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chapter 1

Trips in Whiskeytown

National Recreation Area

In July 2018, the Carr Fire devastated Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. For the latest information on recovery and closings/reopenings, call 530-242-3400 or visit nps.gov/whis.

Although the Whiskeytown Unit of Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, also known by the more streamlined name of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (NRA), is best known for holding a good-sized artificial lake where Sacramento Valley residents can beat the scorching summer heat, the area offers fine hiking, especially in spring, when wildflowers cover the slopes, streams are full, and a trio of scenic waterfalls peaks. This chapter has four day hikes: a splendid 6.5-mile loop trip to the summit of view-packed, 2,616-foot-high Kanaka Peak, and three short out-and-back romps to waterfalls. While spring is best for the falls and the beautiful flowers, hiking here in the fall, when daytime temperatures have abated and autumn colors reach their peak, can be pleasant as well. Summer visitors should hike in the morning or in the evening, when the temperatures are more tolerable.

The NRA status of Whiskeytown requires hikers to purchase permits to park at trailheads; they can be obtained at the visitor center near Whiskeytown Dam, on Kennedy Memorial Drive off CA 299. America the Beautiful pass holders may park in Whiskeytown at no additional charge.

In addition to hiking and water sports, the Whiskeytown Unit offers activities well suited to recreationists of all ages. Picnic areas at Brandy Creek, Oak Bottom, Whiskey Creek, and Crystal Creek Falls are fine spots to share a meal. Three sandy beaches on Whiskeytown Lake offer swimming and sunbathing. Developed campgrounds include Oak Bottom Campground and Brandy Creek RV Campground, and there are a few primitive campgrounds above the reservoir. With a valid California license, anglers can ply the waters of Whiskeytown Lake year-round and the surrounding streams late April–mid-November for a half-dozen varieties of fish. Visitors can even pan for gold as a ranger-led activity.

Trips from CA 299

CA 299 provides the principal route to connections to trailheads in Whiskeytown NRA. An 8-mile drive west from downtown Redding leads through the historic mining town of Shasta to the visitor center at the east end of Whiskeytown Lake, a 3,500-acre reservoir created by the namesake earthen dam in 1963. Boating (no personal watercraft), water-skiing, swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking are popular activities. From the network of 70 miles of trail, four day hikes are highlighted in the following section, accessible by short drives from CA 299.

HIGHLIGHTS Shasta State Historic Park, Whiskeytown Lake