James K. Carr Trail to Whiskeytown Falls

Upper Whiskeytown Falls

NPS/Lisa Johnston

Quick Facts

Location:

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Significance:

Trail to a Waterfall

Amenities

4 listed

Parking - Auto, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

The age of discovery continues into the present at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area...

While studying aerial photographs of the park in 2004, long-time park natural resource manager Russ Weatherbee discovered a waterfall. Russ then visited the site and may have even pinched himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming the vision of this 220-foot-tall, three-part waterfall. Russ had discovered, or perhaps rediscovered, the tallest waterfall in the park.

After the story of the waterfall's discovery got out, it came to light that for over 40 years the falls was known about by a few local residents. For a variety of reasons, these specific individuals decided not to share the falls' existence with others.

Two summers of trail construction work ensued and park staff opened the trail to Whiskeytown Falls for others to see and enjoy.

The trail to the falls is named in honor of James K. Carr, one of Redding's native sons and an instrumental figure in the establishment of what is officially known as Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. A state and national reclamation official, Carr served as President John F. Kennedy's Undersecretary of the Interior, the number two position in the department behind Interior Secretary Stewart Udall.

The James K. Carr Trail to Whiskeytown Falls is 3.4 miles roundtrip and is strenuous. There is over 600 feet of elevation gain and some steep sections of trail on the way to the waterfall. At minimum, wear sturdy shoes and carry plenty of water to drink.

While evidence of the Carr Fire can be found along the trail, ample shade remains. Because of the steep topography, colder climate, and unique vegetation of this drainage, the area was much less affected by the unprecedented fire than other areas of the park.

At the base of the waterfall, be sure and head up the cement stairs to see the upper sections of this three-tiered waterfall.