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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Whiskeytown National Recreational AreaHillsides dominated by chamise (background) and blue oak grasslands (foreground)
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Whiskeytown National Recreational Area
Ranger Guided Activities

Unless otherwise noted, the ranger guided activities described below are offered during the summer months only at Whiskeytown. All Ranger Guided activity schedules and programs are subject to change. Click here for current information on Summer 2009 Ranger Guided Activities.

 
Kayakers on Ranger Guided Tour

NPS photo

Kayakers on Ranger Guided Tour.

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. Children must be at least six years old. All participants must know how to swim. Daily tours available. Times vary from morning tours to evening tours. Reservations are required. During the summer months register in advance by calling 530.242.3462, from the hours of 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday through Friday. The reservation line is staffed by volunteers and is often busy, please be patient and continue to call. Click here for more information on Kayak Tour Registration Requirements.

 
Junior Ranger Program.

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Junior Ranger Program.

Junior Ranger
Kids ages 7 to 12 years old can become Whiskeytown Junior Rangers by learning about the special wonders of Whiskeytown. Download a Junior Ranger card before you come to Whiskeytown or stop by the visitor center to pick one up and ask how you can become a Whiskeytown Junior Ranger. During the summer, Rangers conduct special Junior Ranger programs at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater.

 

 
Junior Firefighters learning about Whiskeytown's fire engine.

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Junior Firefighters learn what it takes to operate a fire engine.

Junior Firefighter
Discover the role that wildfire plays in our National Parks. Learn how firefighters manage fire to protect property, lives and ensure forest health. Participants meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater.

 
Visitors on a tour of the historic home of Charles Camden.

NPS photo

Visitors on tour of the historic home of Charles Camden.

Camden House Tours
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. Discover how the area became a regional center of transportation and the efforts by the National Park Service to revitalize the historic orchard started by Levi Tower. Visitors meet across the footbridge at the Tower House Historic District.

 
Visitors trying their luck at goldpanning.

NPS photo

Visitors try their luck at goldpanning.

Gold Panning
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.
Tules or bulruhes  

Did You Know?
When the Spanish colonized Mexico and Central America, they borrowed from the native inhabitants the Nahuatl word tollin for a bulrush. The English-speaking settlers of the West in turn borrowed the Spanish word tule to refer to certain varieties of bulrushes native to California.

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Last Updated: June 28, 2009 at 16:53 EST