Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California State

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Lake or waterfall? Choose your pleasure, or experience both, at California's Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

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Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Details

Lake or waterfall? Choose your pleasure, or experience both, at California's Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Whiskeytown Lake is the centerpiece of this 42,497-acre park, popular for boating, fishing, swimming and sunbathing. Surrounding the lake is 39,000 acres of live oak, pine, fir, and cedar forests, with hiking trails leading to several waterfalls. For example, a 3.4-mile trail leads to Whiskeytown Falls, which drops 220 feet. The woodlands are home to mountain lions, black bear, deer, grey fox, and other mammals, as well as many avian species including bald eagles and spotted owls. The Tower House Historic District is a former gold-mining community that includes a prospector's home dating to 1852; park rangers lead tours of historic buildings and mines. Visitors with 4WD vehicles can drive to the top of 6,199-foot Shasta Bally. Overnight stays are permitted in the backcountry as well as established campgrounds.

Difficulty

Open

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

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Region

National Parks

Nearby Parks Around Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Compare nearby parks around Whiskeytown National Recreation Area when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Whiskeytown National Recreation Area while the map context is still fresh.

1.8 mi away

Shasta State Historic Park

Once a thriving mining town, the 19th-century buildings of Shasta are now preserved inside this historic park.

2.9 mi away

Sacramento River Rail Trail

A hidden gem along the Sacramento River, this beautiful trail is rarely frequented by visitors, making it a great ride for those who want to escape the city.

7.9 mi away

Whiskeytown Falls

This three-tiered waterfall is one of the newer discoveries in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

8.0 mi away

Crystal Creek Falls

This is one of the more accessible waterfalls in Whiskeytown National Park.

8.3 mi away

Whiskeytown Falls

The cascading waterfall at the end of this hilly 2.7-mile journey is one of the prettiest features of the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.