Caution
Public Health Advisory for Upper Clear Creek above Whiskeytown Lake
***Please Note: there is no increased risk to swimming in Whiskeytown Lake currently. This public health advisory is specific to Upper Clear Creek.*** Recent water quality monitoring in Clear Creek in and around Tower House Historic District and Clear Creek Picnic Area has unfortunately detected elevated levels of E. coli bacteria, posing an increased risk to recreational users. Because of this, the National Park Service advises visitors to avoid contact with the water in these areas of the park.
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Wood & Charcoal Burn Ban
To protect park infrastructure and visitors during this hot, dry period of year, wood and charcoal/briquette burning is temporarily banned. Propane grills are still okay. Thank you for recreating responsibly in your national recreation area.
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Don't Move a Mussel!
Hey Boaters, please clean, drain, and dry your vessel completely before setting out on Whiskeytown Lake. Thank you for doing your part to keep the Golden Mussel, an aquatic invasive species, out of the reservoir. Learn more about preventative measures.
More infoWhiskeytown National Recreation Area
CA · Whiskeytown
Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more. Explore waterfalls, hike rugged trails, uncover Gold Rush history, and witness the resilience of nature in its post-fire recovery. Adventure awaits at every turn—Whiskeytown is calling!
Riding guide
Highlights
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area sits in the foothills of the Klamath Mountains in northern California, where forested ridges…
Riding
Rideable terrain here is noted as 70 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, Whiskeytown provides a mix of wooded mountain trails and historic backcountry routes that wind through oak woodlands, pine forests, and shaded creek valleys. Many of the park’s multi-use trails follow old mining roads and historic travel corridors, creating gradual grades that are well suited for horseback travel. Riders can move between quiet forest trails, open hillsides with views of the surrounding mountains, and scenic overlooks above the lake.
Rideable terrain
70 miles
Trailer parking
Horse Camp (Primary Equestrian Parking and Camping) The park’s designated equestrian facility is the Horse Camp primitive campground, located in the southeastern portion of the recreation area. What to expect: Open parking areas that allow horse trailers to maneuver and park easily Direct access to several of the park’s multi-use trails Space for overnight camping with horses Primitive facilities such as picnic tables, vault toilets, and a hand-pump water source This is the only campground in the park designed to accommodate visitors traveling with horses. Important details riders should know: Trailer and vehicle combinations are typically limited to about 25 feet in length at the campsites. There are only a couple of campsites, so reservations are often needed during busy seasons. Facilities are primitive, with no electricity and limited amenities. What Riders Typically Do Most equestrians will: Stage and park their trailer at Horse Camp Ride directly into the park’s 70 mile multi-use trail network Use the camp as a base for day rides or overnight trips
Horse regulations
Horseback riding is permitted on designated trails within Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Riders must follow park regulations intended to protect natural resources, prevent invasive species, and ensure safe shared use of the trail system. Horses Allowed on Designated Multi-Use Trails Horseback riding is allowed only on trails designated for stock use. Many of these trails are shared with hikers and mountain bikers. Riders must remain on established trails and roads where horses are permitted. Riding off trail is not allowed in order to protect vegetation and sensitive soils. Stock Definition Within the park, stock animals include: Horses Mules Burros Other animals are not permitted as pack stock. Feed Requirements To help prevent the spread of invasive plants, riders must use: Certified weed-free hay or feed Trailers, tack, and animals should be cleaned before entering the park to reduce the chance of introducing non-native seeds. Stock Camping Overnight camping with horses is permitted only at the park’s designated equestrian facility: Horse Camp This campground provides trailer parking and access to the park’s trail network. Horses may not be kept overnight in standard campgrounds, picnic areas, or developed visitor areas. Trail Courtesy and Shared Use Because most trails are multi-use, riders should follow standard trail etiquette: Yield appropriately to hikers and other trail users Slow to a walk when approaching others Maintain control of horses on narrow trails Many trails are single-track and may require riders to communicate clearly with other users. Protecting Park Resources To protect the park’s forest ecosystem, riders should: Avoid riding during extremely muddy conditions Keep horses away from sensitive vegetation and water sources Pack out trash and follow Leave No Trace practices These measures help preserve the trail system and surrounding habitats.
Getting here
Use 14412 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Whiskeytown, California as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Horse Camp (Primary Equestrian Parking and Camping) The park’s designated equestrian facility is the Horse Camp primitive campground, located in the southeastern portion of the recreation area. What to expect: Open parking areas that allow horse trailers to maneuver and park easily Direct access to several of the park’s multi-use trails Space for overnight camping with horses Primitive facilities such as picnic tables, vault toilets, and a hand-pump water source This is the only campground in the park designed to accommodate visitors traveling with horses. Important details riders should know: Trailer and vehicle combinations are typically limited to about 25 feet in length at the campsites. There are only a couple of campsites, so reservations are often needed during busy seasons. Facilities are primitive, with no electricity and limited amenities. What Riders Typically Do Most equestrians will: Stage and park their trailer at Horse Camp Ride directly into the park’s 70 mile multi-use trail network Use the camp as a base for day rides or overnight trips
Planning your visit
Mountain Terrain and Elevation Changes Much of the park’s riding terrain is mountainous, with trails climbing through the hills surrounding Whiskeytown Lake. Routes extend toward higher elevations near areas such as Shasta Bally and the surrounding Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Riders should expect: Steady climbs and descents Narrow forest trails Steeper terrain at higher elevations Some backcountry routes, including areas near the Mount Shasta Mine Loop, traverse rugged terrain and may be better suited for experienced riders and well-conditioned horses. Trail Surfaces Vary Most trails within the recreation area consist of natural dirt surfaces. Depending on the location, riders may encounter: Packed dirt in shaded forest sections Rocky or uneven surfaces on higher ridges Steeper and more rugged terrain in mountainous areas After storms, certain trails may become muddy or washed out, so checking current conditions before riding is recommended. Whiskeytown Lake Is the Center of the Park At the heart of the recreation area sits Whiskeytown Lake, a 3,200-acre reservoir known for its clear waters and recreation opportunities. The lake is open year-round and supports activities such as: Boating Fishing Swimming Kayaking and paddleboarding While horseback riding does not occur along most shoreline recreation areas, the lake serves as the visual and geographic centerpiece of the park. Year-Round Access Whiskeytown National Recreation Area generally offers year-round, 24-hour access to most areas. This allows riders to plan trips during different seasons depending on weather conditions and trail accessibility. However, seasonal weather events, wildfire recovery efforts, or trail maintenance may occasionally affect access to certain backcountry routes. Limited Equestrian Infrastructure The park has only one primary facility designed for riders: Horse Camp, the park’s designated equestrian staging and camping area. From this location, riders can access many of the park’s multi-use trails and explore the surrounding mountain terrain.
Where to stay
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. Horse camping is allowed, so this destination can work as more than a quick in-and-out ride if you want to build a longer federal-land stay around it. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Whiskeytown before heading deeper into federal-land access points.
Entrance fees & passes
- $15.00
Entrance - Per Person
Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
- $20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
- $25.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area only. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
- $55.00
Annual Entrance - Park
Valid at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Lava Beds National Monument for twelve months from the date of purchase, for unlimited visits to all four parks. It admits the pass holder and any accompanying persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and 3 others when entry is by other means (bicycle and foot). This pass covers entrance fees only and is not refundable and/or transferable.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
Brandy Creek
2 sites
This two site campground is found just off Brandy Creek Road, with Brandy Creek accessible a short walk away. The Brandy Creek trail, popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, runs next to the campground. This campsite is closed during the winter. Both sites are in partial shade and feature a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, and an ADA accessible vault toilet. Each site has a maximum occupancy of six people and two vehicles.
Reserve a siteBrandy Creek RV
15 sites
A secluded hilltop RV site close to Brandy Creek Marina and within walking distance of Brandy Creek Beach, the Brandy Creek trail and the Davis Gulch trail. Campground is an asphalt parking lot with 15 parking sites. Only for self-contained units that have their own toilets, such as recreational vehicles, cab-over campers, pop-up tent trailers, and fifth wheels. There is no bathroom and no hookups at this campground. One main water and dump station shared by all campers.
Reserve a siteCrystal Creek
2 sites
The Crystal Creek campground offers two secluded sites along Crystal Creek and is a short drive away from both Crystal Creek falls and the James K. Carr trail to Whiskeytown Falls. This campsite is closed during the winter. A fairly steep dirt road accesses the campsites. Both sites are well shaded and feature a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, with a shared ADA accessible vault toilet. Each site has a maximum occupancy of six people and two vehicles.
Reserve a siteDry Creek Group Campground
2 sites
Dry Creek Group Campground includes two large campsites. Each site is primitive and may be reserved for groups of up to 50 people (20 people minimum). The campsites are located within oak woodland on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by Whiskeytown Lake. The primitive campground is located near Brandy Creek Marina.
Reserve a siteHorse Camp
2 sites · 2 horse-friendly
Horse Camp is specifically for camping with horses. The open area allow ease of parking for horse trailers. Several trails are accessible from this campground. Both sites are in partial shade and feature bear-proof storage lockers, picnic tables, a lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, and a shared ADA accessible vault toilet. Each site has a maximum occupancy of 10 people and 3 vehicles. Potable water available from a spigot most the year. No corrals, tie posts/rails, or water troughs onsite.
Reserve a sitePeltier Bridge
9 sites
Sited along Clear Creek, the Peltier Bridge campground offers 9 sites and access to numerous trails. All sites offer a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, and shared access to two ADA-accessible vault toilets.
Reserve a siteSheep Camp
4 sites
Sheep Camp is nestled in the mixed oak/pine/fir woodlands with nearby access to numerous trails and is a great launching point for treks up the 6,199' Shasta Bally, the highest point in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This campsite is closed during the winter. All sites are in partial shade and feature a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, lamp pole, fire pit with swing-arm BBQ grill, with a shared ADA accessible vault toilet. Each site has a maximum occupancy of six people and two vehicles.
Reserve a site
Points of interest
Brandy Creek Boat Launch
POIBrandy Creek Boat Launch and picnic area is located near Brandy Creek Beach, Brandy Creek RV and Dry Creek Group camping areas all of which are on the south side of Whiskeytown Lake. The launch area has a large parking lot designed to accommodate vehicles with boat trailers, accessible rest rooms as well as an adjacent picnic area that is right on the water. Boat moorage and dry storage are also available here.
Crystal Creek Falls
POIThe short 0.3 mile trail to Crystal Creek Falls is paved, flat, and accessible. The shallow natural pool at the base of the cascade is a popular spot for swimming and wading in the summer. There is ample shade.
James K. Carr Trail to Whiskeytown Falls
POIWhiskeytown Falls is a series of cascades which drop 220 feet as the east fork of Crystal Creek winds down the slope of Shasta Bally. The falls are accessed by the James K. Carr trail, a moderately strenuous 3.4 mile round-trip path which follows old logging routes through shade and sun in a forested area that was only lightly affected by the Carr Fire of 2018.
Kennedy Memorial at Whiskeytown NRA
POIJust before he was assassinated, during a conservation and political tour of western states, U.S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy dedicated Whiskeytown Dam in front of several dignitaries and thousands of locals. A year later, a small but formal memorial was dedicated to honor and remember the slain leader at the location he had spoken at.
Oak Bottom Boat Launch
POIOak Bottom Marina and boat launch is located directly adjacent to Oak Bottom Beach and picnic area as well as the Oak Bottom Tent and RV campgrounds all of which are on the north side of Whiskeytown Lake.
Tower House Historic District
POILocated in the western section of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area where three creeks merge into one, Tower House Historic District is the park’s signature historic site. Wintu heritage merges with California Gold Rush history here, and big names associated with the historic district include Levi Tower, Charles and Philena Camden, and American Indian servant Kate Camden.
Whiskey Creek Boat Launch
POIWhiskey Creek Boat Launch at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown Park Store
POIThe park store is operated by Western National Parks Association, an official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to supporting the educational mission of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The park store has a wide range of books, maps, travel guides, educational games and other items available for retail sale. These products complement the interpretive themes you experience when visiting the park. The park store is located at the Whiskeytown NRA VC.
Things to do
Gold Panning at Whiskeytown NRA
Become a gold miner for a day! Gold pan along Clear Creek at the Clear Creek picnic area. Gold was first discovered in Clear Creek in 1848 by Pierson B. Reading. The news of the discovery brought a wave of gold rush miners to Shasta County, many of whom set up camp in what is now Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The former community of Whiskeytown got its start as a mining town as settlers worked along Clear Creek and its tributaries.
Hike to Whiskeytown Falls
Whiskeytown Falls is a series of cascades which drop 220 feet as the east fork of Crystal Creek winds down the slope of Shasta Bally. The falls are accessed by the James K. Carr trail, a moderately strenuous 3.4 mile round-trip path which follows old logging routes through shade and sun in a forested area that was only lightly affected by the Carr Fire of 2018.
Duration: 2-3 Hours
Paddling on Whiskeytown Lake
Whiskeytown Lake is one of the premier paddle-sport areas in northern California. With almost 40 miles of shoreline there are always new areas to explore. Ranger-led kayak tours are a great way to get an introduction to kayak and paddle boarding with a fun two-hour trip through the history and unique ecosystem of Whiskeytown. These tours run between Memorial Day and Labor Day and reservations through Recreation.gov are required.
Swimming at Whiskeytown Lake
Whiskeytown Lake is a fantastic location to enjoy a refreshing swim on a hot day. This lake has about 37 miles of shoreline. During the summer months surface water temperatures can reach nearly 80°F. There are three main swim beaches with amenities, Brandy Creek Beach, Oak Bottom Beach and East Beach. All three of these locations have the water roped off and closed to boating. This makes them great and safe for all ages.
Visitor centers
Whiskeytown Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is a great place to start when you arrive in the park. Knowledgeable staff can help you maximize your visit. The Visitor Center is located at the intersection of Kennedy Memorial Drive and Highway 299. You can purchase a variety of Interagency and park-specific entrance passes as well as books, maps, and souvenir items. Exhibits outside the building introduce you to the natural and cultural history of the park. A small native plant garden is located behind the Visitor Center.
Get directions
Webcams
Whiskeytown Visitor Center
Currently unavailable.
Hours of operation
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Certain areas of the park are subject to seasonal and COVID-19 temporary closures or limited hours. Some areas of the park remain closed due to hazardous conditions from the Carr Fire. Please check the park website for current information.
Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day
Activities
Weather
Whiskeytown NRA is in a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers followed by cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 90's to lower 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as the occasional thunderstorm. Winter brings snow to the upper elevations (only occasionally down to the lake level of 1,200'), and rain and ice. See the park weather page for the current weather.
Contact
Photos
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
List your propertyDirections
Car From Interstate 5, take the Highway 44 West exit toward Downtown Redding and Eureka. From Downtown Redding, follow Highway 299 west toward Eureka for approximately 8 miles to reach the Visitor Center. Plane Commercial air service is available to Redding California located approximately 16 miles from Whiskeytown. Rental vehicles are available.
Source: nps.gov