Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more.
Photo: NPS Matthew Switzer / NPS
About Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more. Explore waterfalls, hike rugged trails, uncover Gold Rush history, and witness the resilience of nature in its post-fire recovery. Adventure awaits at every turn—Whiskeytown is calling!
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Driving times from Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Admits one individual with no motor vehicle (bicyclist, hiker, pedestrian). Youth 15 and under are admitted free of charge. Good for 7 days. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Good for 7 days at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area only. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74295.
Hours
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
Whiskeytown NRA is in a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers followed by cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 90's to lower 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as the occasional thunderstorm. Winter brings snow to the upper elevations (only occasionally down to the lake level of 1,200'), and rain and ice. See the park weather page for the current weather.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Whiskeytown National Recreation Area?
- Entrance to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Birdwatching, Boating.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Lassen Volcanic National Park (2 h 16 min), Redwood National and State Parks (3 h 49 min), Tule Lake National Monument (3 h 53 min), Lava Beds National Monument (4 h 19 min), John Muir National Historic Site (4 h 19 min), Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial (4 h 26 min).