Paddling

Ranger-guided kayak tour on Whiskeytown Lake. NPS Photo

NPS photo.

Your Guide to Kayaking & Paddleboarding

With its clean and clear water, numerous coves and islands, and 40 miles of shoreline, Whiskeytown Lake is a premier paddlesport destination. There are three ways for you to kayak and/or paddleboard on the lake.

Ranger-Led Kayak & Paddleboard Tours

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, as staffing allows, ranger-led kayak tours are offered Friday through Monday at 9:00 am, and ranger-led paddle board tours are offered Friday through Monday at 1:30 pm. These programs are popular and serve as introductions to the sports. All equipment is provided. The tours offer two hours of on-the-water fun where rangers interpret the unique natural and historic features of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Reservations are required and can be made online. Please note that the website charges a one-dollar administrative fee for processing. To allow as many visitors as possible the opportunity to participate in these paddle programs, please only reserve tour spots if you fully plan on attending. If you make a reservation but can no longer attend, please cancel so others can participate.

Rent a Kayak, SUP, or Pedalboat from the Concessioner

If you want to explore the lake on your own, Whiskeytown Marinas, LLC rents a variety of boats year-round out of Oak Bottom Marina and seasonally from Brandy Creek Marina. You can reserve your boat online.

Use Your Own Boat

Good places to launch your kayak or SUP include the boat launches at Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek Marina, and Whiskey Creek.

Please Be Safe on the Lake!

Safety is a top priority at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. All boats, including kayaks and paddleboards, must have lifejackets onboard for each person. Youth under the age of 16 must wear lifejackets while on the water. Additional recommended safety gear includes a noise-producing device like a whistle, a first aid kit, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lights for both the boat and passengers if you're out at night.

Which Part of the Lake Should You Explore?

Now that you’re ready to get out on the water, where should you head? We consulted several rangers and local paddling clubs to recommend a few destinations.

Boulder Creek: An easy paddle south of the Oak Bottom Boat Launch or Marina area. Paddling between Star Island and the mainland will give you a chance to see some of the lake’s seasonal residents. Look for osprey nests at the top of trees near the water, and you might spot one of these skilled fish hunters circling above. Continuing along the shoreline, you’ll reach Boulder Creek. The creek’s name is apparent as car-sized boulders dot the landscape above and below the waterline. There is also a sandy area at Boulder Creek inlet, which is a popular spot for relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing.

Davis Gulch: Located just east of the Brandy Creek area, Davis Gulch is accessible by both water and trail. The area offers swimming spots and the opportunity to observe wildlife. Watch for lake trout, pike minnows, and western box turtles sunning themselves on logs. You may also encounter river otters, great blue herons, green herons, and belted kingfishers.

Whiskey Creek: The Whiskey Creek arm of the reservoir offers a mix of wildlife and historical interest. Paddle a hundred yards north from the boat launch to explore this area, where you might see osprey, bald eagles, or great blue herons. You may also spot remnants of California’s gold mining history. During certain times of the year, you could even witness Kokanee salmon runs as they lay eggs for the next generation. Keep an eye out for bears along the shore as they hunt for salmon.

No matter which area you choose to explore, paddling on Whiskeytown Lake offers an adventure you’ll want to return to again and again. Have fun and stay safe!

Written by Tyler Compton, Interpretive Park Ranger