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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

Tuesday, Nov 4

Moderate rain

Moderate rain

High: 59.4°F | Low: 51.4°F

Humidity: 92%

Wind: 4.3 mph

Rain Chance: 85%

UV Index: 0

Sunrise: 06:43 AM

Sunset: 05:02 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (96%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 53.8°F

Cloud Cover: 85%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Nov 5

Heavy rain

Heavy rain

High: 53.1°F | Low: 52°F

Humidity: 96%

Wind: 15.4 mph

Rain Chance: 88%

UV Index: 0.1

Sunrise: 06:45 AM

Sunset: 05:01 PM

Moon: Full Moon (99%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 51.7°F

Cloud Cover: 88%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Nov 6

Fog

Fog

High: 55.2°F | Low: 51.5°F

Humidity: 94%

Wind: 3.4 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.5

Sunrise: 06:46 AM

Sunset: 05:00 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (100%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 51.8°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (2)

⚠️ Wind Advisory (Moderate)
▼

Wind Advisory issued November 4 at 1:33AM PST until November 5 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA

Effective: Nov 4, 2025 4:33am
Expires: Nov 5, 2025 7:15am

* WHAT...Southerly winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 35 to 45 mph
expected, and gusts of 45 to 55 mph in the Delta.

* WHERE...Carquinez Strait and Delta, Sacramento Valley, and
Northeast Foothills.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 4 PM PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty southerly winds will blow around unsecured
objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages
may result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strongest winds expected Wednesday morning.

⚠️ Flood Watch (Severe)
▼

Flood Watch issued November 4 at 3:11AM PST until November 5 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Nov 4, 2025 6:11am
Expires: Nov 4, 2025 2:15pm

* WHAT...A strong Atmospheric River weather system will bring
persistent moderate to heavy rainfall

* WHERE...A portion of northwest California, including the following
areas, Northeastern Mendocino Interior, Northern Lake,
Southeastern Mendocino Interior, Southern Lake, Southern Trinity
and Southwestern Mendocino Interior.

* WHEN...From late tonight through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...There will be an increased risk of rock and land slides
along roadways. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur
in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- A strong Atmospheric River weather system will bring
persistent moderate to heavy rainfall
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Park Events

Tower House History & Field Day
Croquet, Board Games, Children's Books & Walking Tours offered on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm at Tower House Historic District...   Picnic and play outside the Camden House! During this Saturdays drop-in program, Interpretation Volunteer Jerry Gordon can answer your questions and give you a history tour. You can also borrow and use any of the games and books listed below during this four-hour period. Don't forget to splash around in the creeks, and finally, self-guided walking tours and a children's scavenger hunt with sticker prize are also available.   This is great recreational opportunity for families with children, youth play dates, or even couples dates.   BOARDGAMES (National Park System themed)... Jenga 45-piece puzzle Yahtzee Checkers Scrabble Monopoly Playing Cards FIELD GAMES... Croquet Velcro ball and catch   CHILDREN'S BOOKS. .. Lifetimes, by David L. Rice Whose Butt? By Stan Tekiela Sophie's Night Sky Adventure, by Jonathon Poppele The Earth Book, by Todd Parr Run Salmon Run, By Bobs & LoLo Let's Go Fishing, by Joshua Mutters & Gabby Correia Buck Wilder's Small Twig Hiking & Camping Guide, by Tim Smith Salmon Forest, by David Suzuki Ringtail: Miner's Cat, by Joyce Markovics The Singer in the Stream, Katherine Hocker & Mary Wilson The Magic & Mystery of Trees, by Jen Green Hidden Critters, by Stan Tekiela   Note that this drop-in program is cancelled during stormy weather or when Jerry is on vacation. To confirm this program on the Saturday you are interested, email us at whis_information@nps.gov or call the Visitor Center at 530-246-1225.

Location: Tower House Historic District, located approximately 10 minutes west of the Visitor Center on Highway 299. Once parked in the parking lot, take the paved footpath down across Clear Creek to the outside of the Camden House.

Date: Sep 6, 2025 12:00am to Nov 29, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

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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