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!
Yes — your pass gets you in.
Your pass covers the $25 park entrance fee.
- Fee type Entrance fee — The standard per-vehicle park entrance fee. Entrance - Per Person: $15Entrance - Motorcycle: $20Entrance - Private Vehicle: $25
- HoursThe park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Certain areas of the park are subject to seasonal and COVID-19 temporary closures or limited hours. Some areas of the park remain closed due to hazardous conditions from the C
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 5302423400 · whis_information@nps.gov
Car 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. Plane Commercial air service is available to Redding California located approximately 16 miles
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Whiskeytown National Recreation Area — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Yes Does the America the Beautiful pass work at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area?
Yes — your pass covers the entrance fee here.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Bally Connector, Boulder Creek Falls Trail, Boulder Creek Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Certain areas of the park are subject to seasonal and COVID-19 temporary closures or limited hours. Some areas of the park remain closed due to hazardous conditions from the C
Nearby sites
Eastside Keswick Trails
CheckThis Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
Shasta National Rec. Area
ConfirmedOne of the few Bureau of Reclamation sites that accept the pass.
