The Moonlight Kayaking Tour Across Whiskeytown Lake In Northern California Belongs On Your Bucket List

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

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Being cooped up indoors for the past few months has made us hungrier than ever for our next great adventure, and we’ve especially got our sights set on the fantastic experience featured here. The beautiful Whiskeytown Lake is a recreational haven for hiking, fishing, camping, and so much more, but you simply must try their ranger-led paddling experiences. They offer a variety of tours across the lake’s tranquil waters, but there’s one ranger-led kayak tour that takes place at moonlight. Imagine paddling across Whiskeytown Lake with nothing but the moon and stars shining overhead! It’s just as magical as it sounds, so check it out:

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

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whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

What do you think? Will you be adding a ranger-led kayak tour to your summer bucket list? This looks like a great way to experience the endless beauty of Whiskeytown Lake!

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whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

Guided Kayak Tours at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area From Interstate 5, take the Highway 44 West exit toward Downtown Redding and Eureka. From Downtown Redding, follow Highway 299 west toward Eureka for approximately 8 miles to reach the Visitor Center. Whiskeytown, CA 96095 Get Directions $20 a week for private vehicle, $15 motorcycle, $10 bike/walk, $40 annual pass

There are some really cool guided tours here.  I highly recommend reserving tickets for the guided ranger kayak tours or SUP (stand up paddle boarding) tours.  It’s only $1.50 concession fee per ticket and the program is only offered in the summer on select dates usually Fri – Sun.  If the weather is bad and the tour gets cancelled you can change your dates for free.  They provide you with life jackets, paddles, and the kayak/board.  The ranger is very prepared for any emergency and makes sure to go at the right pace for the group.  They will lock up your personal items in the shed for safe keeping. 

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

The kayak tour starts at 9:00am – 11:30am and they have both single kayaks and tandem kayaks depending on the number of people on the tour.  I have pretty bad balance and concern about e-coli in the waters so I chose this over SUP.  I went with my family who have never kayaked before and it was easy to learn for all.  You will get wet so bring a change of clothes.  The tour takes you along quiet coves and the ranger points out the flora and fauna.  There are also volunteers that corral the group like cattle so trust me when I say it’s very safe!   The people who signed up the tours were of all different ages from 12 – 70 years old.

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

Aside from the tour, you can visit other trails such as Whiskeytown Falls,  Crystal Creek Falls, Tower District, and have a picnic at Brandy Creek Beach.  There’s a lot of water and hiking activities to do here.   The featured picture at the top is called a glory hole which protects the Whiskeytown dam from flooding. 

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

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whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

at Friends of Whiskeytown, Inc.

Images by: jim dowling.

In order to help the park service encourage healthy living and better stewardship of our local environment, Friends of Whiskeytown, Inc. has funded a number of projects in the park, including:

Help in funding the building and maintenance of trails, building a bridge, providing volunteers for lake clean-up days and most visibly providing the equipment and life vests for both the patio boat tours for the aged and disabled as well as the highly popular kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours.

Most recently, FOWI raised over $5,000 earmarked for trail restoration at the Brandy Creek Beach trail system. FOWI also purchased two safety kayaks and a beach wheelchair. These tours are staffed by National Park Service Interpretive Rangers and encourage people to get out and experience the environment first hand.

VISITOR EXPERIENCES

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area will be offering ranger-led kayak and paddleboard tours on Whiskeytown Lake from May 28 through September 5. Kayak tours will be offered Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 9:00 am. Paddleboard tours will be offered Thursdays and Fridays at 1:30 pm. During full moon weeks, moonlight kayak tours will take the place of the 9:00 am kayak tour. Pre-registration is required for these programs (up to two weeks in advance) and there is a $1 administrative fee per person. Tour registration can be made up to two weeks in advance. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov . “Whiskeytown’s paddling programs are a long-standing summertime tradition and they are very popular with local communities,” said Josh Hoines, Park Superintendent. “We are delighted to be offering the kayak and paddleboard tours again this year.” While ranger-led programs did not occur last summer due to the pandemic, precautions have been put in place this year to protect rangers, volunteers, and the public. Among other safety protocols, facemasks are required at the beginning of the tours while everyone is on land. Additionally, program attendance has been reduced to a maximum of 10 visitors. Besides getting out on the water for an extremely low price, Whiskeytown’s ranger-led kayak and paddleboard programs introduce visitors to the unique natural and cultural history of the national recreation area. Both programs last about two hours. No prior water experience is needed, but kayakers must be six years of age or older and paddleboarders must be 10 or older. Good-fitting footwear is required for kayak tours, no flip flops. All equipment is provided by the park, and all participants must wear a lifejacket. For program questions, email [email protected] .

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

Most weekends this summer, in the middle of the day and into the early afternoon, interpretive park rangers and volunteers will be at Brandy Creek Beach and Oak Bottom Beach at a pop-up tent – we are dubbing this tent the “Beach Booth.” Have questions about the park or the beaches? Want a park newspaper that you can enjoy reading in the shade or while suntanning? Want to borrow a lifejacket for your child? Want to “meet” park wildlife via animal furs and skulls? Look for this green tent and then come visit us at the Beach Booth!

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

Friends of Whiskeytown, Inc. provides free weekly patio boat tours during the summer months for seniors and handicapped visitors. 

Tours begin at the Oak Bottom Marina on a rented patio boat. An interpretive Ranger leads the one and a half to two hour tour around the upper Whiskeytown Lake area. 

These tours provide seniors and handicapped visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and this beautiful park as well as explore the lake by boat. 

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

In late September, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and Friends of Whiskeytown, Inc. have invited visitors, in previous years before the 2018 Carr Fire and the 2020 pandemic, to the Camden House in Whiskeytown’s Tower House Historic District for their Harvest Festival.

This was an all day event with free parking. The Harvest Festival featured heirloom apple and other apple tastings, an apple bake-off contest, and games for all ages. Friends of Whiskeytown, Inc. provided the apples for the tasting, prizes for the bake-off, and the apple games.

Tours of the Camden House and surrounding orchards were also planned. The tour featured a walk back in time from the Wintu era to the Gold Rush to the establishment of the National Recreation Area.

FOWI is committed to work toward bringing this event back to the park very soon. You can help by getting involved with Friends of Whiskeytown and volunteering your time for the betterment of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

In previous years the National Park Service and California State Parks have held an Old Time Festival that was an annual event at the beginning of December before the 2018 Carr Fire and 2020 pandemic. 

The Old Time Holiday was a full day event beginning at 11:00am and closing at 4:00pm. Visitors to the Camden House in Whiskeytown’s Tower House Historic District could make holiday wreaths to take home for free as well as other arts and crafts for all ages. Friends of Whiskeytown provided supplies for these activities for the special day.

In addition, the Camden House would be open for visitors to learn about the homestead of Charles Camden who settled there in 1852. There is an historic apple orchard adjacent to the house.

The Shasta State Historic Park has also  offered free entrance to the Courthouse Museum and shopping in the 1800’s general store on this day. Other activities include; candle making, a 49er miner’s tent camp, and musical entertainment. 

Friends of Whiskeytown is committed to work toward bringing this event back to the park very soon. You can help by getting involved with Friends of Whiskeytown and volunteering your time for the betterment of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

Make a Donation to FOWI

All Donations will directly support Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Help us improve the recreational enjoyment of visitors to Whiskeytown

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

NPS.gov/whis

Recreation.gov, wesforever.org, wescommunity.org, national park foundation, board meetings, planning sessions.

Friends of Whiskeytown, Inc. “FOWI” P.O. Box 2 Whiskeytown, CA 96095 (530) 244-9002

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Get on the water in Whiskeytown

Kayak tours at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area are an opportunity to gain paddling skills and learn about Whiskeytown Lake.

Sitting, standing, under the sun or by moonlight, there are plenty of paddling options this summer at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

Rangers lead free stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking programs, providing instruction as well as insights about Whiskeytown Lake and the surrounding area.

Whiskeytown tested the waters of stand-up paddleboarding last summer with ranger-led tours on the boards (picture a large surfboard controlled by a single paddle) once a week. That’s expanded to five days a week this summer.

Whiskeytown’s popular kayak tours, which began in 2000, are available six days a week — and twice on some days. In addition, moonlight kayak programs are scheduled near the full moon in July, August and September. There’s also a weekly Junior Ranger kayak program geared to children 3 to 6 with parents.

“As far as we know, the ranger-led kayak and paddleboard programs are rather unique in the National Park Service,” Interpretive Ranger Matt Switzer says.

There are National Park Service locations (including Whiskeytown) with kayaking and paddleboarding available through concessionaires, but Whiskeytown is unique in having rangers lead paddlers and providing boats and boards. Themes of interpretive programs vary depending on the ranger. The focus might be the natural features of Whiskeytown or its rich history.

Beginners to pros are welcome. Kayak tours last about two and a half hours. The paddleboard program, which focuses on fundamentals, runs an hour and 30 minutes.

The programs are a way for visitors to experience and learn about Whiskeytown Recreation Area from the water.

“We hope that as our visitors learn about and connect more with Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, they’ll become better stewards of our history and environment and will set the example for generations to come,” Switzer says.

For some, the tours are an introduction to a new sport that takes hold.

“One of our focuses at Whiskeytown is to promote exercise and healthy living, and these programs support that vision,” Switzer says.

Here’s a rundown on the programs:

Paddleboard tours are 2 p.m. Friday through Monday and Wednesday.

Kayak tours are 9:30 a.m. Friday through Monday and Wednesday; and 5:30 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday.

Moonlight tours are 8 p.m. July 4-8 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2-6 and Sept. 1-5.

The Junior Ranger kayak program is 9:30 a.m. Thursdays.

Reservations (made no more than two weeks in advance) are required. Call 242-3462 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Programs run through Labor Day.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/whis .

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whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

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INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS RESUME AT WHISKEYTOWN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Free ranger-guided programs at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area have resumed after fires and smoky conditions caused the cancelation of many activities in the park. “We are hopeful that the clear skies will continue so visitors can get back into their normal routine, which includes visiting the park with family and friends,” stated Whiskeytown Superintendent Jim Milestone.

Kayak tours are offered daily at 10am and 6pm with an additional 1pm program on the weekends.  Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling (530) 242-3462. In addition to the daily kayak tours on Whiskeytown Lake, other programs offered include evening programs and Junior Ranger programs at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater.  Another program being offered is the “Walk in Time” tour of the historic Camden House and the surrounding area, followed by a gold panning expedition where visitors can keep all of the gold that they find! Water safety demonstrations will also be conducted at Brandy Creek Beach on weekends.

One of the highlights for the ranger-guided activities is the special moonlight tour which starts on Monday, August 11 and continue each evening through Friday August 15. Reservations can be made for these tours by calling the kayak reservation line at (530) 242-3462 from 9am to 12 noon Monday through Saturday.  “The moonlight kayak tours are definitely one of the more memorable moments one can experience here at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and we are pleased that we can resume of this and the other interpretive programs for the public to enjoy,” stated Whiskeytown Superintendent Jim Milestone.  “It is a very unique time to be on the lake because your surroundings change as the night sky takes over and the only light around you is that of the moon, making everything from the landscape to the water very surreal,” concluded Milestone.

The Visitor Center has extended hours during the summer and is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm through Labor Day. Located 8 miles west of Redding at the intersection of Highway 299 and Kennedy Memorial Drive, the Visitor Center offers exhibits on the history and development of the Whiskeytown area as well as information on interpretive programs, camping, and other local information.  Annual ($25), weekly ($10), or daily ($5) entrance passes are required for all visits to Whiskeytown, including ranger-led programs.  Passes may be purchased at the Visitor Center or at pay stations located throughout the park.

SUMMER RANGER-GUIDED ACTIVITIES

Summer programs will continue through the Labor Day weekend.  Kayak tours will continue on a limited basis through September.  All programs are subject to change; please call the Visitor Center at 246-1225 for the most current information.  Although participants must have a valid park entrance pass to participate, there is no additional fee for attending any of the park programs.

Kayak Tours

Daily tours. Reservations required (530) 242-3462

Hop on a kayak built for two and explore some of the quiet coves around Whiskeytown Lake while you learn more about the park. For kayak reservations and information please call (530) 242-3462 Monday through Saturday from 9am to 12noon. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance. Special accommodations can be made for groups of 15 or more participants. All participants must know how to swim and are required to wear a life vest.  The park will provide tandem kayaks, life vests and all other gear for up to twenty participants.  Visitors with their own kayaks are welcome to accompany the tour group but must call to sign up for a specific tour.  The kayak program is not available for children younger than six years old. Each six to twelve year old child must be accompanied by an adult who will serve as their kayak partner.  Groups of children over twelve must be accompanied by at least one responsible adult.  Leaves from Brandy Creek Beach

Junior Ranger Kayak

Sundays 6 - 8pm Reservations required (530) 242-3462

Kids can bring an adult with them and join a ranger on tandem kayaks to discover and learn about the natural wonders of Whiskeytown Lake.  Children must be 6 years of age or older and accompanied by their parent or an adult guardian. Leaves from Brandy Creek. Register up to two weeks in advance by calling (530) 242-3462.

Evening Programs

Fridays and Saturdays 9 - 10 pm (8:30 – 9:30 pm beginning August 9 th )

Spend the evening with a ranger and learn more about Whiskeytown NRA through talks, a slide show, or other activity.  Various topics include history, wildlife, and current issues related to protecting the park’s natural and cultural resources.  Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater.

Walk In Time (Includes Gold panning!)

Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 6 pm - Sunset

Discover how pioneers/prospectors Charles Camden and Levi Tower reshaped the landscape that created a home for their family and an “oasis” for the many travelers during and after the California Gold Rush. After a tour of the 1852 home built by Charles Camden enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic district ending with a chance to find your own treasure of gold. Optional: pack and enjoy a healthy picnic with your family prior to the program.  The ranger will start the program at the picnic tables across the footbridge along Clear Creek in the Tower House Historic District.

Junior Ranger

Saturdays 10 - 11am

Kids 7 to 12 years of age can make new friends during a special nature activity that explores the various marvels of Whiskeytown.  Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater.

Junior Firefighter

Saturdays 11 - 12noon

See how firefighters manage fire to promote forest health and protect lives and property.  Learn about the important role that wildfire plays in our national parks during this hands-on activity.  Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater.

Water Safety Demonstration

Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Check with lifeguards on duty.

Saving someone from drowning, while keeping you at a safe distance, depends on quick thinking, common sense, and the ability to use nearby objects.  Join a National Park Service ranger and lifeguards for this enlightening water-safety demonstration at Brandy Creek Beach.

For more information contact the Visitor Center at (530) 246-1225 or visit the park’s website and get a webcam view of the lake at www.nps.gov/whis .

Last updated: March 1, 2015

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P.O. Box 188 Whiskeytown, CA 96095

530 242-3400

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The 8 Best Places for a Kayaking Adventure Near Redding, California

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

In 2014, Time Magazine created a list of American cities and their weird obsession . While San Francisco was obsessed with brunch and Sacramento with costume play, Redding came in with a much cooler obsession – kayaking.

There’s no secret why Redding is the “unofficial capitol” of kayaking. Not only is it a fun, healthy activity, but there’s also an abundance of places to hit the water and go for a paddle. Here are our eight favorite places to go on a kayaking adventure near Redding, California:

Whiskeytown Lake

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

If Redding is America’s kayaking capitol, than Whiskeytown Lake is its capitol building.

With its proximity to the town along with its many different areas to explore, there’s no question that the crystal-clear waters of Whiskeytown are the preferred destinations for kayakers. The population of motorboats in the water is pretty low, making it a smooth paddle around the perimeter of the lake. And with the water levels staying high year-round, there are no surprises on this paddle.

View this post on Instagram With so many islands and inlets to explore, kayaking Whiskeytown Lake is unlike any other kayaking experience you may have had. The beautiful, clear water only adds to the adventure. @danshepler spends an evening with @jsahub on our beloved mountain lake. Full story coming Tues!â € .â € .â € .â € #visitredding #ShastaCascade #UpStateCA #thisisredding #whiskeytown #whiskeytownlake #northerncalifornia #travelcalifornia #explorecalifornia #thisiscalifornia #californiawild #jsahub #reddingca #reddingcalifornia #redding #kayakcalifornia #kayakingadventures #mountainlakes #kayaker #visitcalifornia A post shared by VisitRedding (@visitredding) on Jun 18, 2018 at 6:20pm PDT

If you want to add a cool wrinkle to your Whiskeytown Paddle, try the always-popular moonlight kayak tour , combining paddling with astronomy. If you want to rent on the lake, Oak Bottom Marina and Brandy Creek Beach Store are your best bets.

Sacramento River

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

One unique feature of Redding is that you can literally take a tour of the town on a kayak. With the Sacramento River flowing through the town, including right under the world-famous Sundial Bridge, you can see much of the town from the water, with the gentle ride becoming a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.

The best places to launch a kayak are the Posse Grounds above Turtle Bay, the Turtle Bay Open Space, Park Marina boat launch and the South Bonnyview boat launch. The most popular paddle journey runs from the Posse Grounds to South Bonnyview, where you can see much of the town from north to south from the water. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can paddle the river 100 miles from Redding all the way down to Chico.

The Sacramento River in Redding is also popular for relaxing rafting trips, Stand Up Paddleboarders and fishermen. There’s no question that one of the best ways to experience the town is from the water.

Shasta Lake

View this post on Instagram #repost – Mt. Shasta with a coating of snow glowing in early sunlight behind a full Shasta Lakeâ € 📷: @chris_flentye â € .â € #VisitRedding #MtShasta #ShastaLake #snow #winter #CAwinter #UpStateCA #explore #adventure #nature #naturelovers #outdoors #getoutside #getoutstayout #neverstopexploring #ShastaCascade #sunrise #mountains #lakes #trees A post shared by VisitRedding (@visitredding) on Jan 19, 2018 at 4:51pm PST

It’s hard to decide where to launch your kayak on Shasta Lake’s 370-mile shoreline, but luckily for you, there’s no bad place to do it.

Shasta Lake is the mecca for water sports and recreation in Northern California. And although the motorboats are the more prominent visitors on this lake, exploring it on a kayak can give you a much more intimate experience with the lake.

Every corner of the lake has kayaking opportunities, but some of the most popular harbors offer easy rentals. Businesses like Digger Bay Marina, Bridge Bay Marina, Silverthorn Marina and Shasta Marina all offer kayaking opportunities at an affordable price.

Want a little adventure on your Shasta Lake kayak adventure? Take it up to the Little Backbone Creek natural waterslide .

Lake Siskiyou

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

A little over an hour drive north from Redding sits Lake Siskiyou, beautifully basking under the shadow of Mount Shasta. Although smaller than Whiskeytown Lake, Lake Siskiyou provides a similar calming experience with little traffic and views to die for.

The biggest attraction during a Lake Siskiyou kayaking experience is seeing unparalleled views of Mount Shasta, which stunningly reflects on the water during calm weather. You can easily rent your kayak with the Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort and if you bring your fishing rod, you can land one of the trophy-sized trout stocked into the water.

While this is the farthest kayaking waterway made on this list, it’s a can’t-miss destinations for kayakers in Northern California.

Manzanita Lake

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

Sitting just an hour east of Redding is the gem of Northern California – Lassen Volcanic National Park – and one of the park’s best adventures is kayaking on Manzanita Lake.

Manzanita Lake is the first thing you’ll see when driving into the park’s north entrance from Redding and it’s a utopia of wildlife and views. Sitting under Lassen Peak, providing pristine views of the active volcano, this small lake is best explored from a kayak.

With motorized boats prohibited from Manzanita Lake, there’s a kayak rental company sitting conveniently near the parking lot, giving adventurers of every age a chance to experience Lassen from the water. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the shore and drop a line in if you’re ready to catch some big fish!

McCloud River

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

When people think of an outdoor adventure on the McCloud River, they typically think of the three tiers of McCloud Falls. But there is a kayaking adventure on the famous river that can put you right next to the historic vacation home of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst.

It’s certainly an odd way to explore historic architecture, but it’s the only way you’re going to see it. The Wyntoon Castle is not open to the public and in most cases, can only be seen from the water. If you bring your kayak down through the McCloud River, you’ll be in a rare group.

Trinity River

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

Sitting northwest of Redding is the Trinity River, a beautiful tributary known for its remote views along Highway 299 and epic winter steelhead runs. The best way to experience this river is on the water, and different sections can offer adventurous Class V rapids or a relaxing Class II paddle.

The adventurous can drop into Burnt Ranch Gorge, offering up to Classe V rapids for the advanced paddlers.

You can have a more relaxing time taking the Pigeon Point Run, with slow sections of crystal clear water showing you the iconic views of the tributary. You can rent a kayak from Trinity River Rafting , who will also give you a rundown of the trip down the river and offer rafting trips for groups as well.

Clear Creek

whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

For anyone looking for a more challenging kayak trip, Clear Creek below Whiskeytown Lake offers Class IV rapids through the west side of town. The 8-mile stretch of water goes from just below Whiskeytown Lake to the take out near Igo, offering little-known whitewater for the adventurous.

Have fun on your kayak adventure near Redding, California! For kayak rental opportunities and trips in Redding, check out Headwaters Adventure Company , West Marine , or Just Kayak More .

Photo of Active NorCal

Active NorCal

These photos of the lightning storm over yosemite are absolutely incredible, 'mount shasta is closed': everitt memorial highway inundated with flash flooding.

Trinity Lake and Lewiston Lake are great for kayaking

cheap cialis from india Supersaturation is expressed as a ratio of the concentration of urinary calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate to its solubility

Nice review of kayaking tours in this area. However, re: the McCloud, I would add that it is a bit more of an epic adventure than you make of it. The shuttle is a long one (and nobody I know of offers commercial shuttles). The first mile below the put in is usually a very shallow and rocky creek. Be prepared to exit your boat several times to portage over things. If there’s enough water to eliminate the portages, be ready for fast Class 4 for a while. Spring inflow soon means that you can stay in your boat. When you come to Big Springs, which is a spectacular waterfall coming out of the side of the hill, water levels jump from maybe 50 CFS to around 800 CFS. Suddenly you are on a real river. The water temp which is already cold drops another 10 degrees or so. Even on a hot day, I’d wear wetsuit pants and a dry top. Gloves or pogies are a must, also, otherwise your hands will be too cold to hold your paddle. From there, it’s several miles of continuous Class 3 (and I mean continuous; it’s one very long rapid). The water is shallow and fast, so swimming is not recommended. The other major hazard is fallen trees, which have caused a couple deaths in recent years. Things calm down once you reach the Hearst Estate with flatter water allowing you to gawk at the lifestyles of the rich. Soon, you’ll hit Lake McCloud so can enjoy a leisurely 3 mile paddle back to the take out at the boat ramp. The shoreline is all private, and the Hearsts keep an eye on it closely. I don’t mean to scare people off this river; it’s very beautiful and scenic, with fun whitewater. It’s long been one of my favorites. It’s just a river with possibly serious consequences for those who are unprepared or inexperienced.

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Alerts in effect, a clean, clear lake and much, much more.

Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear water is perhaps the most recognized feature of the park. However, water-based recreation is only a part of what the 42,000-acre Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has to offer. Visit waterfalls, hike through rugged mountains, explore California Gold Rush history, and observe post-fire ecology in action. Your national park is calling...

Dozens of miles of trails are calling your name. Enjoy healthy exercise in the great outdoors at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

Start here first and see our recommendations for things to do.

Brandy Creek Falls, Whiskeytown Falls, and Crystal Creek Falls. Which one is right for you?

An Entrance Pass is required to visit Whiskeytown. Purchase your seven-day or annual pass at the Visitor Center or online.

For a positive and safe park experience, abide by these common rules and regulations.

Plan Like a Park Ranger for a safe and positive day on the reservoir by following these seven steps...

Selected artists camp at Whiskeytown for two to three weeks and get to use the park's clean water and rugged mountains as inspiration.

Last updated: January 22, 2024

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P.O. Box 188 Whiskeytown, CA 96095

530 242-3400

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IMAGES

  1. Take A Ranger-Led Kayak Tour At Whiskeytown Lake In Northern California

    whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

  2. Moonlight Kayaking on Whiskeytown Lake

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  3. Moonlight (7:30 Pm

    whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

  4. Take A Ranger-Led Kayak Tour At Whiskeytown Lake In Northern California

    whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

  5. Kayakers Enjoy First Whiskeytown Moonlight Tour of 2015

    whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

  6. Take A Ranger-Led Kayak Tour At Whiskeytown Lake In Northern California

    whiskeytown moonlight kayak tour

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  2. Bill Townsend on Whiskeytown Reservoir

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  4. Moonlight Kayaking Prescott AZ. B2BWILD.COM #outdoorsy #prescott #kayak #kayakrental #adventures

  5. Whiskeytown

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COMMENTS

  1. Ranger Programs

    Kayaking Whiskeytown Lake at sunset. MOONLIGHT KAYAK TOUR 7:30 pm, June 28th to July 2nd, July 26th - 30th, August 30th to September 3rd Pre-Registration Required. Experience the dramatic changes in the landscape as you explore Whiskeytown Lake at sunset and under the light of the moon. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance.

  2. Kayak Tours

    To reserve your spot, call (530) 242-3462. Moonlight Kayak Programs departing from Brandy Creek Beach (2.5 hours) Several tours dates are offered each month: July 7-11 at 8:00 pm; August 5-9 at 7:30 pm; and September 3-7 at 7:00 pm (2 ½ hours) Experience the dramatic changes in the landscape as you explore Whiskeytown Lake under the light of ...

  3. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Ranger Guided Programs

    P.O. Box 188/ 14412 Kennedy Memorial Dr. Whiskeytown CA 96095. Phone Number. 530-246-1225. Available Tours and Tickets. Moonlight (7:30 Pm - 10:00 Pm) Kayak at Oak Bottom; Morning (9:00 Am-11:30 Am) Kayak at Oak Bottom; Evening (5:00 Pm-7:30 Pm) Kayak at Oak Bottom; Paddle Board at Brandy Creek Beach (1:30 Pm- 3:30 Pm) Morning Patio Boat Tour ...

  4. Moonlight (7:30 Pm

    Find out more details and check site availability for Moonlight (7:30 Pm - 10:00 Pm) Kayak at Oak Bottom in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Ranger Guided Programs at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area with Recreation.gov. Meet the ranger at Oak Bottom Marina at the kayak shed near the amphitheater does not work. Hop on a tandem kayak with a friend and enjoy exploring the island

  5. The Moonlight Kayaking Tour Across Whiskeytown Lake In Northern

    The kayak tours are one of the park's most popular ranger-led experiences. With this unique experience, visitors can hop into a tandem kayak with a friend and take on the vast waters of Whiskeytown Lake. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area/Facebook. Advertisement. Reservations for these tours can be made up to two weeks in advance.

  6. Paddling

    Ranger-Led Kayak & Paddleboard Tours. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, as staffing allows, ranger-led kayak tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday at both 9am and 5pm and ranger-led SUP tours are offered Thursdays to Sundays at 1:30pm. These programs are popular and serve as introductions to the sports. All equipment is provided. The tours ...

  7. Moonlight Kayaking on Whiskeytown Lake

    On a cloudy Wednesday evening in June, I drove up to Whiskeytown Lake to participate in my first moonlight kayak tour. The sun was just starting to sink behind the mountains and 20 or so people stood with paddles in hand next to bright orange, blue and green kayaks lined up on the shore of Brandy Creek Beach.

  8. Ranger Led Kayak and Paddleboard Programs are Returning to Whiskeytown

    Kayak tours will occur on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 9 am. Paddleboard programs will occur Thursdays and Fridays at 1:30 pm. During weeks of the full moon, 7:30 pm moonlit kayak tours will take the place of the morning kayak program. Pre-registration is required and can be made up to two weeks in advance at: https ...

  9. Whiskeytown Announces 2021 Ranger-led Kayak & Paddleboard Program ...

    News Release Date: May 13, 2021 Contact: Tyler Compton WHISKEYTOWN, California - Whiskeytown National Recreation Area will be offering ranger-led kayak and paddleboard tours on Whiskeytown Lake from May 28 through September 5.Kayak tours will be offered Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 9:00 am. Paddleboard tours will be offered Thursdays and Fridays at 1:30 pm.

  10. Guided Kayak Tours at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

    Whiskeytown, CA 96095 Get Directions $20 a week for private vehicle, $15 motorcycle, $10 bike/walk, $40 annual pass. There are some really cool guided tours here. I highly recommend reserving tickets for the guided ranger kayak tours or SUP (stand up paddle boarding) tours.

  11. Recreation.gov

    Hop on a tandem kayak with a friend and enjoy exploring the islands and quiet coves of Whiskeytown Lake on a ranger-led tour. Whiskeytown Lake is nestled among the hills and valleys of the Klamath Mountains in northern California. The Lake features a 36-mile shoreline and a surface area of 3,200 acres. ... The moonlight kayak tour was a great ...

  12. What We Do

    Paddleboard tours will be offered Thursdays and Fridays at 1:30 pm. During full moon weeks, moonlight kayak tours will take the place of the 9:00 am kayak tour. Pre-registration is required for these programs (up to two weeks in advance) and there is a $1 administrative fee per person. Tour registration can be made up to two weeks in advance.

  13. A Complete Guide to Enjoying Whiskeytown National ...

    Active NorCal August 8, 2023. 53. You'd be hard pressed to find a more pristine area in Northern California than the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Whiskeytown Lake is the centerpiece of the park that includes four waterfalls, hundreds of miles of trails and a beautiful beach. Sitting just 8 miles west of Redding, Calfiornia, there's ...

  14. Whiskeytown Lake

    For an unforgettable experience, snag a spot on the moonlight-kayaking tours that depart from Brandy Creek Beach (select nights in July-September). Not into water sports? Then hike to a waterfall. Whiskeytown Falls hurtles down an impressive 220-foot drop, and triple-tiered Boulder Creek Falls cascades over 138 feet into a mossy box canyon.

  15. Moonlight Hikes At Whiskeytown NRA

    For more information about the moonlight hike contact Nancy Quirus at 242-3454. This summer the National Park Service is also encouraging folks to schedule their own special group kayak tour for friends and family. Businesses and community groups are also invited to participate! Minimum group size is 12 people for each special kayak tour.

  16. Get on the water in Whiskeytown

    Whiskeytown's popular kayak tours, which began in 2000, are available six days a week — and twice on some days. In addition, moonlight kayak programs are scheduled near the full moon in July ...

  17. Interpretive Programs Resume at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

    Kayak tours are offered daily at 10am and 6pm with an additional 1pm program on the weekends. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling (530) 242-3462. In addition to the daily kayak tours on Whiskeytown Lake, other programs offered include evening programs and Junior Ranger programs at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater.

  18. The 8 Best Places for a Kayaking Adventure Near Redding, California

    If you want to add a cool wrinkle to your Whiskeytown Paddle, try the always-popular moonlight kayak tour, combining paddling with astronomy.If you want to rent on the lake, Oak Bottom Marina and Brandy Creek Beach Store are your best bets. Sacramento River Photo: Visit Redding

  19. Things To Do

    Kayak tour on Whiskeytown Lake. NPS photo. You can visit shaded picnic areas, or the Camden House Historic District to learn about how the area played a part during the Gold Rush era. Hike to waterfalls, old-growth forests, or drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle to the summit of Shasta Bally.Pitch a tent and camp at one of our primitive campsites.

  20. Whiskeytown Lake

    Whiskeytown Falls hurtles down an impressive 220-foot drop, and triple-tiered Boulder Creek Falls cascades over 138 feet into a mossy box canyon. History buffs can visit the Tower House Historic District on the lake's west side to see the El Dorado Mine ruins and the 1852 home of early settler Charles Camden, open for summer tours. Rangers ...

  21. Free Patio Boat Tours at Whiskeytown NRA

    Free Patio Boat Tours at Whiskeytown NRA ... Moonlight Kayak Tours. Experience a dramatic change in the landscape as you explore the lake under the light of the moon. Moonlight tours will be offered July 1 through 6, August 1 through 4 and September 1, 3 and 4. Advance reservations will be taken 2 weeks prior to the first moonlight tour of each ...

  22. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)

    Whiskeytown Lake's crystal-clear water is perhaps the most recognized feature of the park. However, water-based recreation is only a part of what the 42,000-acre Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has to offer. Visit waterfalls, hike through rugged mountains, explore California Gold Rush history, and observe post-fire ecology in action. Your national park is calling...