The Ever-Popular Kayak Tours Are Back For Memorial Day Weekend!

Kayakers enjoying Whiskeytown Lake on Memorial Day 2009

NPS

News Release Date: May 17, 2010

Contact: Clinton Kane, [phone]

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area will offer ranger-guided kayak tours during the Memorial Day weekend beginning on Saturday, May 29, through Monday, May 31.  “Whiskeytown is a wonderful place to visit with family and friends on Memorial Day weekend,” stated Superintendent, Jim Milestone.  Memorial Day weekend is also an excellent time to experience the park by getting out on the trails for some hiking, biking, or horseback riding, or enjoying the cool waters of beautiful Whiskeytown Lake while swimming or boating.  “We encourage park visitors to join us for a special kayak program 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,” furthered Milestone. 

In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 31, 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.

Reservations are for the kayak programs are required and can be made by calling 530-242-3462 starting at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 24.  Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all kayak tours are full for the Memorial Day weekend.  Although participants must have a valid park entrance pass to participate, there is no additional fee for attending this special program.

The visitor center will begin its extended summer hours on Friday, May 28, and be will open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through September 6.  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 [phone] or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/whis

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