Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Of the three parts of the Whiskeytown - Shasta - Trinity National Recreation Area, the Whiskeytown Unit (authorized Nov. 8, 1965 and established October, 21,1972), is the only unit administered by the National Park Service. For information on the other 2 Units, please click the "Shasta & Trinity Unit Info" link to the right.

The Whiskeytown Unit, with its mountainous back country and man-made large reservoir offers many summer activities such as hiking and boating as well as the historical remains of buildings built during the California Gold Rush of 1849. Whiskeytown Lake, with 36 miles of shoreline and covering 3200 acres, is excellent for most water-related activities, including swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, boating and fishing. The lake was created by diverting water through tunnels and penstocks, from the Trinity River Basin to the Sacramento River Basin. The most prominent landmark within the Recreation Area is the 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 Unit. The other two units (Shasta & Trinity) offer additional activities and are administered by the Forest Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Whiskeytown NRA
P.O. Box 188
Whiskeytown, CA 96095
530 242-3400 - Headquarters
530 246-1225 - Visitor Information

By Plane
Commercial air service is available to Redding California located approximately 16 miles from Whiskeytown. Rental vehicles are available.

By Car
From Interstate 5, take the 299 West exit toward Eureka. Follow 299 west for approximately 8 miles to reach the Visitor Center.

By Plane
The city of Redding is located 8 miles to the east and is served by Amtrak, Greyhound and the Redding Airport. Public transportation from Redding to Whiskeytown is not available, however rental cars are available at the airport and in town.

Getting Around
Roads surround the lake. However, an unpaved section from Dry Creek to Carr Powerhouse is steep with 4WD recommended, especially when wet/muddy.

Summer is hot and dry with temperatures ranging from 85(c2)(b0) - 100(c2)(b0)+F and lows from 60(c2)(b0) - 70(c2)(b0).

Fall days are usually mild and warm, with cool nights with highs 60(c2)(b0) - 80+(c2)(b0) and lows 30(c2)(b0) - 50(c2)(b0).

Winter is when most of the precipitation falls, averaging over 55 inches per year. Highs range from 40(c2)(b0) - 60(c2)(b0) and lows from 30(c2)(b0) - 40(c2)(b0).

Spring is variable with many pleasant days with highs 60(c2)(b0) - 80(c2)(b0) and lows 30(c2)(b0) - 50(c2)(b0).

Lightweight, colored clothing is recommended for summer, including a hat. Layers of clothing are best for other times of the year.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Hunting
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Kayaking
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling

Recommended Activities
Water based activities are the primary interest of most Whiskeytown visitors including - 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 1850's.