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Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Designation: National Recreation Area

Location: California

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

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!

🌤 Weather Information

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.

🚗 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.

Images

A snowy day on top of Shasta Bally

A beautiful stop along Kennedy Memorial Drive

Credit: NPS Matthew Switzer

Crystal clear waters make for good paddling

Another Way to Capture the Beauty

Credit: NPS Matthew Switzer

An evening kayak tour

Thousands of vistors join interpretive rangers to get a new perspective of the lake on a moonlight kayak tour

Credit: NPS Matthew Switzer

Another way to enjoy the park

A popular recreational activity

Credit: NPS

A Fall Day at Whiskeytown Falls

One of the four major waterfalls- Whiskeytown Falls

Credit: Marissa Carlisle

Being on the Top of Shasta Bally

A popular spot for visitors to get a view of the valley and mountain ranges

Credit: Marissa Carlisle

A Beautiful Day at Boulder Creek Falls

One of the four major waterfalls- Boulder Creek Falls

Credit: NPS Matt Switzer

John F. Kennedy Memorial

John F. Kennedy Memorial

Credit: NPS

Glory Hole at Whiskeytown Lake

Glory Hole at Whiskeytown Lake

Credit: NPS

Whiskeytown NRA Visitor Center

Whiskeytown NRA Visitor Center

Credit: NPS

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person
Park Entrance is $15 per person and is good for 7 days.
$15.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Entrance is $25 per vehicle and is good for 7 days.
$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Park entrance for motorcycles is $20 per motorcycles and is good for 7 days.
$20.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
Valid at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Lava Beds National Monument for twelve months from the date of purchase, for unlimited visits to all four parks. It admits the pass holder and any accompanying persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and 3 others when entry is by other means (bicycle and foot). This pass covers entrance fees only and is not refundable and/or transferable.
$55.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Friday, Mar 13

Sunny

Sunny

High: 72.9°F | Low: 48.9°F

Humidity: 37%

Wind: 5.8 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.2

Sunrise: 07:25 AM

Sunset: 07:16 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (35%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 46.5°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Saturday, Mar 14

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 64.4°F | Low: 42.9°F

Humidity: 65%

Wind: 5.8 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.8

Sunrise: 07:24 AM

Sunset: 07:17 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (26%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 46.8°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Sunday, Mar 15

Sunny

Sunny

High: 73.2°F | Low: 44.1°F

Humidity: 25%

Wind: 5.8 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.2

Sunrise: 07:22 AM

Sunset: 07:18 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (18%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 42°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Campfire Ban and Charcoal/Briquette Ban Information
To reduce the threat of unwanted fire during current hot and dry conditions, there is a ban on campfires and charcoal/briquette barbequing. Gas grills and camping stoves are still okay to use.
Swimmer's Itch Reported at Brandy Creek Beach Caution
We have received an usually high number of reports of Swimmer's Itch from visitors at Brandy Creek Beach this year. Learn more about Swimmer's Itch and how to prevent it

More Info

Visitor Center closed until further notice
Due to a power outage, the Visitor Center will be closed until further notice. For questions and updates please call 530-242-3431, sorry for the inconvenience.
Don't Move a Mussel! Information
Hey Boaters, please clean, drain, and dry your vessel completely before setting out on Whiskeytown Lake. Thank you for doing your part to keep the Golden Mussel, an aquatic invasive species, out of the reservoir. Learn more about preventative measures.

More Info

Paige Bar Road (Unpaved Portion) Closed Between Pavement and Horse Camp Caution
A portion of Paige Bar Road has been closed between the end of the pavement (near WES Camp) and Horse Camp due to flooding. As flooding recedes, staff will investigate the dirt road and culverts for damage and needed repairs.
Boat Dock Available at Whiskey Creek. Information
The dock at Brandy Creek Marina has been temporarily removed for repairs. Please launch at Whiskey Creek.
Burned Area Safety Advisory Caution
The Carr Fire has increased risks to visitors; falling trees, broken and hanging limbs, burned out stump holes, abandoned mine features, and loose rocks remain in much of the burned area. Remember to watch the ground you walk on, as well as above you.
Visitor Center open 8:30am to 4:00pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Information
To complete an interior renovation construction project, the Visitor Center has been temporarily moved to the opposite end of the Visitor Center parking lot. The temporary Visitor Center is in a wheelchair accessible trailer. Please also note that the lake webcam is offline until construction is completed. Thank you for your patience.
Campfire Ban and Charcoal/Briquette Ban Information
To reduce the threat of unwanted fire during current hot and dry conditions, there is a ban on campfires and charcoal/briquette barbequing. Gas grills and camping stoves are still okay to use.
Whiskey Creek Road Closed Beyond Whiskey Creek Boat Launch Parking Lot. Caution
During recent heavy rains, the increased water level in Whiskey Creek has washed away part of Whiskey Creek Road - the road is closed beyond the Whiskey Creek Boat Launch parking lot. For your safety, do not go beyond the barricade!
Shasta Bally Road is Now Open Information
The road from Sheep Camp to the top of Shasta Bally is now open to 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
Public Health Advisory at Upper Clear Creek Caution
Due to elevated levels of E. coli recently detected, visitors should avoid contact with the water in Clear Creek within Tower House Historic District, Clear Creek Picnic Area, and Coggins Flat.

More Info

Black Bear Alert for Brandy Creek RV Campground Caution
A black bear has been seeking out human food in the RV campground. Campers are asked to keep bears wild by securing all coolers, food, and other scented items in your RV. Also, please to roll your windows completely up.
Oak Bottom Launch Ramp Closed for the Winter Information
With lower lake levels during the winter, the water is too shallow to successfully launch a boat at Oak Bottom. The Oak Bottom launch ramp will re-open in the Spring. Please use the Whiskey Creek and Brandy Creek launch ramps as alternatives.
Rebuilding Whiskeytown Environmental School Information
We are seeking public comments on our vision for rebuilding Whiskeytown Environmental School after the devastating megafire of 2018 and subsequent burn scar flooding. Read the environmental assessment and provide input.

More Info

Winter Hazards on Trails - Downed Trees and High Water Caution
While park staff clear trails several times each year, please be prepared for downed trees. Rain and wind continue to bring down dead trees within the Carr megafire burn scar, and this trend will continue for years. Also note high water at creek fords and seasonal streams during this time of year. Enjoy your national recreation area but please be safe out there.

More Info

Shasta Bally Road closed until further notice
Due to weather changes Shasta Bally will remain closed at the gate above Sheep Camp. For questions please call the Visitor Center at (530) 246-1225.

More Info

South Shore Drive Road Closed Until Further Notice Information
As many of you know, with recent storms the roads received a significant amount of moisture. South Shore Drive is one of these roads and needs time to dry out. We are sorry for any inconvenience, please call the Visitor Center for updates 530-246-1225.

More Info

Don't Move a Mussel! Information
Hey Boaters, please clean, drain, and dry your vessel completely before setting out on Whiskeytown Lake. Thank you for doing your part to keep the Golden Mussel, an aquatic invasive species, out of the reservoir. Learn more about preventative measures.

More Info

Temporary Visitor Center open 9am to 5pm daily Information
To complete an interior renovation construction project, the Visitor Center has been temporarily moved to the opposite end of the Visitor Center parking lot. The temporary Visitor Center is in a wheelchair accessible trailer.
Swimmer's Itch Reported at Brandy Creek Beach Caution
We have received an usually high number of reports of Swimmer's Itch from visitors at Brandy Creek Beach this year. Learn more about Swimmer's Itch and how to prevent it

More Info

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
14412 Kennedy Memorial Drive
Whiskeytown, CA 96095

🏤 Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 188
Whiskeytown, CA 96095

📞 Voice Phone: 5302423400

📞 Fax Phone: 5302445154

✉️ Email: whis_information@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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