Trails and Hikes - Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (2024)

Trails and Hikes - Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (1)

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has dozens of miles of trails for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and horseback riding. A rugged canyon, waterfalls, historic mining features, post-fire ecology, and of course Whiskeytown Lake can all be enjoyed on specific trails.

Please be advised that triple digit heat is common between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If you plan on getting out on the trails during this time, hike in the early morning. No matter what time of year you hike, always bring lots of water and let someone know where you are going. Finally, be sure to lock your vehicle, keep the interior looking clean and simple, and take your valuables with you. See more hiking safety tips below and happy trailing!

Thank you to our Trail Steward Volunteers for regularly providing updates on trail conditions!

Explore the Many Trails of Whiskeytown

Our trails are broken into three categories so that you can find the perfect trail for your skill level, time limit, and interest. Below you will find the trail distance, elevation gain, and a quick description for each of our open trails. If you are still unsure of what trail is right for you, a park ranger will be happy to point you in the right direction!

Easy Hikes

This trails are less than 3 miles long and have little to no elevation gain. They are perfect for beginner hikers, people with limited time, or those who want an easy but rewarding hike!

Moderate Hikes

These trails are anywhere between 1 to 5 miles and have a bit more elevation gain than our easy hikes. These trails are great for people who are looking to work up a sweat and see some beautiful views!

Difficult Hikes

These hikes are longer, getting up to around 7 miles one way and have steep elevation gains. These trails are great for people who are serious about hiking and want a longer, more challenging journey!

Rangers Choice Trails

James K. Carr Trail to Whiskeytown Falls

his popular 3.5 mile roundtrip hike is steep and ends with a beautiful view of this 220ft cascade!

Crystal Creek Falls Trail

Short, flat, paved trail leading to the cascade. A pool at the base of the waterfall is a popular place to wade in the summertime.

Oak Bottom Water Ditch Trail

The only trail right on the lakeshore, this relatively flat trail is 5.5 miles roundtrip. Look for birds on the lake.

Trail Safety Tips

Know your experience level

How often do you hike? What types or terrain and elevation are you used to? It is important to know these things so you can pick the right trail for you. If you are unsure you can always ask one of our Park Rangers for advice!

Plan ahead
Pick a trail suitable for all member's of the hiking party and set pace with the slowest hiker. It is also helpful to check the weather ahead of time so you can bring appropriate materials. Always have an emergency plan, things happen from injuries to loss of cell service, so make sure you have everything you need. Lastly, always let someone outside of the group know where you plan to go and when you plan to return.

Hike smart
Check the parks current conditions before heading out on your hike! Account for the whole time that the hike will take. A lot of our trail distances are one way, so be aware of how far it will be round-trip, you wouldn't want to get stuck out after dark when you weren't prepared for it. Following hiking attitude, yield to uphill hikers, stay to the right, and step to the side to let others pass or if you intend to soak up the views! Take breaks often and drink plenty of water.

Be aware of wildlife
You might see some wildlife while you are out exploring, but don't worry, they want to be left alone just as much as you do. Give all wildlife space and slowly back away if you find yourself in close encounters. By keeping your eyes and ears alert you can stay safe and ensure positive encounters with wildlife here at Whiskeytown.

Photo Gallery

');if (end > results_length) {end = results_length;}for (var i = start; i < end; i++) {var asset = data[i];var $tile = $result_template.clone(false);var assetID = asset.AssetID;var asset_count = asset.AssetCount;var park_name = asset.NPSUnits[0].Name;var park_code = asset.NPSUnits[0].Code.toLowerCase();var asset_title = asset.Title;var asset_description = asset.Description;assetID = assetID.toUpperCase();$tile.find('a.PhotoGallery__CoverLink').attr({ href: galleryPageURL + assetID });$tile.find('a.PhotoGallery__TitleLink').attr({ href: galleryPageURL + assetID });$tile.find('img').attr({ src: npGalleryURL + '/GetAsset/' + assetID + '/proxy/hires', alt: asset_title, title: asset_title });if (asset_title.length > 30) {asset_title = asset_title.substring(0, 30) + "...";}$tile.find('a.PhotoGallery__TitleLink').text(asset_title);if (asset.Description.length > 2) {$tile.find('p.PhotoGallery__Description').html(asset_description);}$target.append($tile);$tile.find('div.PhotoGallery__Count').html('' + asset_count + ' Images');delete asset;}}} else {$('#PhotoGallery-Container' + controlID).html( 'The photo gallery you have chosen does not exist.');}function draw_paging(current_page) {var pages = Math.ceil(results_length / max_display);var current = parseInt(current_page);paging_target = $('#paginationWrapper' + controlID + ' .pagination-old');paging_html = '';paging_target.empty();if (pages > 1) {if (current == 1) {paging_html += 'Prev';} else {paging_html += '' + (current - 1) + '';}paging_html += '

' + i + '
' + i + '

';if (current == pages) {paging_html += 'Next';} else {paging_html += '' + (current + 1) + '';}paging_target.append(paging_html);}$('a.paging, a.prev, a.next').on('click', function (event) {event.preventDefault();var page_num = $(this).text();draw_paging(page_num);display_galleries(page_num);$('body').scrollTop(0);});}}).error(function (jqXHR, exception) {var msg = '';if (jqXHR.status === 0) {msg = 'Not connect.\n Verify Network.';} else if (jqXHR.status == 404) {msg = 'Requested page not found. [404]';} else if (jqXHR.status == 500) {msg = 'Internal Server Error [500].';} else if (exception === 'parsererror') {msg = 'Requested JSON parse failed.';} else if (exception === 'timeout') {msg = 'Time out error.';} else if (exception === 'abort') {msg = 'Ajax request aborted.';} else {msg = 'Uncaught Error.\n' + jqXHR.responseText;}});});})(jQuery);