Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
CA
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!
Details
- 🏞️Type
- National Park
- 🏛️Managed by
- National Park Service
- 📍State
- CA
- 🗺️Address
- 14412 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Whiskeytown, CA, 96095
- 📞Phone
- 5302423400
- 🕐Hours
- The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Certain areas of the park are subject to seasonal and COVID-19 temporary closures or limited hours. Some areas of the park remain closed due to hazardous conditions from the Carr Fire. Please check the park website for current information.
- 💵Entrance Fee
- $15
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- ♿Accessibility
- limited
- 🥾Activities
- astronomy, stargazing, biking, mountain biking, road biking, boating, motorized boating, sailing, camping, backcountry camping, car or front country camping, horse camping (see also horse/stock use), group camping, rv 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
- 📡GPS
- 40.61360, -122.60227
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.
Getting There
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.