California note
Whiskeytown gives Shasta County a clear lake and mountain park
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area sits west of Redding with a clear lake, waterfalls, mountain trails, Gold Rush history, and forested hills.
Whiskeytown is the Shasta County stop where lake water, forest, and mountain trails sit close to Redding. It can be a swim day, a paddle day, a waterfall hike, or a quiet drive into the hills.
Whiskeytown is a 42,000-acre national recreation area. Whiskeytown Lake is the main water draw, but the park also has waterfalls, rugged trails, Gold Rush history, native plants, and places where the landscape is still recovering after fire.
That mix gives visitors choices. You do not have to do the whole park. Pick the lake, a trail, a ranger program, or a scenic stop and build around that.
Review NPS alerts, entrance pass information, water safety notes, and trail conditions before visiting.
Where to see it
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Sources
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Reviewed June 30, 2026
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