Whiskeytown National Recreation Area - National reserve in Whiskeytown - , USA

Amazing beauty all throughout the area. It’s well kept, the rangers/volunteers are very nice and there is so much to do including affordable adventures. The parking pass is a bit of a pain if you sell your car as it’s a hard copy transfer system but they never give a hard copy. Seems funny for such a tree protected area to not accept digital with ID. No printer so i need to find a print shop. Still the lake and adventures around make up for it.

This is a small but worthwhile visitor center. You'll find all sorts of postcards, magnets, plushies, and maps here. The staff is super nice and very patient. You can pick up permits for the recreation area at this location and probably kill a lot of time just enjoying the view.

The Brandy beach was awesome. This place is nice for picnic and some water activities.

I love Whiskeytown Lake! I've been coming here my entire life, and I don't think I'll ever get over how pretty the lake is. I was so sad after the Carr Fire burned off all of the trees around the lake in 2018, but I'm so glad now that things are starting to grow back. There used to be several telescopes you had to pay quarters to use, but now there is only one you don't have to pay for. Just don't look directly into the setting sun like my cousin did. 😂 The visitor center is also a cool place to check out, if it's open and you have time. There are a lot of fun little souvenirs you can get. I forget what time it opens, but I do remember it closes at 5 pm. Attached to the visitor center with outside openings, there are also bathrooms here if you need. Those are always open. Overall, whether you live in the Redding area or are just passing through, I highly recommend checking out the beauty of Whiskeytown Lake!

Our visit to this recreation area after the Sundial Bridge near Redding was truly enchanting. Nestled just outside of Redding, it's a beautiful spot teeming with natural wonders. The highlight includes mesmerizing waterfalls that add a touch of serenity to the surroundings. For nature enthusiasts, there's an abundance of hiking trails to explore, offering a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. The diverse landscape ensures that every trail promises a unique experience, making it an ideal destination for both seasoned hikers and casual strollers alike. A delightful surprise was the presence of a swimming beach, a perfect retreat for a hot afternoon. The opportunity to cool off in the water added an extra layer of enjoyment to our outing. Families and individuals alike can relish the sunny weather by taking a refreshing dip or simply lounging by the beach. The overall ambiance and variety of attractions make this recreation area a gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you seek the thrill of hiking, the soothing sounds of waterfalls, or a relaxing time by the beach, this destination has it all, making it a must-visit spot just outside the charming city of Redding.

The park had good signage and labels for trails, but it might take some work to find trails that weren't affected by the Carr fire. Almost everything we saw past the visitor center was burnt and we weren't very interested in hiking it.

Nice rest stop with visitor center, clean.

Beautiful recreation area just outside of Redding. Lots of things to see including waterfalls. Lots of hiking and a swimming beach which was great for a hot afternoon. Just know you do need to get a pass at the visitors station. Lasts 7 days.