Whiskeytown National Recreation Area will once again offer free ranger-guided kayak tours during the Memorial Day weekend Saturday, May 28, through Monday, May 30. “Whiskeytown is a wonderful place to visit with family and friends and this is the perfect time for kayaking as well as other healthy outdoor activities,” stated Superintendent Jim Milestone.
In addition to the popular kayak tours, special hikes to Brandy Creek and Whiskeytown Falls will be offered. “This is an excellent opportunity to view the park’s spectacular waterfalls and we want to continue to encourage everyone, especially our youth, to enjoy the outdoors as part of the foundation for a healthy lifestyle” continued Milestone.
Reservations for the kayak programs and the waterfall hikes are required and can be made by calling 530-242-3462 starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24. Although participants must have a valid park entrance pass to participate, there is no additional fee for attending these special programs.
In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 30, American Flags throughout the country will fly at half-staff. Visitors are welcome to join in a national moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time by pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence. “The peace and beauty of the park provide an ideal environment for quiet reflection and remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country,” concluded Milestone.
The Visitor Center will begin its extended summer hours on Friday, May 27, and be will open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 5. Located 8 miles west of Redding at the intersection of Highway 299 and Kennedy Memorial Drive, the Visitor Center offers exhibits on the history and development of the Whiskeytown area as well as information on summer interpretive programs, camping, and other local information. Annual and day use passes, as well as books, maps, postcards and other publications can also be purchased at this location.
For more information, please contact the Visitor Center at (530) 246-1225.
