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Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Photo of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area courtesy NPS

Of the three parts of the Whiskeytown - Shasta - Trinity National Recreation Area, the Whiskeytown Unit (authorized Nov. 8, 1965 and established October 21,1972), is the only unit administered by the National Park Service.

The Whiskeytown Unit, with its mountainous back country and large, man-made reservoir, offers many summer activities such as hiking and boating, as well as historical remains of the California Gold Rush of 1849. Whiskeytown Lake, provides 36 miles of shoreline and 3200 surface acres of water, and is excellent for most water-related activities, including swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, boating and fishing. The lake was created by diverting water through tunnels and penstocks, from the Trinity River Basin to the Sacramento River Basin. The most prominent landmark within the Recreation Area is Shasta Bally (elevation 6,209 feet). The summit may be reached on foot and by 4-wheel drive vehicle, but is closed in the winter. Picnicking, hiking, hunting, interpretive programs and horseback riding are also popular within the Whiskeytown Unit. The other two units (Shasta and Trinity) offer additional activities and are administered by the Forest Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

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Facilities available at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area:



Whiskeytown National Recreation Area website
Recreation Area Map
Reservation site
Park Email: tracy_lange@nps.gov

Phone numbers
Headquarters 530 242-3400
Visitor Information (Daily 10am - 4pm) 530 246-1225

Address
Whiskeytown NRA
P.O. Box 188
Whiskeytown, CA 96095