National Recreation Area · CA

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

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!

nps.gov ↗

Photos

A snowy day on top of Shasta Bally
A beautiful stop along Kennedy Memorial Drive
Crystal clear waters make for good paddling
Another Way to Capture the Beauty
An evening kayak tour
Thousands of vistors join interpretive rangers to get a new perspective of the lake on a moonlight kayak tour
Another way to enjoy the park
A popular recreational activity
A Fall Day at Whiskeytown Falls
One of the four major waterfalls- Whiskeytown Falls
Being on the Top of Shasta Bally
A popular spot for visitors to get a view of the valley and mountain ranges
A Beautiful Day at Boulder Creek Falls
One of the four major waterfalls- Boulder Creek Falls
John F. Kennedy Memorial
John F. Kennedy Memorial
Glory Hole at Whiskeytown Lake
Glory Hole at Whiskeytown Lake
Whiskeytown NRA Visitor Center
Whiskeytown NRA Visitor Center
Whiskeytown NRA Visitor Center Interior
Whiskeytown NRA Visitor Center Interior
Western National Parks Store inside the Visitor Center
Western National Parks Store inside the Visitor Center
The Camden House Located in the Tower House Historic District
The Camden House Located in the Tower House Historic District
Levi Tower Gravesite Located in the Tower House Historic District
Levi Tower Gravesite Located in the Tower House Historic District
Peltier Bridge Campground
Peltier Bridge Campground

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