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Contact: Clinton Kane, (530)242-3451
Free Patio Boat Tours at Whiskeytown NRA
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, in partnership with Forever Resorts, will offer free patio boat tours of Whiskeytown Lake as part of the national Free Fee Weekend on June 20-21, 2009. The free patio boat tours will be offered every hour from 10am to 4pm during this free weekend. “We want to reinforce that national parks are places for everyone to have fun, reconnect with nature and history, and build a sense of ownership and stewardship toward parks and environment”, stated park superintendent, Jim Milestone. This is the first of three summer weekends that the National Park Service will waive their entrance fees. Other weekends include July 18-19 and August 15-16, 2009. “We plan to also offer free patio boat tours during those weekends as well, and we want to thank Forever Resorts for their donation of the patio boat and providing a driver for these special tours,” concluded Milestone. Call 530-242-3462 for more information or to make a two week advance reservation (space is limited to 10 people per tour).
The free patio boat tours mark the beginning of the various ranger-guided activities offered during the summer by the National Park Service. Activities will range from the ever popular daily and moonlight kayak tours, to the very fun filled and friendly Junior Ranger and Junior Firefighter programs as well as the thought provoking walks through the Tower House Historic District. "This is a great time of year to enjoy all that Whiskeytown has to offer," stated park superintendent, Jim Milestone. "We encourage park visitors to join us for these special programs so they can learn about why Whiskeytown NRA is special enough to be included with Yosemite and the Lincoln Memorial as part of America’s National Park system," concluded Milestone.
The visitor center has also extended its summer hours and will continue to be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Monday, September 7, 2009. 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 daily passes as well as books, maps, postcards and other publications can also be purchased at the center.
For more information contact the visitor center at (530) 246-1225 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/whis.
Summer Ranger-Guided Activities
Whiskeytown offers a variety of family friendly ranger-guided activities and programs for everyone. Activities will begin June 20 and continue through the Labor Day weekend. Some activities will be subject to change as the park introduces new programs this summer. Although participants must have a valid park entrance pass to participate, there is no additional fee for attending any of the park programs. Call the Visitor Center at 530-246-1225 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/whis for the latest information.
Free Fee Weekends, 2009 During these tough economic times the National Park Service (NPS) will waive the entrance fees on the following six days: June 20-21, July 18-19 and August 15-16, 2009. The fee waiver will cover entrance, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fee. The National Park Service wants to reinforce that national parks are places for everyone to have fun, reconnect with nature and history, and build a sense of ownership and stewardship toward parks and the environment. In partnership with Forever Resorts, free patio boat tours will be offered during these weekends. Call 530-242-3462 for more information to make a two week advance reservation (space is limited to 10 people per tour). These fee free weekends will be in addition to fee-free days on National Public Lands Day, September 26, and Veterans Day, November 11.
Kayak Tours Hop on a kayak built for two and explore the quiet coves around Whiskeytown Lake while you learn more about the natural and cultural values of the park. All participants must know how to swim and children must be at least six years old. Daily tours available and times vary from morning to evening tours. Reservations are required and can be made two weeks in advance by calling 530-242-3462. Ask about arranging for your own personal group tour (minimum of 12 people) for your friends and family. Businesses and community groups/organizations are also invited to participate!
Special Access Kayak Tours If you have or you know someone who is limited in mobility but would still like to hop on a kayak with a volunteer “kayak buddy” call 242-3454 to inquire about our special limited mobility kayak program. Take this opportunity to make a new friend as they to paddle the kayak while you enjoy the serene waters of Whiskeytown Lake. If you wish to volunteer to become a “kayak buddy” please call 242-3454 to inquire how you can help with this very special program.
Moonlight Kayak Tours Experience a dramatic change in the landscape as you explore the lake under the light of the moon. Moonlight tours will be offered July 1 through 6, August 1 through 4 and September 1, 3 and 4. Advance reservations will be taken 2 weeks prior to the first moonlight tour of each month. Space is limited to 4 per phone call. Call 530-242-3462.
Junior Ranger Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-11:00am Kids 7 to 12 years of age can make new friends during a special nature activity that explores the marvels of Whiskeytown. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater.
Junior Firefighter Saturday 11:00 am – noon Discover the role that wildfire plays in our National Parks. Learn how firefighters manage fire to protect property and lives and to improve forest health. Meet at Oak Bottom Amphitheater or call the Visitor Center at 530-246-1225 to find out how you can become a Junior Firefighter.
Walk In Time Saturday and Sunday evenings at 6pm to 7:30pm Discover how pioneer/prospectors Charles Camden and Levi Tower re-shaped the landscape to create a home for their family and an “oasis” for the many travelers during and after the California Gold Rush. After a tour of the 1852 home built by Charles Camden enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic district ending with a chance to find your own treasure of gold. Meet at the Tower House Historic District parking lot.
Evening Programs Friday and Saturday 9 - 10 pm Spend the evening with a ranger and learn more about Whiskeytown through talks, slide shows, or other activities. Various topics include history, wildlife, and current issues related to protecting the park’s natural and cultural resources. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Call 242-3454 for information about special guests during the summer.
Water Safety Demo Saturday and Sunday – Times vary as staffing allows Saving someone from drowning, while keeping yourself at a safe distance, depends on quick thinking, common sense, and the ability to use nearby objects. Join a National Park Service ranger and lifeguards for this enlightening water-safety demonstration at Brandy Creek Beach
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Last updated: March 1, 2015