Whiskeytown NRA Increases Recreational Access While Resuming Entrance Fees

Photo by Fabien Delétraz on Unsplash

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, which has seen plenty of closures over the last two years with the Carr Fire and now the Covid-19 pandemic, announced increased recreational access to the area this week. That will include resuming the collection of entrance fees.

Beginning Friday, May 22, the following lake-based facilities at Whiskeytown NRA will be open in advance of Memorial Day Weekend:

  • Brandy Creek Beach (area hours are 9 am to 8 pm daily): the beach store, kayak rentals, the bath house restrooms and roadside parking lot restrooms.
  • Brandy Creek Marina: boat launch, beach and porta-potties.
  • East Beach: vault toilet.
  • Oak Bottom: the beach, launch ramp, restrooms, three stores (located at the beach, marina and campground) and boat rentals at the marina.
  • Whiskey Creek Launch Ramp: boat launch, restrooms, accessible pier and picnic area.
  • The vault toilets near the shoreline at Dog Gulch and Third Pond will be open.

All trails in the park that were opened after the Carr Fire have remained open throughout the pandemic. The list of vault toilets that are now open at trailheads includes Whiskeytown Falls, Crystal Creek Falls, Horse Camp, Mount Shasta Mine Loop, and Davis Gulch.

The following areas and their restrooms will be open for day use only (area hours are 9 am to 8 pm daily):

  • Dry Creek Group Campground,
  • Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area (boat-in access only),
  • Carr Powerhouse and the Clear Creek Picnic Area.

Whiskeytown NRA will also resume charging entrance fees on Friday, May 22. Entrance passes will only be available for purchase online at Recreation.gov. Download your proof of payment for your digital pass onto your phone or print out a hard copy and place it on the dashboard of the vehicle that you are driving to the park. Visitors should be prepared to show proof of payment to a park ranger if requested.

Park rangers remain on duty to protect visitors and resources and uphold normal regulations. In addition, several officers from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will be patrolling the park to prevent underage drinking.

“Have fun and help keep your friends and family safe,” says superintendent Josh Hoines. “Follow current health guidelines and remain vigilant to post-Carr Fire hazards, including hazardous trees, shallow water and steep drop-offs near shore. Please also pay special attention to small children near water, as there are no lifeguards.”

More great news for Northern California outdoor enthusiasts with the another reopening of a great destination!

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California

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