Waterfalls, Old-growth Forests, Historic Landscapes While the primary focus for Whiskeytown visitors is water recreation the park also contains cool rugged canyons, forests, streams and waterfalls. What a perfect way to see abundant wildflowers in the spring, experience the glory of fall colors or catch a glimpse of the past as well as view wildlife in their natural habitat. Mountain trails along shaded corridors and eight year-round creeks offer a refreshing break from the summer's heat.
Whether hiking, backpacking, mountain biking or horseback riding - the land surrounding Whiskeytown provides many opportunities for these activities.
Summers can be hot and dry. Consider hiking in the early morning to avoid the heat of the day.
Winters can be cold, with possible snow and/or ice. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions and stay on established trails.
For current trail conditions, check below or contact the Visitor Center at (530) 246-1225.
For a listing of all of our trails click here. For more information about specific trails, click on the underlined trail names below or stop in at the Visitor Center.
DUE TO THE CARR FIRE, TRAILS ON THE WEST SIDE OF WHISKEYTOWN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA MAY NOT BE ACCESSIBLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Easy Hikes
| Trail Name | Distance (one way) |
Status | Notes |
| Buck Hollow Trail | 1 mile / 1.6 km | Open | |
| Camden Water Ditch Trail | 1.1 mile / 1.7 km loop | Open | |
| Crystal Creek Falls | .25 mile / .4 km | Open | * ADA Accessible |
| Crystal Creek Water Ditch Trail | 1 mile / 1.6 km | Open | * Hiking only - no bicycles or pack animals. |
| Oak Bottom Water Ditch Trail | 2.3 miles / 3.7 km | Open | |
| Shasta Divide Nature Trail | .4 mile / .6 km loop | Open | * Trailhead is a located on the end of the Visitor Center parking lot. * Hiking only - no bicycles or pack animals |
Moderate Hikes
| Trail Name | Distance (one way) |
Status | Notes |
| Boulder Creek Trail (via South Shore Drive) | 2.75 miles / 4.4 km | Open | * Trail to Boulder Creek Falls |
| Boulder Creek Trail (via Mill Creek Road) | 1 mile / 1.6 km | Open | * Trail to Boulder Creek Falls |
| Brandy Creek Falls Trail | 1.5 miles / 2.4 km | Open | |
| Brandy Creek Trail | 2 miles / 3.2 km | Open | |
| Clear Creek Canal Trail | 4.5 miles / 7.2 km | Open | |
| Clear Creek Vista Trail | 1.8 miles / 2.9 km | Open | |
| Davis Gulch Trail | 3.3 miles / 5.3 km | Open | * Hiking only - no bicycles or pack animals. |
| Guardian Rock Trail | 1 mile / 1.6 km | Open | |
| Logging Camp Trail | 1.25 miles / 2 km | Open | |
| Mount Shasta Mine Loop Trail | 3.1 miles / 5 km | Open | |
| Mule Mountain Pass Trail | 4.25 miles / 6.8 km | Open | |
| Peltier Trail | 1.75 miles / 2.8 km | Open | |
| Princess Ditch Trail | 1.9 miles / 3.1 km | Open | * Connects to the Bureau of Land Management's Swasey Recreation Area - click here for BLM map. * High-clearance vehicles recommended on Muletown Road. |
| Rich Gulch Trail | 1.8 miles / 2.9 km | Open | |
| Salt Creek Loop Trail | 1.9 miles / 3.1 km | Open | |
| Salt Gulch Trail | 1.6 miles / 2.6 km | Open |
Moderate to Difficult Hikes
| Trail Name | Distance (one way) |
Status | Notes |
| James K. Carr Trail to Whiskeytown Falls | 1.7 miles / 2.7 km | Open | * Last 100' of the trail leading to the viewing platform is closed due to trail damage. |
| Kanaka Cut Off Trail | 1 mile / 1.6 km | Open | |
| Kanaka Peak Trail | 3.5 miles / 5.6 km | Open | |
| Mill Creek Trail (from James K. Carr Trail) | 6.5 miles / 10.5 km | Open | |
| Mill Creek Trail (from Tower House Historic District) | 2.5 miles / 4 km | Open | |
| Papoose Pass Trail | 7.25 miles / 11.7 km | Open |
