Things To Do Near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown provides plenty to do while you are enjoying the epic natural beauty of the area in your RV. This area has a rich history based around the Gold Rush era to explore. Hiking opportunities take you to spectacular waterfalls, and, of course, being on Whiskeytown Lake means there are ample water sports to enjoy.
Hiking Trails
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Crystal Creek Falls Trail
The Crystal Creek Falls trail is perfect if you are traveling with youngsters. This trail is for any skill level and leads to the picturesque falls. The area is used a lot for hiking, bird-watching, and nature trips. It is good for strollers and people who have mobility issues.
Location
Crystal Creek Road, French Gulch, CA 96033
Length
0.9 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Brandy Creek Falls Trail
Brandy Creek is known for its five cascading falls that run down polished granite. If you go in the spring, you may spot umbrella-leafed Indian rhubarb, one of the first flowers to bloom in the season. The trail has been improved with a metal railing and hand-hewn rock steps to help hikers.
Location
Shasta Bally Road, Igo, CA 96047
Length
2.9 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Mill Creek Trail
The Mill Creek Trail is an in-and-out trail featuring gorgeous wildflowers. It is great for nature trips and bird-watching, and this is a good trail for dogs as well. The trail can get a little dense the further in you go, but there are plenty of gurgling streams along the way. You will want to watch out for poison oak.
Location
French Gulch, CA 96033
Length
12.6 miles
Intensity
Moderate to Difficult
Sightseeing
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Shasta State Historic Park
The Shasta State Historic Park used to be a 19th-century gold-mining town that houses a museum, jail, and many restored brick buildings. It provides a great way to wander back into history as you peek between iron shutters or wander through the cemetery. The courthouse looks just like it did in 1861, but it is now filled with historic exhibits and California artwork.
Location
15312 CA-299, Redding, CA 96003
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Brandy Creek Beach
Brandy Creek Beach is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon picnic. The water is clear and cool, providing a wonderful place for wading, swimming, or even scuba diving. Tables and grills are available.
Location
JFK Memorial Drive, Whiskeytown, CA 96095
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Shasta Dam
Shasta Dam is a 602-foot-high concrete dam towering over the Sacramento River. The dam is located about nine miles northwest of Redding and provides flood control, power, and a water supply. The tours offer a chance to see what goes on in the inner workings of the dam.
Location
16349 Shasta Dam Blvd., Shasta Lake, CA 96019
Museums
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Litsch Store Museum
From 1850 to 1950, the Litsch General Store was owned and operated by the Litsch family. Today, it is a museum dedicated to showing a historic mercantile. There are many items in the store that were on sale back when it was fully operational.
Location
15346 CA-299, Shasta, CA 96087
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Shasta Lake Heritage Museum
The Shasta Lake Heritage Museum was established to preserve stories and photographs showcasing a lot of local history. The exhibits cover a period spanning from before the dam was built to the boomtown era of the Shasta Dam construction; they also explore how the local town came to be. Some of the highlights include two 14-foot murals featuring the mining history in the area.
Location
1525 Median Avenue, Shasta Lake, CA 96019
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Le Testimony
Le Testimony is an organic-focused restaurant. They offer crepes, salads, soups, omelets, coffee, and tea. The menu features vegan dishes, gluten-free items, and dairy-free options as well. They take a lot of pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients that will make any meal a treat.
Location
3365 Placer Street, Redding, CA 96001
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Airpark Café
Airpark Café is a great place for some good homestyle cooking. It is a must-visit for aviation lovers; you can watch airplanes and helicopters take off and land while you enjoy breakfast, lunch, or Saturday dinner and a classic movie shown on the hangar wall. This place is more than a meal; it is an experience.
Location
2600 Gold Street, Redding, CA 96001
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Placer Heights Plaza
Placer Heights Plaza is on the west side of Redding, where you can shop without going into the center of the city. There are all kinds of neat little shops and great places to eat here.
Location
3385 Placer Street, Redding, CA 96001
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J’s Market
If you need supplies while visiting Whiskeytown, check out J’s Market. It is a family-owned store that sells various items. They have a hot food case and sell fishing tackle if you need it. This is also a good place to fill your propane tank or even just get something nice and cold to drink on a hot day.
Location
15438 CA-299, Shasta, CA 96087