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National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

InformationJan 13, 2026

Visitor Center open 8:30am to 4:00pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

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CautionJan 13, 2026

Winter Hazards on Trails - Downed Trees and High Water

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A snowy day on top of Shasta Bally

A beautiful stop along Kennedy Memorial Drive

Photo: NPS Matthew Switzer

About

Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more. Explore waterfalls, hike rugged trails, uncover Gold Rush history, and witness the resilience of nature in its post-fire recovery. Adventure awaits at every turn—Whiskeytown is calling!

Activities

AstronomyStargazingBikingMountain BikingRoad BikingBoatingMotorized BoatingSailingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV Camping
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Fly Fishing
Food
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horse Camping (see also camping)
Horseback Riding
Hunting and Gathering
Hunting
Living History
First Person Interpretation
Paddling
Canoeing
Kayaking
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Junior Ranger Program
SCUBA Diving
Swimming
Freshwater Swimming
Water Skiing
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

Car From Interstate 5, take the Highway 44 West exit toward Downtown Redding and Eureka. From Downtown Redding, follow Highway 299 west toward Eureka for approximately 8 miles to reach the Visitor Center. Plane Commercial air service is available to Redding California located approximately 16 miles from Whiskeytown. Rental vehicles are available.

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Weather

Whiskeytown NRA is in a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers followed by cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 90's to lower 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as the occasional thunderstorm. Winter brings snow to the upper elevations (only occasionally down to the lake level of 1,200'), and rain and ice. See the park weather page for the current weather.

News

Feb 5, 2026

National Park Service to Authorize Nearly 80 Miles of Trails for Bicycles at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in northern California will soon be authorized to designate nearly 80 miles of trails for bicycle and e-bike use under a new National Park Service rule that expands responsible recreation access.

National Park Service seeks to rebuild Whiskeytown Environmental School with fire resilience and sustainability in mind
Jan 22, 2026

National Park Service seeks to rebuild Whiskeytown Environmental School with fire resilience and sustainability in mind

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is seeking public comments on its vision for rebuilding Whiskeytown Environmental School after the devastating megafire of 2018 and subsequent burn scar flooding. 

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$20.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle$25.00