Hiking

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 [phone].

For more information about specific trails, click on the underlined trail names in the chart below or stop in at the Visitor Center.

DUE TO THE CARR FIRE, MANY TRAILS ON THE SOUTH AND WEST SIDE OF WHISKEYTOWN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE PLEASE SEE THE LIST OF TRAILS BELOW TO SEE WHICH TRAILS ARE CURRENTLY OPEN

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Updated: 09.21.19

Easy Hikes

Trail Name	Distance (one way)	Status	Notes
Buck Hollow Trail	1 mile / 1.6 km	Open	Currently accessible by four wheel drive vehicle via Mule Town road or by foot/horse/mountain bike.
Camden Water Ditch Trail	1.1 mile / 1.7 km loop	Closed
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	Closed	Trail to Boulder Creek Falls
Boulder Creek Trail (via Mill Creek Road)	1 mile / 1.6 km	Closed	Trail to Boulder Creek Falls
Brandy Creek Falls Trail	1.5 miles / 2.4 km	Closed
Brandy Creek Trail	2 miles / 3.2 km	Closed
Clear Creek Canal Trail	4.5 miles / 7.2 km	Open
Clear Creek Vista Trail	1.8 miles / 2.9 km	Closed
Davis Gulch Trail	3.3 miles / 5.3 km	Open	Hazards exist in burned areas - be aware of falling trees/limbs, loose and falling rocks, and the possibility of flash flooding in drainages. Stay on the established trail.
Guardian Rock Trail	1 mile / 1.6 km	Open
Logging Camp Trail	1.25 miles / 2 km	Closed
Mount Shasta Mine Loop Trail	3.1 miles / 5 km	Open
Mule Mountain Pass Trail	4.25 miles / 6.8 km	Open	Currently accessible by four wheel drive vehicle via Mule Town road or by foot/horse/mountain bike.
Peltier Trail	1.75 miles / 2.8 km	Closed
Princess Ditch Trail	1.9 miles / 3.1 km	Closed	Connects to the Bureau of Land Management's Swasey Recreation Area - Link to BLM website for the area. High-clearance vehicles recommended on Muletown Road.
Rich Gulch Trail	1.8 miles / 2.9 km	Closed
Salt Gulch Trail	1.6 miles / 2.6 km	Closed

Moderate to Difficult Hikes

Trail Name	Distance (one way)	Status	Notes
James K. Carr Trail to Whiskeytown Falls	1.7 miles / 2.7 km	Closed	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	Closed
Kanaka Peak Trail	3.5 miles / 5.6 km	Closed
Mill Creek Trail (from James K. Carr Trail)	6.5 miles / 10.5 km	Closed
Mill Creek Trail (from Tower House Historic District)	2.5 miles / 4 km	Closed
Papoose Pass Trail	7.25 miles / 11.7 km	Closed