Summertime 2022 interpretive programs!!! For the first time since the Carr Fire of 2018, Whiskeytown is offering a robust set of ranger-led programs!!! This year's summer program schedule runs from Friday, May 27 to Sunday, September 4. Program descriptions including schedule is below. For questions or for special requests, email scott_einberger@nps.gov or call or text 530-356-3958.
All smiles on Whiskeytown Lake during a ranger-led kayak tour.
KAYAK TOUR 9 am and 5 pm, Wednesday to Sunday Pre-Registration Required
Hop on one of the park's tandem kayaks with a friend or family member and explore the quiet coves of Whiskeytown Lake with an interpretive park ranger. Children must be six years of age or older. No prior kayak experience needed. Lifejackets provided and required to be worn for this 2.5 hour program. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance at recreation.gov. To allow as many visitors as possible the chance to get out on the water with us, please reserve a spot only if you actually plan on attending. Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, substantial equipment cleaning protocols occur between programs and 10 visitors are allowed per tour.
SUPing, Whiskeytown style.
PADDLE BOARD TOUR 1:30 pm, Thursday to Sunday
Pre-Registration Required
Designed for visitors with little or no previous experience on a paddleboard, a ranger will teach the basics to help you gain confidence with this popular activity. Children must be 10 years of age or older. Participants should be capable of kneeling on a hard surface and should be able to rise to a standing position from a kneeling position without assistance. Plan on falling in! Lifejackets provided and required to be worn. One and a half-hour program. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance atrecreation.gov. Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, substantial equipment cleaning protocols occur between programs and six visitors are allowed per tour.
Senior citizens from a local assisted living facility enjoy a morning cruise on the lake with a ranger.
PATIO BOAT TOUR 10 am on Fridays
Pre-Registration Required
Tour the sparkling waters of Whiskeytown Lake on a relaxing patio boat tour with a park ranger. Learn the story of the reservoir, explore park geology, and enjoy the views! Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance at recreation.gov. To allow as many visitors as possible the chance to get out on the water with us, please reserve a spot only if you actually plan on attending. Note: private patio boat tours on Thursday mornings are available for senior citizen groups and other under-served audiences; to schedule, email paul_g_williams@nps.gov.
The park's Junior Ranger program in action. NPS Photo/Edwige Moses.
Edwige Moses
JUNIOR RANGERS 12 pm Saturdays at Brandy Creek Beach
Children and families can learn all about the park and make new friends during this interactive program with an interpretive park ranger. Explore the great nature of Whiskeytown through games, arts n crafts, and/or a short walk. At the end of this 45-minute program, children will earn a Junior Ranger badge. Meet at the volleyball court at Brandy Creek Beach. Please note that children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
The park's Junior Firefighter program in action. NPS Photo/Kurt Moses.
JUNIOR FIREFIGHTERS 10 am, Saturdays at Oak Bottom Fire Station
Children and families will head inside the Whiskeytown Fire Station to learn all about the park's fire management program through interactive activities. Unravel a fire hose, dress up in firefighter gear, and more! Meet at the Whiskeytown Fire Station at Oak Bottom for this 45-minute program. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult chaperone.
An evening program amidst dark night sky at Oak Bottom Amphitheater.
EVENING PROGRAM 9 pm Fridays at Oak Bottom Amphitheater
Head to the Oak Bottom amphitheater to relax and learn about Whiskeytown's natural or cultural history during this classic ranger-led program. Program is 45 minutes in length and the topic varies depending on the park ranger conducting the program. The amphitheater is located across from the Oak Bottom Marina, behind the bathrooms.
Join a Whiskeytown park ranger like this one on a ranger-led hike! NPS Photo/Kurt Moses.
NATURE HIKE 8 am on Sundays
Location varies each week
Take a walk on the wild side and learn all about Whiskeytown's natural history on a ranger-led hike. The meeting location and trail changes each week.
Go gold panning on Clear Creek at the end of this program! NPS Photo/Kurt Moses.
WALK IN TIME 10 am on Wednesdays at Tower House Historic District
Discover the stories of Shasta County pioneers Levi Tower and Charles Camden on a stroll with an interpretive park ranger. See how Tower and the Camden family reshaped the land for their homes and livelihoods. At the end of the walk, try your hand at goldpanning. One and a half-hour program. Meet at the Tower House Historic District parking lot. Bring water shoes, sandals, or an extra pair of shoes and socks so that your feet can get dry after gold panning.
Kayaking Whiskeytown Lake at sunset.
MOONLIGHT KAYAK TOUR 7:30 pm, June 8th to 12th, July 6-10, August 7, 8, and 10-12
Pre-Registration Required
Experience the dramatic changes in the landscape as you explore Whiskeytown Lake at sunset and under the light of the moon. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance. Participants must be six years of age or older for this 2.5 hour program. No kayak experience needed. To reserve your spot for these tandem kayak tours, go to recreation.gov. To allow as many visitors as possible the chance to get out on the water with us, please reserve a spot only if you actually plan on attending. Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, substantial equipment cleaning protocols occur between programs and 10 visitors are allowed per tour instead of 20.
What does she see through the lens?
WHISKEYTOWN NIGHT SKY Sunset at Oak Bottom Marina on May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, and September 3
Join the National Park Service and Shasta Astronomy Club for star parties. Look through telescopes and learn about the different stars and planets in our night sky. Children can complete an activity book and become Junior Ranger Night Explorers. Programs take place beginning at sunset. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater parking lot.
Whiskeytown invites Spanish speakers to get out on the water with us!
HABLAMOS ESPANOL!!!
For Spanish speakers, Latino groups, and/or Hispanic groups, a bilingual interpretive park ranger is available to present programs to your group. Email Scott_Einberger@nps.gov in English or Spanish for details.
