Park Guide
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Whiskeytown
National Recreation Area
The Whiskeytown Nugget
Happy 100th Birthday National Park Service!
Welcome to Whiskeytown!
Inside you will find:
Mather in the class of 1886, Albright, in the class
significant political battles to save both special
of 1912. Both were from California. The energetic
lands and cultural resources from those who
Stephen Mather was a millionaire advertisement
wanted to destroy or develop these resources for
executive who had made his fortune marketing
personal profit and private use.
Borax soap; Albright was a young lawyer who
advised Mather as they took over management
of this new agency in 1916, created to protect the
dozen national parks mostly found in the America
West.
Multiple generations of families in the United
the world have recreated and been inspired
by countless visits to our national park sites.
Thousands of rangers, maintenance and
administrative staff have protected the parks
Albright at my friends Scott and Susan Isaacson’s
from threats and watched over visitors enjoying
wedding. Albright was 92 years old, a living
the parks for over a century. This will continue
In 2015, Whiskeytown National Recreation
legend and deeply respected for his work with the
into the future, and our goal as stewards of these
Area celebrated it 50th Anniversary. This
dynamic Stephen Mather and following Mather’s
special places, is to keep them as they are for
year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the
death in 1930, as the second Director of the
the enjoyment of future generations to come.
National Park Service. National parks such as
National Park Service.
Enjoy Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
of Yosemite National Park were set aside for
Throughout my career I have met many of the
protection and preservation by President
key men and women who continued to make
Lincoln, as early as 1864.
significant contributions to develop the National
Park Service and its assets into a remarkable gift
Two men played a key role in creating the
for the American people. Many of these people-
National Park Service, as we know it today; they
-some as staff of the National Park Service,
were Stephen Mather and Horace Albright.
others as concerned private citizens, have fought
Both had attended U.C. Berkeley, the older
and be safe as you explore the park. I want all of
you to take with you happy memories of your
friends and family as you enjoy Whisketyown
and other national park sites during this special
anniversary year.
Jim Milestone
Park Superintendent
Support Your Park with Entrance Fees
Your park fees provide funding for projects that improve and enhance the experience
for visitors. Applying fees to projects in the area where they were collected assures
that visitors pay a share of operational costs. Eighty percent of the fees collected at
Whiskeytown are returned to the park for specific projects.
Recent projects have replaced the Oak Bottom Beach restroom and changing facility,
renovated the campground store, and replaced informational kiosks. Future projects
include improving and expanding our 52-year-old Visitor Center.
For the one-time or short-term visitor, seven day passes are sold for $10 at the Visitor Center and at pay-by-envelope stations
around the park. For frequent visitors, an annual park pass is sold at the visitor center for $40 and covers the entrance fee to
Lassen Volcanic National Park as well. Both passes are also now sold online at the Pay.gov website.
2016 Passes
Access Pass
Interagency Annual Pass
No charge - permanent
$80 - Valid for one year from
disability - Valid for a lifetime. month of purchase.
Whiskeytown Annual Pass
$40 - Valid for one year from
month of purchase.
Lassen Annual Pass
$40 - Valid for one year
from month of purchase.
This compilation of essential park
information is based on questions frequently
asked by visitors and organized alphabetically
to help you quickly find what you are looking
for.
States and millions of tourists from around
In 1982, I had the honor of meeting Horace
Yellowstone, date back to 1872 and portions
Things you need to know,
pages 2-3
Fourth Grade Pass
Free - Valid for all fourth grade
students and their families for
the school year.
Senior Pass
$10 - 62 years and older Valid for a lifetime.
Military Annual Pass
No charge for active duty service
members and their dependents.
National Park Service
turns 100! Pages 4-5
This year marks the National Park Service's
100th Birthday! Flip to pages 4 and 5 to
read about celebrating with YOUR park.
Learn about some historical milestones,
and what we have planned for you this
centennial year.
Camping and trail
information, pages 6-7
If you are planning an outdoor adventure,
flip to pages 6 and 7 for a list of the park’s
extensive trail system and campgrounds,
essential information for each. A map will
orient you to the park.
What can I do in the time
I have and what's going
on in the park? Pages 8-9
Not sure what to do during your park visit?
Turn to page 8 for a helpful guide that
will assist you in planning your recreational
activities according to the time you have, as
well as activity suggestions for all seasons.
Kid's activity and
upcoming events, pages
10-11
Want to become a Junior Ranger but don't
have time to attend a program? Turn to
page 10 and fill out this activity page to
earn your badge! Also, throughout the year
we have many special events, check page 11
for descriptions.
Ranger-led programs,
page 12
Whiskeytown offers a variety of FREE
Ranger-led Programs throughout the
summer. These programs are fun and
family-friendly. A program schedule and
descriptions are found on page 12.
NPS
The Official 2016 Guide to
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
The National Park Service Mission
The National Park Service preserves
unimpaired the natural and cultural
resources and values of the national park
system for the enjoyment, education, and
inspiration of this and future generations.
The Park Service cooperates with partners
to extend the benefits of natural and
cultural resource conservation and outdoor
recreation throughout this country and the
world.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Whiskeytown Lake was created as part of
the Central Valley Project to provide water
for agricultural, municipal, and industrial
use, as well as for the maintenance of
fish and wildlife habitat. In addition,
Whiskeytown Lake has two hydroelectric
power generation stations, and the earthen
dam provides flood control downstream
of its location. The dam was completed
in early February 1963, and dedicated by
President John F. Kennedy on September
28, 1963.
The 3,200-acre reservoir and 42,000 acres
of surrounding habitat became
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
in 1965. Within its boundaries, the park
preserves and protects an incredible diversity
of flora and fauna, as well as the cultural
history of the Wintu Native Americans and
the California Gold Rush. The park also
provides a wide variety of year-round
recreation opportunities for over 850,000
annual visitors.
Park Information
Superintendent
Jim F. Milestone
Visitor Center
(530) 246-1225
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is a great place to
start when you arrive in the park. The
knowledgeable staff and volunteers
will help you maximize your visit.
The Visitor Center is located at the
intersection of John F. Kennedy
Memorial Drive and CA Highway 299.
The hours of operation are 10:00 am
to 4:00 pm daily, year-round, except
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New
Year's holidays. The visitor center
provides information, a variety of use
permits, natural and cultural history
exhibits, an ADA accessible California
native plant garden, as well as books,
maps, and souvenir items for sale. In
addition, accessible restrooms, first aid,
an Automated External Defibrillator,
and drinking water are all available here.
Accessibility
Park headquarters, restrooms and the
visitor center are ADA accessible, as well
as the native plant garden located directly
behind the visitor center. The park has
three ADA accessible trails, including the
paved Crystal Creek Falls Trail, a paved
portion of the Brandy Creek trail, and the
section of the Guardian Rock Trail from
Horse Camp leading to the spectacular
Guardian Rock Vista Point, which has
some uneven surfaces. In addition, two
accessible picnic sites are available at
Oak Bottom and Brandy Creek beaches.
Accessible fishing piers are located at
Whiskey Creek Picnic Area and at Oak
Bottom Marina, near the amphitheater.
Amenities
Park Headquarters
(530) 242-3410
Things You Need to Know
Fax (530) 246-5154
Park Ranger Dispatch Office
(530) 242-3431
Emergency Phone
911
Mailing Address
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
P.O. Box 188
Whiskeytown, CA 96095
Website
www.nps.gov/whis
Whiskeytown Nugget
Editors, Graphics & Layout
Breanna Corp and Matt Switzer
Fun Facts
Origin of the "Whiskeytown" Name
The park is named after a mining town
that was flooded to create the reservoir.
Highest point: 6,199 ft. Shasta Bally.
Lowest point: 860 ft. on Clear Creek
near the southeast park boundary.
Lake elevation: 1,209 ft. at full pool and
1,198 ft. during the winter draw-down.
Park acreage: 42,000 acres
Lake: 3,200 surface acres
Shoreline: 36 miles
Lake water storage capacity
241,000 acre feet when at full pool.
Whiskeytown Dam
The earthen dam is 281.5 ft. high with a
crest length of 4,000 ft.
2 Whiskeytown Nugget
Basic food and camping items can
be purchased at the Oak Bottom
Campground Store, between 8 am and
4 pm during the winter and until 7 pm
in the summer. The Oak Bottom Marina
store is open on request over the winter,
and from 8 am to 8 pm during the
summer. Fishing and boating supplies,
such as motorboat fuel and oil, are
available in this store along with snacks,
beverages, ice, ice cream, sunblock and
miscellaneous merchandise. There are
stores at Brandy Creek Beach and Oak
Bottom Beach, both selling a variety
of sandwiches, water toys, beverages
and snacks. Both beach stores are open
between Memorial Day and Labor Day
from 11 am – 6 pm.
Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited on the park’s
four designated public swim beaches
and parking areas: Brandy Creek, Oak
Bottom, Whiskey Creek Group Picnic
Area, and East Beach. The legal blood
alcohol level for the operators of
vehicles and motorboats cannot exceed
0.08, but boat operators and drivers
may be impaired and incapable of safe
operation at lesser levels.
All-terrain Vehicles
ATVs and off-road vehicle travel are
prohibited in the park.
Backpacking
Backpacking Permits and regulations are
available at the visitor center at no cost.
Turkey Tail, Trametes versicolor
Bicycling
Bicycles can access all trails except Davis
Gulch, and Crystal Creek Water Ditch
trails. Mountain biking trail information
is available at the visitor center.
Helmets, gloves, and eye protection are
recommended for all riders. Maintain
a safe speed of 15 mph for road and trail
conditions and stay within your level
of riding experience. Cyclists must
obey all traffic regulations. Hikers and
equestrians always have the right-of-way.
Boating
There are no boat launching fees at
Whiskeytown Lake, but visitors must
display a valid entrance pass (see “Fees/
Passes”). There are boat launches at
Brandy Creek Marina, Oak Bottom, and
Whiskey Creek. Oak Bottom Marina
rents a variety of motor boats. Single
and double kayak rentals are available
at both Oak Bottom and Brandy Creek
Beach. Please call (530) 359-2671 or
visit www.whiskeytownmarinas.com.
Motor boats with two and four-stroke
engines are allowed on Whiskeytown
Lake and must observe posted no-wake
signs. Boats cannot exceed 36 feet in
length. Occupied vessels can remain
on the water overnight provided they
move at least one-half linear mile each
hour. Overnight camping on boats is
prohibited. For your safety and the
safety of others, please be aware of
other lake users. Non-motorized craft
always have the right-of-way. The use of
personal watercraft is prohibited in all
areas. Vessels are subject to inspection
by rangers at any time to examine
licenses, documents, and compliance
with regulations pertaining to safety
equipment, vessel capacity, sanitation,
and pollution and noise abatement
devices. Stay alive! Wear a life jacket!
Bookstore
The bookstore located at the Visitor
Center is managed by Western National
Parks Association (WNPA) whose
mission is to promote the preservation
of the national park system and its
resources. A variety of books, maps,
guides, postcards, souvenirs, and other
items can be purchased here. Local
products are available, as well as books
written by local authors. In addition to
stock on hand, WNPA has an even larger
selection of items available for purchase
from their online store at www.wnpa.org.
WNPA members receive a 15% discount
and educators receive a 20% discount
on all bookstore items. A portion of
the proceeds from each sale is donated
to the park to support education,
interpretation, and research programs.
Camping
With the exception of Backpacking
Permits, camping is authorized only
in the designated campgrounds of
the park. Please see pages 6 and 7
for campground locations, fees, and
available services.
Fees/Passes
The entrance fee for the park is $10
per vehicle for a seven-day pass.
Whiskeytown annual pass costs $40. In
addition, the annual pass from Lassen
Volcanic National Park, the Interagency
Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Access Pass,
and the Golden Age or Access Passports
are all honored at Whiskeytown. All
passes must be displayed on the driver’s
side of the dashboard while in the park
boundary. A pass is not required while
visiting the Whiskeytown Cemetery.
Fee Free days in 2016 can be found on
page 11. Passes can be purchased at the
Visitor Center or Pay.gov.
Firearms
Federal law permits people who can
legally possess firearms under federal
and State of California laws to possess
firearms in the park. It is the visitor’s
responsibility to understand and comply
with all applicable state and federal
firearms laws. Firearms are prohibited
in most federal buildings in the park
including the visitor center and park
headquarters. Firearms may only be
used in the park during hunting seasons
in authorized areas, and pursuant to
the lawful taking of game species in
compliance with California laws and
regulations.
Fires
Campfires are only permitted in the
established fire grates at picnic areas
and campsites. Fires must never be
left unattended and must be properly
extinguished upon departure. Dead
wood may only be collected from the
ground for personal use while in the
park. Collecting live vegetation or
standing dead wood is prohibited. The
use of self-contained barbecues, gas and
charcoal, is permitted as long as they
are attended at all times and properly
extinguished.
Fishing
California Department of Fish
and Wildlife regulations apply at
Whiskeytown. Fishing is allowed yearround in the lake; however, the streams
feeding Whiskeytown can only be fished
from the last Saturday in April through
November 15. The nearest location to
purchase a fishing license is Tops Fresh
Market, six miles east of the visitor
center on Hwy 299.
NPS Matt Switzer
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Gold Panning
Recreational gold panning is permitted
in the park. A valid annual gold panning
permit is required for all persons 17 and
older. Gold panning regulations, as well
as the $1 annual permit, can be obtained
at the visitor center or Pay.gov.
Hiking
Hiking can be enjoyed year-round at
Whiskeytown. With over seventy miles
of trails in the park, most of which
are ridden by mountain bikers and
equestrians, there is something for every
ability level and interest (please see page
6 for trail information). Be prepared for
changing conditions while enjoying the
park’s backcountry and be sure to carry
an adequate amount of water for each
person. Summer daytime temperatures
often exceed 100°F (38°C).
Horses & Pack Animals
Horses, burros, mules, and camelids
may be used on designated multiple-use
trails in the park. Horse Camp primitive
campground is accessible to vehicles
towing horse trailers and is the only
location in the park where camping with
horses is allowed. There are two sites
available and a potable water spigot.
Lost and Found
Lost and found items can be reported,
turned in, or claimed at the visitor center.
! Mines
Old mine workings in the park are
dangerous and unstable. When hiking
cross country, be on the lookout for
uncovered mining shafts. Stay out, and
stay alive!
Noise Levels
In order to keep natural soundscapes
free from loud human-source noises,
the following regulations apply: a
vessel cannot exceed 75 decibels (dB
equivalence of a dishwasher or vacuum
cleaner) and other noise levels from
motorized equipment or electronic
devices cannot exceed 60 decibels
(conversational level) from a distance of
50 feet. In addition, noises below these
established levels are prohibited if they
are deemed unreasonable. Quiet hours
in the park are from 10:00 pm to 6:00
am.
Parking
A valid park pass or Seven-Day
Entrance Pass must be displayed on
the driver’s side of the dashboard
whenever a vehicle is parked within the
park boundary. Please see the “Fees/
passes” section for more information
on valid passes. Visitors can park in any
public parking spaces, as well as along
paved roadways, provided the parked
vehicle is completely off the asphalt
without trampling vegetation and is
in compliance with all posted signage.
Parking in front of gates or blocking
right-of-way access is prohibited.
Pets
Pets are allowed in the park and on
trails, provided they are leashed at all
times. Leash length is not to exceed 6
feet. Pets are prohibited on all of the
park’s designated public swim beaches:
Brandy Creek, Oak Bottom, East Beach,
and Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area.
Pets cannot be left unattended at any
time.
Swimming
Picnicking
There are four designated public swim
beaches in the park: Brandy Creek Beach,
East Beach, Whiskey Creek Group
Picnic Area, and Oak Bottom Beach.
Only Brandy Creek Beach has lifeguards
during the summer months. Swimming
is prohibited inside the buoy-enclosed
area around the Glory Hole and Carr
Powerhouse, within 300 feet of any boat
launch or mooring facility, and within
100 feet of the Whiskey Creek Bridge on
CA highway 299. Open-water swimming
is dangerous— swim close to shore or
have a spotter when swimming in open
water. Rope swings are prohibited.
Picnic sites are available in developed
areas of the park including: Brandy
Creek Beach and Marina, Oak Bottom
Beach, Whiskey Creek Boat Launch,
Carr Powerhouse, Crystal Creek
Falls, and the Clear Creek Picnic Area
off of Trinity Mountain Road. No
reservations can be made for these sites
and no area can be held for the exclusive
use of any group. Inquire at the
visitor center for the location of ADA
accessible picnic sites. For groups of 20
or more, reservations can be made for
day use sites at Whiskey Creek Group
Picnic Area by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Sharing the Park
Trash
With the exceptions of Special Use
Permits and the areas of the park that can
be legally reserved, no visitor or group
of visitors can hold or claim exclusive use
rights of any area in the park, including
the islands, shoreline, and coves of the
lake. Please help us to provide for the
enjoyment of all visitors by sharing
the park.
Vehicles
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited with the following
exceptions: visitors may smoke cigarettes
and e-cigarettes in their vehicles, on
their watercraft and in their campsite.
Visitors are also allowed to smoke at the
designated smoking areas: Brandy Creek
Beach parking lot, Oak Bottom Beach
parking lot, and at the Visitor Center’s
parking lot island. Smoking is prohibited
on all park beaches, trails, and open areas
not specifically designated as a smoking
area.
Water
Potable water is available at the
following locations: the visitor center;
Brandy Creek Beach, Marina, and RV
Campground; Oak Bottom Beach,
Marina, Amphitheater, Tent and RV
Campground; Carr Powerhouse; Horse
Camp; and Whiskey Creek Boat Launch.
Water from any natural source should be
purified.
Special Use Permits
S
Special events such as weddings, sporting
events, and commercial filming are
permissible by obtaining a Special Use
Permit. Activities must be appropriate
and have a minimal impact on other park
visitors. Applications and information
are available on the park website. For
more information, please contact the
Chief Ranger at (530) 242-3413.
Lunar Phase
Wildlife
Please do your part to keep the park’s
wildlife wild. Do not feed or harass
wildlife. Enjoy all animals from a safe
distance and try not to disturb their
natural behaviors. Use the bear-proof
storage lockers for all scented items and
never leave food unattended!
Sunset
2016
05/01 6:08a
05/15 5:52a
5/6, 6/4, 7/4, 8/2
9/1, 9/30, 10/30,
11/29, 12/28, 1/27,
2/26, 3/27, 4/26
05/01 8:06p
05/15 8:20p
Waxing Crescent
06/20 8:44pa
The New Moon
06/01 5:41a
06/15 5:38a
06/20 5:39aa
06/01 8:35p
06/15 8:42p
07/01 5:43a
07/15 5:52a
07/01 8:44p
07/15 8:39p
08/01 6:07a
08/15 6:21a
08/01 8:24p
08/15 8:06p
The First Quarter
09/01 6:37a
09/15 6:51a
09/01 7:41p
09/15 7:17p
5/13, 6/12,
7/11, 8/10, 9/9,
10/8, 11/7, 12/7,
1/5, 2/3, 3/5,4/3
10/01 7:07a
10/15 7:21a
Motorists must obey all posted speed
limits. Vehicles are only allowed on
designated roadways. Be alert for
pedestrians, bicyclists, and wildlife on
the roadways. Use special care while
driving at dawn and dusk when wildlife
is most active. State and federal vehicle
laws apply within the park. Make sure to
display a valid park pass on your vehicle’s
driver-side dashboard while parked.
Hot showers are available in the restroom
at Oak Bottom Beach for a small fee.
Free, cold outdoor showers are available
during the summer months at Oak
Bottom and Brandy Creek beaches.
Sunrise
2016
09/20 6:56ab
Please pack out all trash when hiking and
dispose of it in a responsible manner.
There are recycling facilities at the visitor
center, many parking areas, and the
park’s designated swim beaches.
Showers
Sun and Moon
09/20 7:09pb
10/01 6:51p
10/15 6:28p
Waxing Gibbous
11/01 7:40a
11/15 6:57a
11/01 6:05p
11/15 4:51p
12/01 7:14a
12/15 7:26a
12/01 4:43p
12/15 4:44p
The Full Moon
12/21 7:30ac
12/21 4:46pc
5/21, 6/20,
7/19, 8/18, 9/16,
10/15, 11/14,
12/13, 1/12, 2/10,
3/12, 4/10
Waning Gibbous
2017
2017
01/01 7:33a
01/15 7:31a
01/01 4:54p
01/15 5:08p
02/01 7:19a
02/15 7:03a
02/01 5:28a
02/15 5:45p
The Last Quarter
5/29, 6/27,
7/26, 8/24, 9/23,
10/22,11/21,12/20,
1/19, 2/18, 3/20,
4/19
03/01 6:43a
03/11 DST
03/15 7:21a
03/20 7:12ad
Waning Crescent
03/01 6:01p
03/11 DST
03/15 7:17p
03/20 7:22pd
04/01 6:53a
04/15 6:30a
04/01 7:35p
04/15 7:49p
c. Winter Solstice
a. Summer Solstice
d. Spring Equinox
b. Fall Equinox
Daylight Savings
For Chart Below:
A meteor shower happens when the Earth
passes through the trail left by a comet or asteroid,
also known as the parent.
The radiant is the constellation where the meteors
appear to come from in the night sky.
* The most favorable viewing conditions are during
the last dark hour before dawn.
Annual Meteor Showers 2016
Best
Moon
Viewing
Illumination
*
Viewing
Period
Peak
#/hr
Radiant
(Direction)
Parent
Delta Aquarids
Jul 12 - Aug 23
Jul 28
20
Aquarius (S)
96P/Machholz
3:00 am
79%
Perseids
Jul 17 - Aug 24
Aug 12
90
Persieus (NE)
109P/Swift-Tuttle
4:00 am
72%
Orionids
Oct 02 - Nov 07
Oct 21
20
Orion (SE)
1P/Halley
5:00 am
64%
Shower
Southern Taurids
Sept 07 - Nov 12
Nov 05
20
Taurus (S)
2P/Enkce
2:00 am
32%
Leonids
Nov 06 - Nov 30
Dec 17
20
Leo (E)
55P/Tempel-Tuttle
4:00 am
58%
Geminids
Dec 07 - Dec 17
Dec 14
100
Gemini (S)
3200 Phaethon
1:00 am
100%
Quadrantids
Jan 01 - Jan 05
Jan 4
80
Draco (NE)
2003 EH
5:00 am
42%
Lyrids
Apr 16 - Apr 25
Apr 23
20
Lyra (E)
C/1861 G1
4:00 am
10%
Eta Aquarids
Apr 19 - May 28
May 7
40
Aquarius (E)
1P/Halley
4:00 am
93%
Average Temperature and Precipitation
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average
High/Low °F
54/38
58/40
63/43
69/47
78/54
87/61
97/66
96/64
90/60
77/52
61/43
53/38
Record
High/Low °F
79/17
82/18
92/26
97/28
104/32
111/39
113/47
115/47
112/40
104/21
93/25
81/11
Average
Precipitation
10.39"
9.57"
8.85"
4.14"
2.45"
1.07"
0.45"
0.27"
1.02"
3.08"
7.82"
10.15"
Whiskeytown Nugget 3
Happy 100th Birthday National Park Service
Est. August 25, 1916
Looking ahead to another 100 years
1995
1978
1965
1971
President Lyndon
Johnson signed
legislation establishing
Whiskeytown National
Recreation Area on
November 8, 1965.
The first Whiskeytown
staff is shown above
accompanied by
superintendent Leon
Mitchell in 1966.
Shasta County Superintendent
of Schools, Mr. Raymond
V. Darby submits a proposal
to turn Whiskeytown
Environmental Camp into a
center for outdoor education
serving the needs of many
educational groups and
agencies. The Whiskeytown
Environmental School
continues this mission today.
1999
Whiskeytown National
Recreation Area received a
Partnership Achievement
Award from the National Park
Foundation for collaborating
with Shasta College on the
300-acre Paige Bar Watershed
Restoration project.
4 Whiskeytown Nugget
1993
1981
Ray Foust served
as the second park
Superintendent for 17 years
and implemented many
policies that have shaped
how the park is used today.
The Camden House,
having been unoccupied
since the 1940s, fell into
disrepair. Park staff began
restoring the structure to
its original unique form.
1990
1980
Superintendent Foust
banned alcohol from
swim beaches, reducing
the instances of DUIs and
improving visitor safety and
experience.
The parks bald eagle
population rebounded
with two breeding pairs
of bald eagles. One of the
chicks was sent to San
Francisco Zoo for the
captive breeding program.
Dave Pugh, the third park
Superintendent, served
for five years. During his
tenure the popular Davis
Gulch Trail was established.
The approximate date the
park initiated its exotic
plant program, which has
used volunteers, Student
Conservation Association
Interns, Youth Conservation
Crews, and seasonal staff
to control high priority
invasive plant species like
puncturevine, yellow star
thistle and tree of heaven.
1997
At 1:00 am on January
1, a major debris flow
sent rocks, mud, snow
and water down Brandy
Creek and Paige Boulder
Creek, damaging bridges
and leaving Brandy
Creek Beach dramatically
changed. Boulders at
Brandy Creek Beach are
evidence of the slide.
2002
2000
Jim Milestone begins
as the fourth park
Superintendent. Under
his direction, park staff
have expanded trails,
established waterfall
access and focused on
expanding recreational
opportunities.
Personal watercraft
were banned from
the lake. This led to
the creation of one of
Whiskeytown's most
popular, free ranger-led
programs still offered
today - kayaking!
2005
By installing solar panels,
more efficient appliances
and fixtures, and properly
insulating buildings, the park
reduced its carbon footprint
and energy consumption by
nearly 50%.
2008
On June 21st a lightning
storm passed over northern
California in the early
morning hours, sparking
over two thousand fires,
including several that
resulted in the burning of
about 20% of the park.
2013
Celebrated 50 years since
President John F. Kennedy
dedicated the Clair A. Hill
Whiskeytown Dam on
September 28, 1963.
2015
Visit the Stephen Mather
plaque at Brandy Creek
Beach, just a 1/4 mile up
the creek.
This year we Celebrate our Past, Present and
The National Park Service turns 100 on August 25th, 2016. Throughout this birthday year, we invite you to participate in Find Your Park
Experiences to learn, discover, be inspired, or simply have fun in national parks. Find Your Park Experiences offer unique opportunities
to explore national parks both in person and online. The Centennial celebrates the achievements of the past 100 years, but it is really
about the future. It’s about kicking off a second century of stewardship for America’s national parks and for communities across
the nation. Most important, it’s about inviting you to join us.
We want people everywhere to join the find Your Park movement to inspire all people to connect with, enjoy, and support America’s
national parks. We invite those who already know and love the parks, and also the next generation of visitors, supporters, and advocates
to join us this year, and into the future. Check out some of Whiskeytown’s special events on page 11 to find opportunities that match
your interests. Then share your national park story at FindYourPark.com, and by using #FindYourPark on social media. We are excited
for you to be a part of our second century!
Join YOUR Park in Celebrating!
Attention all fourth grade students! You are eligible to receive a free pass that allows you and your family to free entrance into all national
parks including Whiskeytown and Lassen Volcanic, during your school year. Getting a pass is simple. Visit the “Get Your Pass” section
of www.everykidinapark.gov, complete an online game, and download a voucher to print and use at federal lands and waters. This
paper voucher can be exchanged for a more durable Interagency Annual 4th Grade Pass at the Whiskeytown visitor center and at
other select sites. 4th grade teachers, you can involve your whole class. Go online today and learn more and print passes for every
student. The section for educators has four leaning activities complete with lesson plans, photos and worksheets.
Don't Forget to
Put it on Your
Calendar!
Join Whiskeytown rangers for a free ranger-led kayak tour or stand up paddle
board tour. That's right! We added a new recreational tour- stand up paddle
boarding! Please call the Visitor Center for additional information 530246-1225. Kayak tours will be held twice a day 7 days a week starting
June 13th through Labor Day. Tours are offered at 9:30 am and 5:30
pm. Along wtih a moonlight kayak tour five days before the full moon
(see page 12 for details). In addition, junior ranger kayak tours will be
given on Monday focusing on children ages 3 to 6 and Thursdays for
ages 7-12. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance and are
recommended to guarentee a spot on the tour, please call 530-242-3462.
This year Whiskeytown will be hosting another Symphony on the
Beach. Celebrate by joining us for an evening of classical music
performed by The Shasta Symphony Orchestra, great food sold by
the Savory Spoon, tasty desserts sold by (the S'more lady) and
frothy beverages brewed and sold by Wildcard Brewery. Followed
by a twilight luminary lighting on the lake. For more information,
please visit the park website nps.gov/whis or on Facebook: www.
facebook.com/WhiskeytownNationalRecreationArea (see page 11
for details).
Turtle Bay Exploration
Park, The National
Park Service, and
the Shasta Historical
Society are teaming
www.turtlebay.org
up to develop a
“Find Your Park” exhibit to be displayed in the Turtle
Bay Museum from October 1, 2016, through January 8,
2017. The “Find Your Park” Centennial exhibition will
celebrate the parks of northern California and southern
Oregon through up to 2,000 square feet of exhibit space
in the Exploration Hall of the Turtle Bay Museum.
Interactive exhibits will draw from the rich natural and
cultural heritage of seven national parks: Whiskeytown
National Recreation Area, Lassen Volcanic National
Park, Lava Beds National Monument, Redwood National
and State Parks, Crater Lake National Park, Tule Lake
Unit--WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument,
and Oregon Caves National Monument and preserve. Be
sure to include Turtle Bay in your Fall and Winter plans!
The Artist-in-Residence Program at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area o
