National park · United States
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Go for one day from Redding: pay the USD 25 vehicle fee, walk Whiskeytown Falls (4.8 km (3 mi), 2–3 h) before 10:00, swim at Brandy Creek in July–September; on summer weekends the lake lots can fill by mid-morning (check).Go for one day from Redding: pay the USD 25 vehicle fee, walk Whiskeytown Falls (4.8 km (3 mi), 2–3 h) before 10:00 AM, swim at Brandy Creek in July–September; on summer weekends the lake lots can fill by mid-morning (check).Go for one day from Redding: pay the USD 25 vehicle fee, walk Whiskeytown Falls (3 mi (4.8 km), 2–3 h) before 10:00, swim at Brandy Creek in July–September; on summer weekends the lake lots can fill by mid-morning (check).Go for one day from Redding: pay the USD 25 vehicle fee, walk Whiskeytown Falls (3 mi (4.8 km), 2–3 h) before 10:00 AM, swim at Brandy Creek in July–September; on summer weekends the lake lots can fill by mid-morning (check).
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
170 km² (66 sq mi)66 sq mi (170 km²)
approximate
Established
1965
Best months
Apr–May, Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 170 km² (66 sq mi)66 sq mi (170 km²)
- About 170 km² of land and water around Whiskeytown Lake, roughly 16 km west of Redding (check).
- Established
- 1965
- Best months
- Apr–May, Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Redding
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area wraps a 1963 Central Valley Project reservoir in forested hills about 16 km west of Redding on CA-299: a day-use lake with four swim beaches, three waterfall walks, and the drowned townsite of old Whiskeytown under the water. It is not a Yosemite-style destination — one day, one waterfall hike and a swim covers it — but it is the easiest national-park-unit stop on the drive between Redding and the coast, and the entrance fee is per vehicle, not per person. Come in April, May or October for running creeks and mild trails; in July and August the Brandy Creek lots fill by 10:00 and afternoon heat on exposed trails is the main hazard.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1965.
Size and age
170 km² (66 sq mi)66 sq mi (170 km²) · national park since 1965
About 170 km² of land and water around Whiskeytown Lake, roughly 16 km west of Redding (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Redding.
Why go
- Whiskeytown Falls drops about 67 m in three tiers, reached on a 4.8 km (3 mi) round trip from the Mill Creek road.Whiskeytown Falls drops about 67 m in three tiers, reached on a 3 mi (4.8 km) round trip from the Mill Creek road.
- Whiskeytown Lake is warm enough to swim from June to September, with four marked swim beaches.
- The 1963 dam and powerhouse are part of the Central Valley Project story, and the old town of Whiskeytown sits under the lake.
- It is a 25-minute drive from Redding, so it works as a half-day stop on the way to or from the coast on CA-299.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanCold, wet; snow on the upper slopes
- FebRain and possible snow; trails muddy
- MarWaterfalls at their best; rain still likely
- AprGreen hills, full creeks, mild days
- MayWarm, clear; wildflowers on the lower slopes
- JunHot afternoons; lake swimming starts
- Jul35 °C (95 °F)+ afternoons; arrive early for parking95 °F (35 °C)+ afternoons; arrive early for parking
- AugHottest and busiest; smoke possible
- SepWarm water, thinner crowds after Labor Day
- OctDry, clear and cool; best hiking month
- NovCool and often clear; short days
- DecRain; snow at higher elevations
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bearsApr–Oct · Store food in a locked container or the car boot; never leave a cooler out. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Mountain lionsAll year · Rarely seen; keep children close on trails and do not run. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Ospreys and bald eagles over the lakeMar–Sep | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Rattlesnakes on the lower slopesApr–Oct · Watch where you put hands and feet on rocky trails. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Salmon and trout in the lakeOct–May | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Redding
Drive west on CA-299 for about 13 km (8.1 mi) to the park entrance, then on to Brandy Creek or the Whiskeytown Falls trailhead.Drive west on CA-299 for about 8.1 mi (13 km) to the park entrance, then on to Brandy Creek or the Whiskeytown Falls trailhead.
25–35 min
From San Francisco
I-5 north to Redding, then CA-299 west; or fly into Redding and rent a car.
4–4.5 h
From Sacramento
I-5 north to Redding, then CA-299 west.
2.5–3 h
From Lassen Volcanic National Park
CA-44 west to Redding, then CA-299 west.
1.5–2 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Whiskeytown Lake and the dam | The 1963 dam, visitor centre, marina and the main swim beaches. | Open with the entrance fee; day-use only. |
| Brandy Creek | Beach, picnic area and the start of the Brandy Creek Falls trail. | Open in season; parking fills by mid-morning in summer. |
| Mill Creek and Whiskeytown Falls | The waterfall trail and the old logging road above the lake. | Open; rough dirt road for the last stretch. |
| Oak Bottom | Campground, boat launch and the quieter east end of the lake. | Open; camping fee applies. |
| Carr Powerhouse and the west shore | Historic powerhouse, picnic spots and lake views on the far side. | Open; short walks only. |
Sketch map
- 1Park entrance on CA-299 · Gate≈40.644, -122.617Map ↗
- 2Visitor centre and dam · Headquarters≈40.625, -122.559Map ↗
- 3Brandy Creek Beach · Beach≈40.619, -122.579Map ↗
- 4Whiskeytown Falls trailhead · Trail≈40.626, -122.669Map ↗
- 5Oak Bottom campground · Sleep≈40.648, -122.543Map ↗
- 6Carr Powerhouse · Ranger station≈40.613, -122.607Map ↗
- 7Redding · Town≈40.587, -122.392Map ↗
Take the points offline
7 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions around Whiskeytown Lake, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance, private vehicle | US$25 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; valid 7 days (check current NPS rate). |
| Entrance, motorcycle | US$20 | motorcycle | 2026 estimate; valid 7 days (check). |
| Entrance, per person on foot or bike | US$15 | person | 2026 estimate; valid 7 days (check). |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | pass | 2026 estimate; covers this park and most federal fee areas for a year (check). |
| Brandy Creek and Oak Bottom campsites | US$25–45 | night | 2026 estimate; varies by site and season (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Entrance fee permit or guide
Camping permit or guide
Boats on the lake no permit
Special events and filming permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$25
- US$20
- US$15
- US$80
- US$25–45
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on NPS — Fees and passes, Whiskeytown before you go.
Park rules
- Entrance fee
- Pay at the entrance station or a fee tube; keep the receipt with you (check).
- Food storage
- Do not leave food, coolers or scented items unattended; bears are active in the park.
- Fires
- Fires only in provided rings at campsites and picnic areas; check for seasonal fire bans before you light anything.
- Dogs
- Allowed on leash on roads and in picnic areas, not on the trails or beaches (check current NPS rule).check
- Drones
- Not allowed without park permission (check).check
- Swimming
- Swim only at marked beaches; the lake is deep and cold away from the shore.
Where to stay
In the park
Brandy Creek campground
Tent and RV sites near the beach and picnic area; reserve ahead in summer.
In the park
Oak Bottom campground
Larger campground with a boat launch on the east shore.
Near the park
Redding hotels and motels
The widest choice of rooms, 25–35 min from the park entrance.
Near the park
Shasta Lake and I-5 corridor
Cabins, RV parks and motels along the interstate north of Redding.
Safety
Summer heat on exposed trails high
Smoke from wildfires medium
Rocky, slippery trail sections medium
Cold lake water low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The visitor centre, Brandy Creek Beach and the dam overlook have paved paths and accessible parking.
- Whiskeytown Falls and Brandy Creek Falls trails are rough and not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
- Some picnic areas and the marina have accessible tables and toilets.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all rubbish; bins are limited away from the beaches.
- Stay on marked trails to protect the recovering forest and creek banks.
- Use the fee tube or pay online rather than driving back to the entrance station.
- Keep to the speed limit on CA-299 and watch for deer at dusk.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Whiskeytown National Recreation Area?
A private vehicle pays USD 25 for a 7-day pass (2026 estimate). Motorcycles pay USD 20 and walkers or cyclists USD 15 per person. The America the Beautiful annual pass at USD 80 covers this park and most other federal fee areas for a year.
What are the best hikes in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area?
Whiskeytown Falls is the headline walk: 4.8 km round trip with about 210 m of climb to a 67 m waterfall. Brandy Creek Falls is a longer 8 km round trip past several cascades, and Crystal Creek is a short, easy waterfall walk that suits children.
When is the best time to visit Whiskeytown National Recreation Area?
April, May and October give the best mix of mild weather, running creeks and clear trails. July and August are hot and busy, with parking at Brandy Creek filling by 10:00, and winter brings rain with snow on the higher slopes.
Can you swim in Whiskeytown Lake?
Yes, at the marked beaches such as Brandy Creek, usually from June to September. The water is warmest in August and September. Away from the beaches the lake is deep and cold, so stay near the shore.
Do I need a reservation to visit?
No reservation is needed for day use; you pay the entrance fee at the gate. Campgrounds at Brandy Creek and Oak Bottom should be reserved in advance for summer weekends.
Is Whiskeytown worth a stop between Redding and the coast?
Yes, if you have half a day. The falls trail plus a swim at Brandy Creek fits into 4–5 hours, and the park sits directly on CA-299, the road west toward Eureka.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go