COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to further the health and safety of visitors and staff, all of the park's restrooms and tent campgrounds are closed until further notice. The Visitor Center is also closed.
If visiting the park, please use the bathroom before leaving home. We also ask that you practice Leave No Trace principles: deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Tent campground closures include the Oak Bottom Tent Campground, Dry Creek Group Campground, Horse Camp primitive campground, and Peltier Bridge primitive campground. The self-contained RV campgrounds at Oak Bottom and Brandy Creek Marina remain open at this time. Campground Information.
The park itself remains open. Several trails are currently open for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Additionally, to encourage healthy exercise in the great outdoors during this time of stress, entrance fees are being waived; there is no fee to use and enjoy the park at this time.
While the park remains open during this time of uncertainty, its remaining open largely depends on how visitors abide by social distancing guidelines. You can do your part. Instead of stopping at a crowded trailhead to hike, drive to a quieter area of the park and take the path less taken. Also, since all park restrooms are closed, go to the bathroom before you leave home and/or practice Leave No Trace principles.
When visiting the park, please abide by the most current health and safety guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Park Service's U.S. Public Health Service officers:
- Avoid close physical contact with other visitors (social distancing).
- Wash hands with soap often and for at least twenty seconds.
- Do not park at crowded trailheads or day use areas.
- Park only in designated spaces.
- Go to the bathroom before you come to the park.
- If you must use the bathroom while in the park, practice Leave No Trace as described above.
- Pack out all of your trash.
- Please abide by all rules and regulations of the park.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. Please check back often for the most current information with this rapidly changing situation.
Roads & Trails
Facilities, roads, and trails in the park are occasionally subject to closure due to special events, maintenance, weather conditions, or fires.
Due to the Carr Fire of 2018, some areas remain closed to protect visitors and park staff. See below for updates on current conditions.
Follow this link for information on current conditions on hiking trails.
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Road
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Status
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Details
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Highway 299
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Open
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The highway is suitable for any type of passenger vehicle, motorcycle, and trailers.
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South Fork Mountain Road
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Closed to Vehicles
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Closed to vehicles except telecom site users and private property owners.
Open for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
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John F. Kennedy Memorial Drive
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Open
(Subject to winter weather related closures)
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The road is suitable for any type of passenger vehicle, motorcycle, and trailers. Kennedy Memorial Drive may be closed at the dam during winter storms.
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Whiskey Creek Road
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Partially Open
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The road is suitable for any type of passenger vehicle, motorcycle, and trailers. The road is open to the Marina area, but closed at the bridge over Whiskey Creek.
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Paige Bar Road
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Open
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The road is suitable for any type of passenger vehicle, motorcycle, and trailers.
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Crystal Creek Road
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Open to the James K. Carr Trailhead
(Subject to winter weather closures)
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The road is suitable for any type of passenger vehicle, motorcycle, and trailers and is open as far as the parking area for Whiskeytown Falls. Crystal Creek Road may be closed during winter storms.
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South Shore Drive
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Seasonal Closure
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This ten-mile stretch of unpaved road gains 1,594 feet in elevation, and is steep and narrow in places. Drive with caution, obey posted speed limits, and adjust speed according to conditions. Closed until spring.
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Brandy Creek Road
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Closed
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Closed until further notice for public safety due to the Carr Fire.
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Mill Creek Road
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Closed
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Closed at Carr Powerhouse until further notice for public safety due to the Carr Fire.
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Shasta Bally Road
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Closed
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Closed until further notice for public safety due to the Carr Fire.
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Peltier Valley Road
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Open to Peltier Bridge Campground
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Open as far as Peltier Bridge Campground ONLY until further notice for public safety due to the Carr Fire.
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Mule Town Road
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Open
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Only four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for this unpaved dirt road. This is a county- maintained road.
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Brandy Creek Boat Launch
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Open
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Access to this area is subject to weather related closures. Kennedy Memorial Drive may be closed at the dam during winter storms.
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Whiskey Creek Boat Launch
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Open
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Open year round
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Oak Bottom Boat Launch
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Seasonal Closure
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Closed until spring due to low water level.
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