Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers crystal-clear reservoir waters, waterfalls, and hiking trails in a forested red-cedar and pine landscape. Situated around Lake Whiskeytown, the park provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and scenic drives. Nearby Redding, California serves as a gateway for visitors arriving from major highways and regional airports.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Northern California |
| Subregion | California Central Valley |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Shasta County |
| District | Whiskeytown National Recreation Area |
| City | Redding |
| Postal Code | 96067 |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 40.704 |
| Longitude | -122.451 |
| Maps |
11:53 AM LOCAL TIMEWhiskeytown National Recreation Area is a U.S. national park unit centered on Lake Whiskeytown, a man-made reservoir formed by damming the Clear Creek watershed. The park's landscapes are characterized by steep canyon walls, rocky outcrops, and dense forests of red cedar, pine, and oak, which support a rich array of wildlife including salmon, trout, and terrestrial mammals. Visitors come to Whiskeytown for swimming pools at the lake's coves, hiking trails ranging from easy shore walks to challenging ridge routes, and waterfall cascades such as the 100-foot Whiskeytown Falls. The recreation area also offers historic sites related to logging and water management, and facilities for camping, picnicking, and boat rentals. While popular in summer months, the park's hiking and shoreline routes provide year-round options—fall and spring are especially rewarding for layered hikes and wildlife viewing. Access is straightforward via Interstate 5 and California State Route 299, with nearby services in Redding.
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