $5.00 day-pass, a $10.00 week-pass, and a $25.00 annual pass. The latter is also valid at Lassen Volcanic National Park, the annual pass for which is interchangeable with the one for Whiskeytown.

More information:

Get around

By car, or by using the trails is best.

See

• 1 Whiskeytown Falls. (updated Jan 2022)
• Carr Powerhouse
• Brandy Creek trails

Do

• Wildlife viewing
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Equestrian trails
• Mountain biking
• Camping
• Boating
• Viewing historic sites

Stay safe

Bears and mountain lions roam the area, so watch out! Staying on trails is a good idea.