Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

About Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in Whiskeytown, California offers outdoor recreation centered on its lake and surrounding landscape. Visitors hike dozens of miles of trails to waterfalls, mountain summits, and lakeside paths, or ride mountain bikes through the terrain. Water activities include kayak tours and paddleboard programs led by park rangers. The park features over 1,100 native plant species and diverse wildlife across its ecosystems. Backcountry camping allows overnight stays in primitive areas with a free permit obtained at the Visitor Center. Ranger-led programs include Junior Rangers and Junior Firefighters activities. Specific trails like the Mount Shasta Mine Loop, a moderate-to-difficult 3.1-mile loop, and Boulder Creek Falls, ranging from moderate to strenuous depending on access point, showcase the area's geology and natural features. The park suits hikers, cyclists, paddlers, and families seeking outdoor exploration in a lake and mountain setting.