Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

How To Get To Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

You can get to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area by traveling north or south on Interstate 5 to Redding, California. Get off the freeway at Exit 678 to head west on CA-44 W. Follow that past East Street and then turn right onto CA-273N/Pine Street. You will see signs for CA-299/Weaverville/Eureka. Turn left at the first cross street to enter CA-273N/Eureka Way. That turns into CA-299/Eureka Way. Follow that out of town and then turn left onto JF Kennedy Memorial Road and follow it to the park.

Address

14412 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Whiskeytown, CA 96095

Fee: Entry fee (per vehicle) $25.0

Fee: Entry fee (per motorcycle) $20.0

Fee: Entry fee (pedestrians and cyclists) $15.0

Fee: Entry fee (veterans) $0

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a treasure in Northern California. Whiskeytown Lake is in a beautifully forested area with lots to see and do around it. Check out the museums and learn about the area’s history, especially in the Gold Rush era; Shasta State Historic Park showcases a lot of the stories. There is hiking out in nature to see waterfalls, wildflowers, birds, and a variety of wildlife. Of course, you will also want to enjoy the lake itself with excellent opportunities to swim, boat, or fish. Traveling by RV gives you an easy way to take in all the area has to offer since you will be able to wander on your own schedule and visit multiple campgrounds. You can enjoy the lake from various viewpoints and get the most out of your visit to this rural gem.