Special Ranger Guided Programs at Whiskeytown NRA

Date: June 16, 2007
Contact: Clinton Kane, 530-242-3451

The National Park Service has added several special programs in addition to the regular Ranger Guided activities at Whiskeytown NRA. In addition to the popular kayak program the park will offer special Saturday evening walks with a focus on outdoor activities for the family and a Sunday morning hike to various waterfalls in the park. “This is a wonderful opportunity for families to turn off their TV sets and computers, pack a healthy picnic dinner and join the ranger prior to the Saturday evening walk,” said Superintendent, Jim Milestone. “We are continuing our efforts to work with Healthy Shasta to promote healthy eating and more physical activity as a family and what better way to do this then by coming out to Whiskeytown and take part in a variety of guided activities the park has to offer,” continued Milestone. For more information about Healthy Shasta go to www.healthyshasta.org/.

The first evening walk is scheduled for this Saturday and will be held at the Tower House Historic District. Families are invited to bring their healthy picnic dinner and meet the ranger across the footbridge from the main parking lot at 5:15 pm. A walk through the historic district with a focus on a history scavenger hunt will follow and last about 2 hours.

The first waterfall hike is scheduled this Sunday at 8am and will go to Brandy Creek Falls. This 3 mile round trip hike is consider moderate and will last about 3 hours. To reserve a space for the hike please call 530-242-3462.

Ranger led Kayak tours are set to start Saturday June 16, 2007. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling 530-242-3462 between 9 am and noon, Monday through Saturday. The kayak tour schedule varies depending on the day, with morning (10 am), afternoon and late afternoon tours. Schedules will be posted on Whiskeytown’s website at www.nps.gov/whis as they become available.

Special Moonlight kayak tours are also being offered Monday through Friday, June 25 through June 29. Reservations for this program will be taken starting on Monday, June 18 at 9 am by calling 530-242-3462. 

"We are proud of our free Ranger Guided Kayak Program that has hosted over 11,000 visitors since the program started in 2001,” said Superintendent, Jim Milestone. "The free Kayak Program is a premier recreational opportunity that introduces the visitor to a unique park experience,” Milestone stated. “Whiskeytown, a National Park Service site, provides interpretive opportunities for the American public to experience our country’s natural treasures. The free Kayak Program provides family’s an interesting perspective from the lake surface to view the lake, the park’s mountain forest, and beautiful streams pouring into this special lake,” concluded Milestone.

Other free ranger guided activities will also be provided this summer. Programs include Junior Ranger and Junior Firefighter activities for children, evening ranger talks and special guest presentations at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater, guided tours of the Camden House and hands-on gold panning demonstrations. These free programs will also begin June 15 and continue through the Labor Day weekend. Please note: Annual ($25) or daily ($5) entrance passes are required for all visits to Whiskeytown, including ranger guided activities.

During the summer season the Visitor Center will have extended hours and be open daily from 9am to 6pm. 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 interpretive programs, camping, and other local information. Annual and daily entrance passes, books, maps, postcards and other publications can also be purchased at the Visitor Center.

For more information contact the Visitor Center at [phone] or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/whis.

Whiskeytown’s Summer 2007 Ranger Guided Program Schedule (click here to print a Program Schedule)

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers a variety of ranger-guided activities for everyone from June 15 to September 3, 2007. All programs are subject to change. Please check the campground bulletin boards or call the Visitor Center at 246-1225 for the most current information.

Kayak Tour: Begins June 16 Reservations required Register in advance by calling [phone] from 10am to Noon, Monday through Saturday. Daily programs available and vary from morning, afternoon and evening tours. Hop on a kayak built for two and explore some of the more quiet coves around Whiskeytown Lake while you learn more about the natural and cultural values of the park. Children must be at least six years old. All participants must know how to swim. 

Junior Ranger: Begins June 16 Saturday 10:00-11:00 am Kids ages 7 to 12 years old can make new friends while learning about the special wonders of Whiskeytown. Ask how you can become a Whiskeytown Junior Ranger. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Call 246-1225 for more information.

Junior Firefighter: Begins June 16 Saturday 11:00 am-12 noon Discover the role that wildfire plays in our National Parks. Learn how firefighters manage fire to protect property, lives and ensure forest health. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Call 246-1225 for more information.

Evening Program: Begins June 15 at 9pm-10pm From August 10 through September 1 from 8:30 - 9:30 pm Join a ranger or a guest speaker for a talk, slide show or other activity exploring the natural, cultural and recreational values that Whiskeytown offers for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Call 246-1225 for more information.

Camden House: Begins June 15 Friday, Saturday and Sunday 2:15-3:00 pm Tour the 1852 home of pioneer/prospector Charles Camden and learn how he and his partner Levi Tower reshaped the landscape during the California Gold Rush. Meet across the footbridge at the Tower House Historic District. Call 246-1225 for more information.

Gold Panning: Begins June 15 Friday, Saturday and Sunday 3:15 pm Discover the myths and realities of the Gold Rush Days, then try your luck at finding your own gold the old fashioned way. Pans and shovels are provided. Meet across the footbridge at the Tower House Historic District. Call 246-1225 for more information.

Puppet Show: Begins June 21 Thursday 8:00-8:45 June 21 through August 30 Both adults and kids are invited to join a cast of zany characters in a lively and entertaining program about how to safely enjoy Whiskeytown. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Call 246-1225 for more information.