Most people have heard of the California Gold Rush and the Central Valley water projects that define Whiskeytown’s cultural history, but few know of the hidden treasure of Whiskeytown—its outstanding biodiversity! Species and habitats from different climates collide in this National Recreation Area. Western whiptail lizards, indicative of dry and arid Great Basin habitats, are found alongside species that represent the great Pacific Northwest forests—tailed frogs and Pacific yew trees. As you enjoy the park’s many treasures, you may be surprised to discover the numerous species and habitats found here. 

Biodiversity at Whiskeytown: A Views of the National Parks Virtual Experience explores the important resource of biodiversity found everywhere you look in Whiskeytown. From the shrublands along the lakeshore to the old-growth forests near the top of Shasta Bally (the highest peak in the park), Whiskeytown is home to more than 750 native vascular plant species along with at least 160 bird species, 62 mammal species, 33 reptile and amphibian species, and 8 native fish species. In addition to the vascular plants and vertebrates, Whiskeytown boasts a diverse array of less obvious, but equally important species, such as lichens, bryophytes, fungi, and arthropods of many kinds. Investigators have yet to fully study and record most of this diversity, and new species of all types are likely to be confirmed as biologists complete inventories within the park.