Of the three parts of the Whiskeytown - Shasta - Trinity National Recreation Area, the Whiskeytown Unit (authorized Nov. 8, 1965 and established October 21,1972), is the only unit administered by the National Park Service. For information on the other 2 Units, please click the "Shasta & Trinity Lakes" link to the left.

The Whiskeytown Unit, with its mountainous back country and large, man-made reservoir, offers many summer activities such as hiking and boating, as well as historical remains of the California Gold Rush of 1849. Whiskeytown Lake, provides 36 miles of shoreline and 3200 surface acres of water, and is excellent for most water-related activities, including swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, boating and fishing. The lake was created by diverting water through tunnels and penstocks, from the Trinity River Basin to the Sacramento River Basin. The most prominent landmark within the Recreation Area is Shasta Bally (elevation 6,209 feet). The summit may be reached on foot and by 4-wheel drive vehicle, but is closed in the winter. Picnicking, hiking, hunting, interpretive programs and horseback riding are also popular within the Whiskeytown Unit. The other two units (Shasta & Trinity) offer additional activities and are administered by the Forest Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Operating Hours & Seasons

The park is open year round 24 hours a day. The Visitor Center is open daily Memorial Day - Labor Day 9 a.m. 6 p.m. Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years). Park Headquarters is open daily from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.