Trip Ideas

This boy is kayaking on Whiskeytown Lake, and we invite you to do the same! Put your lifejacket on, lather up the sunscreen and then enjoy the cool, clean water of the reservoir as the hot summer sun shines upon you.

NPS photo.

Recommendations and Tips for Your Summer 2025 Whiskeytown Vacation

If you are from outside the local area or just need a refresher, here are some Things to Know for your vacation or recreation planning.

Beat the Heat at Whiskeytown Lake
While summertime at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area can be magical, it’s essential to be prepared for the extreme heat, as temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (visit our weather webpage to get the forecast, and visit our climate change webpage to learn how the park is getting hotter) And so, drink lots of water, wear a lot of sunscreen, and then cool off in the clean, refreshing waters of Whiskeytown Lake...

Get In the Water
For swimming and sunbathing, Brandy Creek Beach is an ideal spot. It offers shade, picnic tables, a restroom, beach store, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and free lifejackets for youth. If you are worried about Swimmer's Itch, consider dipping in the cold water of Brandy Creek upstream from the beach (the natural parasite that causes Swimmer's Itch does not populate areas of running water) or heading to Oak Bottom Beach instead.

Get On the Water
In addition to cooling off in the lake, take advantage of water activities! Join a ranger-led kayak or stand-up paddleboard program, or rent a boat (pedal kayak, regular kayak, paddleboard, patio boat, or fishing boat) from our park concessioner, Whiskeytown Marinas LLC. If you have your own boat, don’t forget your lifejacket and plan like a ranger for a safe day on the water.

Complete the 6 for 60 Stewardship Challenge
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is 60 years old this year! Complete at least six of these challenges to get some free educational prizes and help protect the park for the next 60.

Camping and Lodging
If you enjoy hot-weather camping, that’s great! But if you prefer cooler evenings with air conditioning, the city of Redding, located just 10 minutes from the park, offers plenty of lodging options.

Morning Outdoor Adventures
If you plan to hike, mountain bike, trail run, or horseback ride, we suggest doing so early in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day. Be sure to carry and drink plenty of water. You can find our trail list here.

Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Rangers ranger-led interpretive program is offered in 2025 at 10am on these select Saturdays at Oak Bottom Amphitheater: May 24, July 5, and August 30. Junior Firefighters follows on the same three Saturdays at 11am at the Oak Bottom Fire Station. These 45-minute interactive programs are geared for children and families; all are welcome. In addition to the in-person programs, up to four different Junior Ranger Activity Books can be picked up from the Visitor Center, completed, and then turned back in for a special badge. Ask Visitor Center staff for any or all of the following: Whiskeytown Junior Ranger Activity Book, Water Safety Junior Ranger Activity Book, Junior Firefighter Activity Book, and Junior Ranger Angler Activity Book.

PARK RULES & SAFETY
Please note that while the national recreation area is generally alcohol friendly (please drink responsibly) and dog-on-leash friendly, to maintain a family atmosphere there is no alcohol or pets allowed at Brandy Creek Beach, Oak Bottom Beach, and East Beach. To protect yourself, others, and the park, please familiarize yourself with some of our other common park rules and regulations. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable visit.

 

A special sighting of wildlife can enhance your park experience. On Whiskeytown Lake proper, great blue heron (shown here), bald eagle, osprey, cormorants, and many other species of birds might be seen. We captured this photo near Oak Bottom. NPS Photo/Scott Einberger.

NPS photo.

Head to the Visitor Center First
The park Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your visit. Open 9am to 5pm daily, you can pay for your entrance pass, pick up a park brochure and newspaper, and ask the rangers any questions you may have.

Accessibility Information
Whiskeytown offers numerous wheelchair-accessible areas throughout the park and several audio-described wayside exhibits for those seeking accessible options. Visit our general Accessibility page.

Go Green & Prosper
Although Captain Spock on the popular television show Star Trek did not say that, perhaps he would have if he were alive today. Learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint during your visit to Whiskeytown and see what the park is doing to be green and prosperous.

Explore Nearby National Parks
During your vacation, consider visiting other National Park System units nearby. We are located just an hour from Lassen Volcanic National Park and two and a half hours from Redwood National and State Parks. Learn more about the national parks of Northern California and Southern Oregon. Finally, Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park is 45 minutes west of Whiskeytown.

Need Assistance?
Have any questions or need help planning your visit? Message us on Facebook or email us at [e-mail].