Swimming at Whiskeytown Lake

Ranger recommendation: Find your own secluded spot to take a swim!
My favorite trail to take for a secluded swim is the Davis Gulch Trail. The Trail mostly follows the lakeshore and has numerous opportunities for you to access the lake away from the more crowded beach areas. The Davis Gulch trail has two trailheads; one near the dam and one at Brandy Creek Beach. Start from either location and the trail will take you by secluded coves and areas of the lakeshore where you can find the perfect place for a swim.

Details

Activity

Swimming

Age(s)

All ages who enjoy swimming

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed on the beaches, however leashed pets are allowed on trails that provide lake access as well as on the lake shore at various pullouts around the lake.

Activity Fee

No

No additional fee; entrance pass required.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The trails that follow the lakeshore and East Beach are not accessible.
Oak Bottom and Brandy Creek Beaches are not accessible, the picnic areas that are adjacent to these beaches each have paved access to an accessible picnic site.
The restrooms at Brandy Creek Beach and Oak Bottom Beach are accessible.
Service animals are allowed on all beaches.

 

Brandy Creek Beach

NPS

Whiskeytown Lake is a fantastic location to enjoy a refreshing swim on a hot day. This lake has about 37 miles of shoreline. During the summer months surface water temperatures can reach nearly 80°F.

There are three main swim beaches with amenities, Brandy Creek Beach, Oak Bottom Beach and East Beach. All three of these locations have the water roped off and are closed to boating. Many people will plan to spend a majority of their day at these beaches. It is recommended that you plan ahead and bring your beach chairs, food and plenty of water. All of these beaches have picnic tables and grills for visitors to use. Please make sure all food and beverages are attended or properly stored at all times to prevent wildlife from stealing it. Pets, smoking of any substance (including vaping and e-Cigarettes) and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on these beaches.

Brandy Creek and Oak Bottom beaches both have small concession-operated stores open during the summer where you can purchase snacks and pay your Whiskeytown entry fee.

Another easily accessible area for swimming is the Tower House Historic District. Here you can enjoy splashing around and sitting in Clear Creek and Willow Creek. You will likely find the faster moving water here much cooler. Most sections of these creeks are only a few feet deep.

Many other visitors will find there way to smaller, more secluded lake access areas. The rest of the lake shore does allow pets and responsible alcohol consumption. These locations are often at small parking areas or roadside pullouts. Often times these areas have a rather steep shoreline due to the nature of Whiskeytown Lake being a human-made reservoir. As these areas aren’t readily marked, please explore Whiskeytown to find a beach that suits you best. Smoking of any type is not allowed in these areas.

Some visitors choose to do open water distance swimming. To be safe it is recommended that you use a high visibility swim float. This allows vessels to see you better and can prevent a downing.

Hopefully you find a fantastic spot at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area to relax and enjoy the refreshing waters.