Things to Do in Whiskeytown, CA - Whiskeytown Attractions
Things to Do in Whiskeytown
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14 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Waterfalls
Waterfalls
What travelers are saying
- Dane HGoodyear, AZ53 contributionsWe arrived after their normal closing hours but they stayed open until we arrived. I required a wheelchair ADA campsite and they placed me in an excellent location and the bathroom was a short distance away. The campsite was clean and we had a good nights sleep after our tent was set up. I would camp here again.Written September 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ricry525Redding, CA63 contributionsThis is an enjoyable 3-mile shaded hike to some lovely waterfalls. The road to the trailhead is dirt, but well maintained and an adventure unto itself. There is restroom and parking at the trailhead. The water is very cold so only the brave do more than wade in it. If you’re around in the winter this is a great hike to do after a rain when water flow is higher. The falls become more dramatic. For a bit of variety you can take the Rich Gulch Trail back from the falls.Written July 15, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- halo2320Lathrop, CA13 contributionsWe visited on Labor Day weekend.
This was a really nice place to visit. It is a little off the beaten path, but there is a paved path from the parking lot to the falls. There are several little wading pools to play in, some are deep enough for kids to swim in. The water was not that cold nor was the place all that busy. Several large rocks to sit on and if you are adventurous enough, you can scale the waterfall a little bit to a wading pool.
This is located in a National Forest, so the National Park Pass is accepted as an entry ticket. If you do not have the National Park Pass, the entry fee is $25 for a day pass and must be purchased at the visitor center for the Whiskeytown Natural Recreation Area. The park rangers at the visitor center told us there was a large gravel/dirt parking lot to park and RV on and a smaller one up the hill for cars. Restrooms were at the top at the small parking lot. There was also a picnic area next to the falls. There is a sign that marks the little road to the falls.
The down side to this area that the park rangers didn't mention was the 4-mile narrow road to the falls themselves. There is a steep cliff to one side and a natural rock wall on the other. We had a 32' RV and I asked them at the visitor center if I would have any issues getting there and they seeming forgot to mention this aspect. There is no way two RV's going opposite directions would be able to pass one another. There are a few small turnouts, but they are not located at the blind turns where they would be useful due to the natural terrain.
As scary as it was to traverse this road to the falls an RV, it was worth it for my 15 month old son to play in the water--he loved it! There were several families that came and went in the hour or so that we were there. There are lots of trees covering the area, so you are not in the blazing hot sun.Written September 6, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kjwall61 contributionsWe make the trip from Canada down to Anaheim every August and are always on the lookout for unique places to stop and stretch our legs and swim. I had read some reviews on Brandy Creek Beach and we decided to take the 20 minute detour off the I-5 to check it out. We were not disappointed. Although the drive up to the beach can be a little difficult when towing a trailer ( steep and winding road ) there is ample parking for rv and trailers in the second parking lot. $10 for a 7 day parking pass. The beach was beautiful, a good mix of sand and trees, sun and shade. The water was refreshing but more on the warm side. Even the geese that roam the beach were friendly. There are good facilities ( bathrooms ) and, although we did not check them out, there appeared to be places you could rent paddle boards. Although we stopped on a Saturday in 38 degree weather ( 100 degrees Fahrenheit) it was not too busy. Our 12 year old loved it and can't wait to go back. We will definitely stop here again.Written August 17, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeff ERedding, CA279 contributionsI hiked Papoose Pass Trail in the winter months but I thought I would give it another go in the summer to see how it would differ. Talk about night and day. All of the water crossings had dried up and there were more people on the trail. I ran into three guys jogging the trail. There were positives and negatives of the summer hike. Without question, mosquitoes and flies are big problems now that it is warmer. Be sure and bring insect spray with you! Certainly, the biggest difference is the solitude you experience during the winter. Sheepcamp had several families camped out in addition to the joggers. If you like being alone on hikes, head to Whiskeytown in the winter months!Written July 11, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kcdenmanFair Oaks, CA822 contributionsKeep in mind that it can be a little steep heading in and back, but it's well-groomed with beautiful views, small waterfalls, and lots to enjoy on the trekWritten April 5, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeff ERedding, CA279 contributionsThe Mill Creek Trail is defined as a moderate to difficult hiking trail. Trust me, in the winter months and especially after a nice 24-hour rain this trail is difficult to extreme. I was not prepared for the 6.5 miles - EACH WAY - nor was I prepared for the weather's impact on the hike. I made it 5.5 miles before realizing I had to walk that same distance back. Fatigue was my enemy as well as not having any food. If you take this hike, be sure and bring waterproof boots, food and rain gear. If you want a shorter yet equally challenging hike, try the nearby Whiskeytown Falls trail.Written December 21, 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeff ERedding, CA279 contributionsIf you are looking for a easy hike around Wiskeytown Lake, Oak Bottom Ditch Trail is the one for you. There is very little altitude gain on this trail, essentially no water to cross and little chance you will run into a mountain lion. The trail winds around Wiskeytown Lake and gives you some very impressive views of Shasta Bally Mountain as well as the lake itself. The trail guide says it is 2.75 miles one way so don't forget you have to walk back! Nevertheless, you can stop anywhere you want if 5+ miles is a bit more than you want to do. As always, don't forget to buy your parking pass before going on your hike!Written February 22, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeff ERedding, CA279 contributionsThe Mt. Shasta Mine trail in Whiskeytown is a very pretty but not overly difficult hike. My hike shows at 5.5 miles round trip. The climb, according to the Park Service is only 540 feet elevation gain, so even inexperienced hikers can handle this one. The hike will take you past Mt. Shasta Mine, which is closed and well contained by a very tall metal fence. Do NOT try and get inside the fence! You will pass several small waterfalls along this path. The rocky nature reminded me of the highlands in Scotland, to a less extent, obviously, but nonetheless it was very beautiful. Whikseytown cemetery is just on the outskirts of this trail. I was out there alone in the rain but did not see any ghosts! Give this trail a go if you are near Redding and Whiskeytown!Written January 11, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeff ERedding, CA279 contributionsThe Park Service's trail guide was a bit unclear as to where the Clear Creek Vista trailhead was located. If you go about 8 miles beyond the visitor center on Highway 299 there is a road that takes you to a power station. As you are driving to the parking area you will see a sign that indicates Clear Creek Vista Trail. I parked, walked back about a half mile to this point and started the trail. While the trail guide says it is less than 3 miles, I was into the hike at 4.5 miles and the end was not in sight. I also found a trail sign that showed two ways of reaching this trail, so my guess is I picked a longer route. Nevertheless, it was a fun hike that had a few moderate elevation gains but most of it was pretty flat. Several hikers had seen a mommy bear with two cubs so I didn't want to press my luck. I turned around after another mile just to be safe. Be sure to bring mosquito spray with you - I was bitten heavily on this hike! I'll be coming back here in the fall and hopefully I can get to the end of the trail.Written July 11, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeff ERedding, CA279 contributionsIf you want to test your hiking skills, give Kanaka Peak a go! According to my GPS unit, I walked just under 11 miles and I climbed the equivalent of 67 stories! In other words, you will be climbing straight up a good percentage of your walk. Along the hike you will find extraordinary forest growth, several very pretty waterfalls and a scenic view of Whiskeytown National Park people rarely see. If you happen along this trail during the winter months, be sure and bring waterproof boots - there are several streams you must that are running quite full in January. The hike took me a solid 4 hours due to taking pictures, checking out a few deer I met, rest stops during the more vertical climbs and just enjoying the beauty all around me. Be sure and have a day to recover after this climb - you will probably need it!Written January 11, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeff ERedding, CA279 contributionsIf you are in Whiskeytown and interested in a nice hike through the forest, be sure and walk down Mule Town Road - do not drive it unless you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. I found this out the hard way by bottoming out my GMC Terrain. The trail is 6 miles round trip and it is a very narrow trail. It is considered a moderate hike, which makes sense. There is not a lot of hard elevation gains and very few water crossings. There are very steep drop offs, so if you fear heights, don't look down! All things considered, it was a nice little hike but just remember what I said about your car!Written February 3, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
