Plan Your Visit

 

Visiting Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area offers year-round adventure, with each season bringing its own unique recreational opportunities. Whether you're hiking in solitude during the quiet winter months or enjoying the bustling lakeside activities of summer, there's always something to discover.

Winter

While winter can bring rain, sunny days during this season are perfect for exploring the park with fewer crowds. It’s the least-visited time of the year, meaning you’ll often have entire trails or sections of the lake all to yourself. Winter is an excellent opportunity to experience Whiskeytown’s tranquility and natural beauty in solitude.

Spring

From February through May, the park bursts into bloom with wildflowers, creating breathtaking landscapes perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. This is the ideal time to explore the park before the summer heat arrives, with cooler temperatures and stunning scenery around every corner.

Summer

Summer is peak season at Whiskeytown, and the lake becomes the center of activity. Visitors flock to the park for swimming, fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, beach fun, sailing, water skiing, scuba diving, and motorboating. For hikers, shady creekside trails and waterfalls offer a refreshing escape from the heat. Be prepared for warm weather, and take advantage of the many ways to cool off in the lake.

Fall

As the temperatures begin to drop, fall at Whiskeytown offers mild weather perfect for exploring the park’s backcountry, hiking, or taking a scenic drive. The quieter trails and vibrant fall colors create a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Getting Around the Park

While public transportation is not available to or within the park, visitors can access Whiskeytown via personal vehicles. Main park roads are paved and easily accessible, but if you plan to explore the backcountry, we recommend using a high-clearance vehicle, as many of the roads are unpaved and can be challenging to navigate.