Nature & Science

Big Leaf Maple sprouting up from the bottom of a burned tree.
A big leaf maple sprouting up from trees burned during the 2018 Carr Fire. Biodiversity continues here at Whiskeytown even after the biggest fire in National Park System history. NPS Photo.

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is known primarily for its lake-based recreation opportunities, but did you know that the park is rich in biodiversity? Species from different areas and habitats from different climates collide here, and fire is a constant. To learn more about Whiskeytown's complex natural systems, click on the links below...

Biodiversity - learn more about Whiskeytown's chaparral-woodland and Klamath Mountains mixed forest ecoregions, fire-adapted species like the knobcone pine, and rare plants including the MacNab Cypress and Howell's Alkali Grass.

Saving the Salmon - discover reasons for the major decline of salmon species on lower Clear Creek and learn about the remarkable restoration efforts currently occuring within the park.

Climate Change at Whiskeytown - learn what climate change is and how today's climate change is different than past climate changes. Also seed how climate change is affecting your favorite national recreation area.

Fire at Whiskeytown - fire has been both a natural and cultural part of the landscape here for centuries, but in 2018, the most destructive fire in National Park System history occured at Whiskeytown.

Plants - Whiskeytown is home to 750 species of vascular plants, from ponderosa pine and California live oak to manzanita bush and an abundance of spring wildflowers.

Birds - the park is home to 160 different bird species, from osprey to hummingbirds.

Mammals - aside from humans, there are 62 species of mammals that can be found inside Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The feared mountain lion and black bear, the elusive fisher and coyote, mule deer...

Reptiles - Indiana Jones said that he hates snakes, but snakes and other reptiles are important! There are 33 species of reptiles in the park.

Amphibians - from Pacific giant salamander to the yellow-legged frog, Whiskeytown has a diversity of amphibians.

Fish - there are eight native fish species within Whiskeytown.

In addition to the vascular plants and vertebrates, the park boasts a diversity of less obvious but equally important species such as Lichens, Bryophytes, and Fungi.

Biodiversity and Scientific Research with the Klamath Inventory & Monitoring Network
The National Park Service's Klamath Inventory & Monitoring Network supports and enhances park science in the national parks of southern Oregon and northern California. This includes Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

Interested in Researching in the Park?
Scientists interested in performing research in the park can apply for a research permit online. Click on the link above to be redirected to the National Park Service Research Permit and Reporting System website.

Last updated: November 8, 2023

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 188
Whiskeytown, CA 96095

Phone:

530 242-3400

Contact Us