Whiskey You Were Here!

Getaway to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Redding

You won’t find any whiskey, or town (!) at Whiskeytown, but you will find one of California’s most refreshing outdoor gems! Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located just 20 minutes outside Redding and is best known for its crystal lake. Less known is that it’s surrounded by miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, beaches for lounging, and waterfalls! It’s also home to some of the best mellow paddling in the state.

BONUS OFFER: Book a 2-night stay at ChooseRedding.com and get a complimentary week-long vehicle admission pass for Whiskeytown.

Where There's Whiskeytown, There's Waterfalls!

waterfalls in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

waterfalls in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has three waterfalls reached by hiking trails. Whiskeytown Falls is the tallest, cascading 220 feet. For an easy, mostly flat hike, head for Crystal Creek Falls. And rounding out the trio is Boulder Creek Falls, a triple-tiered, 138-foot beauty dropping into a mossy canyon. The Whiskeytown Visitor Center will fill you in on the trails to reach these falls.

Beachy Keen

beach fun at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

kayaking Whiskeytown

kayaking Whiskeytown

Plenty of shade and a lengthy shoreline make Brandy Creek Beach idyllic for lounging and picnicking—and you’re surrounded by Whiskeytown’s wild mountain scenery! The swimming beckons: Grab a float or paddle device and get out onto the water, or just wade in for a cool-down. In summer, a small beach store dishes ice cream and has beach gear. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent. Brandy Creek Beach is one of four swim beaches in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

Biking and Hiking Trails: Whiskeytown Goes Down Smooth

mountain bike Whiskeytown

hiking Whiskeytown

couple hiking with dog in Whiskeytown

One of Whiskeytown’s biggest secrets is its amazing selection of mountain bike trails. For singletrack and mostly flat—with winding sections to keep things interesting—try the Oak Bottom Water Ditch Trail. If it’s all about the workout for you, trails like the Mount Shasta Mine Route will be more your style, with hard climbs and downhill thrills. For hiking, take your pick: easy, moderate, difficult, or the Ranger’s Pick! Check out hikes in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

BONUS COMPLIMENTARY 7 DAY VEHICLE ADMISSION: Book at least a 2-night stay on ChooseRedding.com and get a complimentary week-long admission for one vehicle at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Hike Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve Mystery Walls

    Mystery Walls

    Crop circles, Stonehenge, California’s Mystery Walls … You don’t have to travel the world to see enigmas, including these stone walls within the South Bay's Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve.

    View
  2. Woman walking down the stairs overlooking the ocean on the Coastal Trail in San Francisco

    America's Best Urban Hike

    Long ago we dubbed it the “Grand Walk” and said it was one of the most scenic and stunning trails in the West. We were wrong. This is the most scenic urban hike in America!

    View
  3. Hike or Bike the Skyline

    A new section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is open for biking, hiking, or horseback riding along the 12-mile (out-and-back) Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

    View
  2. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  3. Tahoe's Trio of Lake Vistas

    They say good things come in threes, and it’s true when you embark on this 8-mile (round-trip) hike in Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness. It gives you three excellent lake vistas: Eagl

    View