Whiskeytown
Adventure meets serenity
Just seven miles from Redding, Whiskeytown is your all-season playground. With 42,000 acres of trails, waterfalls, and glassy lake waters, this spot is made for adventure. Jump in for a swim, paddle a kayak across hidden coves, or chase the four Whiskeytown waterfalls tucked into the forest. Fishermen also flock here for kokanee salmon and rainbow trout.
Come summer, Brandy Creek and Oak Bottom beaches buzz with energy. Fall brings golden leaves and crisp hikes. Winter and spring? Perfect for peaceful strolls and misty mornings by the lake. Whether you’re after heart-pumping action or laid-back lakeside vibes, Whiskeytown is where Redding goes to play.
Water doesn't trip, it falls
These stunning waterfall trails prove the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. Which waterfall will you visit first?
Hike, bike or ride
Whiskeytown’s web of multi-use trails lets you craft the day you want: hike shaded canyon climbs to roaring falls, switch to two wheels, or ride horseback along oak-lined historic ditches. With multiple options of adventure the hardest thing is deciding a trail.
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Trails
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Set Sail
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History
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Horseback Riding
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Lakeside
Hike, bike or ride
Whiskeytown is packed with trails that connect to Swasey Recreation Area and beyond, making it a dream for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders alike. Cruise along shaded singletrack, climb to sweeping views, or wander lakeside paths that spill into hidden coves. With everything from easy strolls to heart-pumping climbs, the trail system is as diverse as the landscape itself.
Want waterfalls? Check. Long loops to keep your legs burning? Absolutely. Quick escapes just minutes from the beach? You got it. No matter your speed or style, Whiskeytown’s trails deliver adventure around every corner.
Yacht and Sailing Clubs
Whiskeytown Lake has been a sailing hub since President John F. Kennedy dedicated the dam in 1963, bringing boats up from Sacramento to mark the occasion. That spirit lives on each Memorial Day with the Whiskeytown Regatta, a tradition that’s drawn generations of sailors since the Whiskeytown Sailing Club was founded in 1964.
Today, locals and visitors alike can take to the water through the Redding Yacht Club, which offers affordable memberships, community sailing access, and lessons for every skill level. Sailing at Whiskeytown is more than a pastime—it’s a legacy.
Nod to the Past
Whiskeytown’s past is as colorful as its name. Gold once lured prospectors to these hills, and the boomtown that sprang up is now hidden beneath the waters of Whiskeytown Lake.
When President John F. Kennedy dedicated Whiskeytown Dam in 1963, he tied the region’s pioneering spirit to a new era of recreation and preservation. And the name? Legend has it a mule once toppled a barrel of whiskey near the creek, sparking the moniker that stuck. Today, every trail, shoreline, and historic site carries echoes of that rugged past and invites you to explore where California history runs deep.
Equestrian Trails
Whiskeytown trails aren’t just for hikers and bikers. Saddle up and explore routes that carry both natural beauty and Gold Rush history. The Mt. Shasta Mine Loop is a favorite, winding through a historic mining district that boomed from the 1850s to the 1930s.
Along the way, you’ll spot remnants of the past, from weathered foundations to mine shafts tucked into the hillsides. Riders also enjoy the Clear Creek Canal Trail and the Princess Ditch Trail, both offering miles of scenic terrain and quiet forested stretches. Whether you’re out for a short ride or a half-day adventure, these equestrian-friendly trails promise open air, wide views, and a step back in time.
Boating and Beaches
Whiskeytown is all about lake life. Brandy Creek Beach is the most popular spot, with wide sandy areas, swim zones, picnic tables, and a marina where you can launch or rent a boat. Oak Bottom has a marina too, along with shaded picnic sites and rentals that make it easy to spend the whole day lakeside.
East Beach offers a relaxed swimming area with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the water. (Just note, parking is limited.) And if you’re up for exploring, you can always pull off along the road to find your own private cove or patch of sand. With plenty of ways to swim, paddle, and play, the lakeside at Whiskeytown is where summer comes alive.
